Little Qualicum Cheeseworks

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is a family-run cheesemaking operation on Morningstar Farm, a working dairy at the end of Lowry's Road in Parksville. Milk from the farm's own herd goes straight into a range of farmstead cheeses, and visitors can watch the cheesemakers at work through windows beside the store.

The farm welcomes the public for free self-guided tours. Guests can visit the cows and calves in the dairy barn, learn about the robotic milker, and say hello to sheep, goats, and rabbits. The old milking parlour has been turned into the "Mooseum," filled with vintage dairy equipment, photos, and a livestream of the milking robot in action.

The farmgate store carries the full lineup of cheeses alongside grass-fed beef, seasonal ice cream, made-to-order graze boxes, and other local food, gifts, and kitchenware, plus Canada's original milk-on-tap dispenser. Guided group tours can be arranged in advance.