Coombs, British Columbia, is a quaint community nestled on Vancouver Island in the Regional District of Nanaimo. This charming town, located approximately 10 km west of Parksville on provincial highway 4A, is home to around 1,327 residents. Coombs is renowned for its unique attractions, including the Old Country Market, Butterfly World, the century-old Coombs Fall Fair, and the annual Coombs Bluegrass Festival.
The history of Coombs, British Columbia, dates back to the early 1900s. The Ford House, an old log house situated on the Alberni Highway, was completed in 1911 by pioneer Walter Ford. Adjacent to the Ford House is the Dutch Store, which served as the old General Store and housed the General Post Office from 1912 to 2021.
The Coombs Fair Grounds and the Rodeo Grounds up the highway towards Port Alberni are bustling with activity throughout the year, especially during the summer months. The railway line, the United Church, and the French Creek School, which opened in 1912 and closed in 2015, are significant parts of Coombs' history. The school now serves as a Coombs Community Commons, having been a valuable asset to the community for over a century.
Coombs was established in 1910 under a Salvation Army emigration plan to relocate people from crowded cities in Great Britain. The town was named after Commissioner Thomas Bales Coombs, head of the Salvation Army movement in Canada in the early 1900s. Despite never visiting the Coombs Colony, Commissioner Coombs' legacy lives on in this vibrant community.
Under the Köppen climate classification, Coombs, British Columbia, is situated at the northernmost limits of the cool dry-summer subtropical zone (Csb) or cool-summer Mediterranean climate. This classification is due to the town's dry summers, contributing to its unique charm and appeal.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, Coombs, British Columbia, offers a blend of history, charm, and natural beauty that's sure to captivate you.
