Old Country Market

Family-Owned Market

The Old Country Market is a Vancouver Island landmark in Coombs, best known for Penny and Pip, the goat siblings that graze on the store's rooftop. What started over 50 years ago as a roadside produce stand evolved into a sprawling marketplace, with groceries, fresh produce, sweet treats, and restaurants, making it the perfect stop to relax and refuel.

2326 Alberni Hwy

Coombs

V0R 1M0

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Photos by Tiny Cupboards

Inside the market, you'll find winding aisles that feel like you stepped through a time capsule, full of both local produce and goods alongside imported delicacies. The deli case is stacked with local and imported cured meats, sausages, house-made jerky, and locally smoked wild salmon in multiple flavors. There's a wide selection of artisanal cheeses, and a bakery counter that turns out savory rolls, meat pies, pastries, and sandwiches made fresh throughout the day. You'll also find freshly baked bread and tortillas, dairy and eggs (with plant-based options), and all the grocery essentials you need for your trip.

If you're looking for something sweet, there's plenty of options to discover on the grounds. Up the hill, stop by Billy G's Doughnut Shop for a variety of jelly-filled treats, crullers, and twists, or Billy Gruff Creamery for ice cream and gelato. If you're looking for freshly grown produce, the Root Cellar has seasonal fruits and vegetables from the Island and beyond, including citrus, greens, potatoes, and more. If you want a sit-down meal, there's a cantina, cafe, and Italian restaurant on site. And, of course, there are the goats, who spend the day grazing on the grass roof above the store.

If you're headed out to the remote coast where there are limited grocery options, Old Country Market is an old-school general store that has stood the test of time, and the perfect place to stock up for your trip. Pick up smoked salmon and cheese for perfect car snacking, grab a sandwich for lunch on the trail or at the beach, or pick up fresh produce from the Root Cellar. It also works well as a mid-drive break for the kids (and adults) to watch the goats while picking up snacks and coffee before you head back out on your trip.

In-Store
Prepared Foods

Bakery

Café

Coffee

Deli
Ice Cream

Artisan Cheese

Vegetables

Artisan Bread

Eggs

Bread & Bakery

Coffee & Tea

Dairy

Deli

Fruits

Pantry Essentials

International Foods

Meat & Poultry

Nut Butters

Prepared Foods
Dairy-Free

Gluten-Free

Grass-Fed

Keto

Kosher

Nut-free

Organic

Paleo

Plant-Based

Vegan

Vegetarian