Our Story
It all started in 2001.
Little Qualicum Cheeseworks was established by Clarke and Nancy Gourlay. After a career in humanitarian aid and development, the Gourlays, including their three young sons, moved to Vancouver Island to be close to family and explore their dream of making Swiss-style artisan cheese. They started off on a rented farm, with a handful of cows, making cheese in a renovated school-portable. With a growing team of staff and key involvement from Nancy’s parents, they were able to purchase 88-acre Morningstar Farm in French Creek, the scenic region between Parksville and Qualicum Beach, and Little Qualicum Cheeseworks found its permanent home.
Right from the start the vision was to welcome the public onto the farm for "excellent agricultural tastes, products, and experiences." With the extended family and a terrific team of staff, they gradually built on the various components and aspects of the business and today the farm is open year round and visitors can meet the mixed herd of 45 dairy cows, watch the live stream of the robotic milker (voluntary milking system), and interact with the calves and a variety of animals including sheep, goats, and rabbits. The cheese plant has an outside deck for watching the cheesemaking through the windows. In the farmgate store, guests can find a wide range of artisan cheeses along with specialty local foods, gifts, décor, baked goods, and an espresso bar featuring the freshest latte you'll ever have.
"Right from the start the vision was to welcome the public onto the farm for excellent agricultural tastes, products, and experiences."
Later on...
Even later on...
In early 2021, Nancy made the decision to retire, and the family began the process of selling the farm and cheeseworks. In the summer of 2021 the current owners, Albert Gorter and Chelsea Enns, moved on-site and began training with the Gourlay family.
Albert Gorter grew up on a 600-acre dairy farm near Otterburne, Manitoba. He studied animal science at Lakeland College and worked in other agricultural areas before returning to his family farm where he and his partner Chelsea Enns took over management. Along with a passion for excellence in dairy farming, Albert and Chelsea developed a strong interest in the processing side of the dairy industry and even established their own yogurt brand which they operated for a year. When the time came to pursue the next stage of their vision, they made the decision to bring their experience, energy and passion to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks and Morningstar Farm on Vancouver Island. Albert is now the farm manager and Chelsea oversees the cheesemaking and tourism operations. Their little ones, Rory & Willa, are enjoying island life along with farm dog, Emma.
Where we are today
Follow our Journey
