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Welcome to Errington and Coombs
Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 by GetawayBC.com
There’s no better way to spend a day then driving through the winding country roads of Errington/Coombs. As you head west from Parkville on the Alberni Highway just follow the signs to Errington and before you know it you’ll find yourself in horse country.
At the intersection of Grafton and Errington roads is the Errington General Store and Post Office. Considered by locals as the centre of the community, this pit stop has a great pizza restaurant and the post office has some artwork by local potters, jewelers and woodworkers for sale.
As you drive down Errington Road you will find the historic Errington War Memorial Hall and the Community Park, home to the Errington Farmers Market. From May until September, the market is the place to go every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for everything from plants, produce and preserves to unique arts and crafts from local artisans. Under a canopy of fir trees the market has a laid back and friendly atmosphere and features Island musicians for your listening pleasure.
Coffee is always on at the market cafe and there are plenty of sumptuous baked goods to indulge in. Even if you’ve brought your pooch along for the day, don’t worry dogs are welcome at the market as long as they’re leashed.
For the animal lovers in your group make sure you include a visit to Tiger Lily Farm.
Located on Errington Road the petting farm has lots of friendly animals for kids to feed and pat. Admission includes a pony ride for children but if you feel the need to get in the saddle trail rides are offered for all levels of equestrians with outings ranging from half an hour to all day. The farm has 15 acres of wooded trails which are nice and cool in the summer, or you can explore the back woods on a three-hour tour that takes you up logging roads to the top of the power lines. Horse wrangler Jodie Bater highly recommends this option because of the spectacular views. She says they can accommodate groups of up to nine and provide friendly horses for riders of all shapes and sizes. She says you don’t have to be an expert rider and instructions are given.
At the end of Errington Road is Englishman River Falls Provincial Park.
Situated along the pristine Englishman river, it features two stunning waterfalls cascading along the descending riverbed into a deep canyon.
The park is abundant with lush old growth and second growth trees and has a large covered picnic area. There are several hiking trails that meander through the forest along the river. Visitors can expect spectacular views and swimmers will find several spots to take a dip in above and below the falls.
On your way back to town pick up some farm fresh eggs at one of the many hobby farms or road side stands in the area or swing into Silver Meadows Farm. During the summer you can buy fresh produce and locally grown corn at the farm’s kiosk on Errington Road near the Alberni Highway.
If you head further west down the Alberni Highway you’ll arrive in Coombs. A popular stopping point for tourists on the way to the west coast, the little village of Coombs is dotted with several heritage buildings, small gift and craft shops and antique stores. Probably the most famous landmark in these parts is the Old Country Market.
Its grass-thatched roof is home to a gaggle of goats that graze and pose for tourists throughout the summer. Inside the market you will find local produce; fresh baked goods; a deli and grocery department with specialty foods; an ice cream and coffee bar and restaurant. Shoppers will delight in the gift shop which is full of treasures from the farthest reaches of the world. New to the market this year and already a popular addition is an antique piano located by the restaurant. Built in 1899 the piano was a donation from a regular customer and for those who feel inspired to tickle the ivory an audience awaits you.
Take a walk down memory lane in the Coombs General Store. Established in 1912 the store has the original wood floors and shelves of memorabilia and old photos that add to its historic charm and just like the good old days there is a huge selection of penny candy. The Coombs Emporium and Frontier Town offers something for shoppers and souvenir hunters of all ages. Located just behind the western themed building is Captain Billy’s Adventure Golf. The 18-hole mini golf course has some water features including a riverboat and is open during the summer season. Also worth exploring are the Frontiersman Pub and a host of restaurants and shops all within walking distance of the market.
On the weekend of Aug. 11 and 12 is the Coombs Fair. Located on the fairgrounds behind the Coombs General Store, this old fashioned country fair has been going strong since 1913.
It has one of the largest 4-H exhibits on Vancouver Island with over 200 competitors. You can wander through the animal barns, learn about 4-H skills and enjoy a display of submissions vying for top honor in the categories of arts and crafts, photography, home canning and baking, horticulture and more. There is a pancake breakfast both days as well as a horse show, bingo under the tent and a live stage with local talent.
Within walking distance to all the shops is the Coombs Country Campground and R.V. Park. This family oriented campground has lots of things to keep the kids busy including a two-and-a-half acre, man-made lake with pedal boat rentals and U-Catch Trout. Manager Nancy Stewart says they provide the fishing gear and guests can catch trout, some of them up to three pounds.
If you hook a trout it’s yours for $7 dollars a pound. Stewart says they started the U-Catch last summer and needless to say there were a lot of family fish frys.
On Sundays a portion of the lake is buzzing with nautical maneuvers as members of the local remote control boat club play with their toys. The campsite also has a swimming pool, hot tub and peaceful nature trails.
For more information log onto ww.coombscampground.com.;