About a month ago we wanted to go for a quick weekend getaway, so we decided to take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo, which is on Vancouver Island. We would then make our way to Victoria (roughly a 2 hour drive) and then ferry back home to Vancouver. It had been awhile since I was on the Island so I was itching to do some exploring.

Our first stop was The Coombs Old Country Market which is known for having goats roam on its grass roof. On the day we visited we managed to see two goats passed out on top. The farmers style market also carries many different types of spices and all sorts of imported food items.

Next door to the market is Owens & Company Antique Shop. They have a large collection of unique cans, tins and labels.

On the drive to Victoria, we saw a beautiful heritage post office building located in Ladysmith, so we pulled over to check it out. The place is called Post Office Antique Mall and is now one of my favorite antique shops on the Island. The antiques are pricey but the quality and variety of items for sale are amazing.

A 1940’s Radio horn with an asking price of $175 was on display. I’ve always wanted one to modify and attach to my iPod but I think I’ll save that for a summer project. You can buy radio horns like these for $30-150 on eBay.

I absolutely love these original vintage movie posters.

Naomi saw this beautiful Bible which easily dates back to before the 1900’s for $180. It was a beautifully bound letterpress book with illustrations created from original etchings. She was going to get it for her dad but after picking it up and flipping through it, noticed that the cover was almost torn off and the pages falling out, so she put it back down.

Heading further South, we found our way to a quiet town called Chemainus. This city is famous for the large murals that are painted on the sides of its buildings. I remember coming here with my parents when I was a kid and rummaging through its antique shops and book stores for Hardy Boy books. This is probably the first time I’ve been in nearly 15 years and not much has changed. I do however, remember there being more antique shops but we only came across one in town.

Of the half a dozen shops we checked out, we didn’t buy a thing. Our trip continues as we end up in Victoria so stay tuned!

The Coombs Old Country Market
Coombs, British Columbia
V0R 1M0
Canada

Post Office Antique Mall
340  Esplanade
Ladysmith, British Columbia
Canada
250-245-7984
pomall@shaw.ca

Update: Read Part 2 here.