If you like cheese and cows this is a place that you have got to check out! Morning Star Farm is home to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks. Nestled in French Creek, British Columbia it is a great place to visit.
Little Qualicum Cheeseworks was founded in 2001 by Clarke and Nancy Gourlay. They started small and grew into what the business is today. In 2017 they opened Canada’s first milk-on-tap dispenser that visitors can bring reusable jugs or purchase glass/plastic bottles from the store to fill up with fresh, whole, non-homogenized milk right at the farm. In 2019 Clarke passed away in a mountaineering accident that left a significant hole in the business. Nancy decided to retire in early 2021, and sold Morning Star Farm and Little Qualicum Cheeseworks to Albert Gorter and Chelsea Enns. The farm is still running as it always has even with the change of ownership.
Personally, I love visiting Morning Star because of the fresh products and the ability to learn about the process. They have a children’s scavenger hunt that takes them around to the different areas of the farm and instructional areas to learn about milking and cheese making. Baby cows are also adorable so who wouldn’t want to see some?
In the store they have lots of amazing goodies and a drinks section. They strive for local Vancouver Island products when able to do so. My personal favourite cheese is the Monterey Jill. You can also purchase kits to make your own cheese at home. If you can’t decide on which cheese you would like to try first, they have a $5 sampler pack with slices of six of their different cheeses.
When possible I do refill my glass bottle with fresh milk from their milk-on-tap dispenser. There is something about the freshness that you just can’t beat!
Address
403 Lowry’s Road
Parksville, BC V2P 2B5
Hours
Farm & Store: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Daily
Milk Dispenser: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Daily
Website
Morning Star Farm