Goats on the Roof

About

When visitors first arrive at Goats on the Roof along the Alberni Highway in Coombs, the novelty of the premise hits immediately. This working farm and retail destination literally features goats grazing on the sod roof of the main building—a quirk that has made it a distinctive stop for families and curious travellers passing through the Parksville area. Beyond the Instagram-worthy rooftop inhabitants, the operation functions as a genuine working farm and supermarket, making it more than just a photo opportunity.

The experience here blends genuine agritourism with everyday shopping, which is what sets it apart from purely novelty-focused attractions. You can watch the goats doing what they naturally do—climb and graze on the living roof—while exploring the ground-level supermarket and farm shop. The property includes the Old Country Market, a companion retail space that stocks local products and farm goods, creating a broader experience than you might expect from the name alone. The combination of genuine agricultural activity and shopping opportunities means the visit offers something substantive regardless of whether the rooftop antics capture your attention. The price point is moderate, making it accessible for families without feeling overly commercialised.

For those planning to visit, arrive with realistic expectations about the goats themselves. They're working animals grazing on an actual green roof system, not performing animals in an arena, so the experience is quieter and more naturalistic than some visitors anticipate. The supermarket operates as a legitimate shopping destination, so you can browse local products, farm goods, and supplies while you're here. Parking is available on-site, and the location on the highway makes it easy to incorporate into a driving route through the Vancouver Island interior. The Coombs neighbourhood itself is quiet and rural, so this works best as a deliberate stop rather than an incidental discovery.

Within the context of the Parksville area, Goats on the Roof occupies a particular niche in the local tourism ecosystem. It sits alongside other nature-based attractions like the North Island Wildlife Recovery and Educational Centre, making the region appealing for visitors interested in animal-related experiences. The Old Country Market connection gives it a place in the local shopping and food scene as well. Unlike purely passive attractions, this destination offers the chance to support a working local farm while picking up regional products, which resonates with visitors who want their tourist dollars to have a tangible local impact.

The location has earned a solid reputation with consistent visitor satisfaction, making it a reliable choice if you're looking for something genuinely different in the Parksville region. It's neither a grand spectacle nor a quiet nature walk, but rather a working agricultural operation that's willing to share its unusual approach with visitors. If you appreciate farms, animals, and genuine rural operations, or if you're simply seeking something distinctive between Parksville and Qualicum Beach, this is worth the short detour.