The village of Coombs on Vancouver Island hosts an interesting and quirky shopping area. It is located on the Port Alberni Highway 9 km’s west of Parksville. If you are heading to places such as Tofino or Ucluelet on the west coast of the island, it makes for a good stopping point along the way.
For many years Coombs has been a well known attraction for locals and tourists on Vancouver Island. At one point the market area seemed to be on a decline. Many of the shops had shut down and it had become quite lifeless. In the last few years there has been a revival. New shops have opened and the Old Country Market has gone through a major renovation. In the summer months the parking lots are full leaving cars spilling out down the side of the highway.
The Old Country Markets claim to fame is its goats. Where else in the world can you have lunch on a patio while goats graze on the roof above you?
The Old Country Market offers a little bit of everything. There are many hard to find import foods.
Daily baked speciality breads.
In the deli there are many local and international choices of meats and cheeses.
The baked goods counter seems to go on forever. Pies, cookies and sticky buns galore!
The fresh produce market has been moved out to its own separate building.
With sixty nine ice cream flavours it can be hard to make a decision.
The import gift section is always fun to browse.
A large outdoor plant and garden shop.
On the road leading back from the market there are several small shops that carry unique gifts and local made goods.
The Coombs Emporium and Frontier Town have a used book store, antiques and specialty shops.
Volkswagon enthusiasts will enjoy the FunBugz museum that houses several classic Volkswagon models and memorabilia.
Coombs offers much more than shopping. During the summer months the village hosts a very popular Coombs Bluegrass Festival, the Annual Coombs Rodeo and the Coombs Arts and Crafts Fair.
Angela says
Beautiful markets, the food stalls look so clean and appetizing!