Surprising innovation at a charming family-run B.C. farm

By Buy BC Brand Ambassador, Chanelle Saks Sullivan
February 21, 2025

There is no better time than now to support local B.C. food producers and deepen your connection to where your food comes from. A visit to this family-run B.C farm, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, in Parksville, was one of the best experiences I’ve had on Vancouver Island to date.

A family farm

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is a small, family-run B.C. farm, with a dedicated team of staff making high-quality, handcrafted artisan cheese. They love cows and good food. Cheese-lovers from all over the province can enjoy quality dairy products and deepen their connection to their food while supporting this Canadian family farm.

In-person perspective

Visiting the farm not only provides a ton of fun with a scavenger hunt, milk dispenser, and interaction with farm animals, but it’s exceptionally educational too. The owner shared with me that one of their driving factors is to show visitors what small family farming is truly about and to offer a unique perspective.

100% local

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is 100% local. They use their own farm’s dairy for all their cheese and milk, including the Milk-On-Tap dispenser. The feed for the cows is grown right on the farm, and hay is sourced from their B.C. farm neighbours and friends. Most ingredients used in their products are supplied by Vancouver Island-based businesses. Their products are sold at retailers across B.C., and The Farm Store at Little Qualicum Cheeseworks sells products from other B.C. producers which provides a hyperlocal experience.

Visiting this family-run B.C. farm

Self-guided tours are recommended. You can visit any time during open hours to enjoy a fun and educational experience. Visit the girls in the dairy barn, learn about the milking robot and little robotic feed pusher, and say hello to calves, sheep, goats, and a variety of other friendly animals. And don’t forget to peek into the cheese plant, where all the magic happens – if you’re lucky enough, you might catch some cheese-making in action. Suitable for families, children, teens, adults, and dogs – there’s something here for everyone.

Where to find Little Qualicum Cheeseworks products

In addition to visiting the farm, you can find Little Qualicum Cheeseworks products in stores across B.C. including Buy BC retailer partners, Save-On-Foods, Thrifty Foods, Safeway, Stong’s Market, Quality Foods, Choices Markets, and more!

Visit their website to learn more and find retailers.

All photos credited to Chez Chanelle.
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