Temporary Closure of Beaches to Dogs
Beaches within the Parksville Qualicum Beach Wildlife Management Area (PQBWMA) will be temporarily closed to dogs to the annual Brant geese migration. Rathtrevor Beach will be closed to dogs from February 15 to April 30. Parksville Bay Beach and Qualicum Beach from March 1 to April 30.
More InfoLittle Qualicum Cheeseworks
Explore this local cheese factory and discover the best cheese and freshest milk in Parksville Qualicum Beach.
Established in 2001, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks produces a wide variety of mouth-watering cheeses. Their products include different flavours of semi-firm to firm cheeses, spreadable cheese, raw milk cheese, brie, blue, feta, curds, and more. Visitors to this heritage dairy farm can go on self-guided tours, interact with farm animals, use the on-tap milk dispenser, and, of course, eat cheese!
Self-Guided Tours
Upon arrival at Little Qualicum Cheeseworks we recommend you explore the property and go on a self-guided tour. Kids love stopping to pet bunnies and other farm animals including goats, sheep, llamas, and calves. Then head over to the dairy barn to marvel at the cows being milked and cared for by the voluntary milking machine and Juno robots.
Continue your tour through the property and see cows at different developmental stages. Kids and parents will love coming across the vintage tractors, a popular spot for playing and pictures. If you’re at the farm early enough in the day, peek through the windows of the cheese factory to watch the cheese-making process unfold.
Farmgate Store
Make a stop at the Farmgate Store’s coffee bar for the best latte made with fresh whole milk. Then peruse the shelves and pick out cheeses and a variety of accouterments to create your dream charcuterie board. Want to enjoy delicious charcuterie on the spot? Pre-order a “Free Ranger” box then head to the picnic area and enjoy.
Milk On-Tap Dispenser
Bring an empty container with you when visiting Little Qualicum Cheeseworks or buy one at the store and fill up on fresh, grass-fed whole milk. If you want to fill up outside of store hours, the dispenser is available but be sure to have your own container and exact change.
Mooseum
Walk through history at the Mooseum, an old milking parlour turned museum. Here you will find vintage dairy equipment, photos, and videos presentations about cheese. While inside take a moment to watch the live stream of the voluntary robotic milker system milking cows.
LQC Cafe
Grab a seat on the patio and enjoy a mouth-watering treat at LQC Cafe. Open seasonally, the cafe offers visitors a selection of grilled sandwiches, baked goods, and ice cream.
Plan a Visit
Hours
Farm & Store: Tuesday-Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM
LQC Cafe: Open seasonally, Thursday - Sunday 11 AM - 4 PM
Self-Serve Milk On-Tap Dispenser: Daily- 7 AM - 6 PM
Hours of operation are subject to change, please confirm times with Little Qualicum Cheeseworks prior to your visit.
Location
Morningstar Farm
403 Lowrys Road, Parksville, BC
Transportation
Whether you drive or take a scenic bike ride to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, the farm has parking available including handicap parking.
