BC SPCA Farm

In January of 1999, Clarke and Nancy Gourlay and their three boys returned from Switzerland, where they had lived for several years.

Inspired by the magnificent Swiss cheeses, they set out to learn and practice the ancient and noble art of cheese making in the shadows of Vancouver Island's Mount Arrowsmith. The cool, moist climate proved to be ideal for the ripening of their signature washed-rind cheeses.

Thus was born Little Qualicum Cheeseworks. A love for animals, farming, and rural lifestyle landed them on beautiful Morningstar Farm, located just outside Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island.

The Gourlays currently milk a mixed herd of 40 very friendly dairy cows. After the European model, they use the best quality milk for cheese-making, so cows are grazed on fresh pasture for seven months of the year and calve in the early spring to produce the most milk, while on the best pasture.

100% of their cheese is made from their own milk, right on Morningstar Farm.

The Gourlays invite you to join them for a visit. Meet the calves. Face off with their moms!

Watch the milking and cheese-making right before your eyes and stop in at their shop to purchase some of their wonderful cheese.

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks was certified by BC SPCA in March 2005.