Celebrating our 150th with Cheese

Had I been a more organized person I would have written this article weeks ago, but anyone who knows me could tell you that the only thing I’m ever on time for is work!
However late I am, I still think there is a lot of time this summer to enjoy the amazing things happening with cheesemakers across the country. I know many people will be travelling within Canada over the next few months and I just want to remind the food lovers amongst you to keep an out for small makers, wherever you are.
Farmers' Markets are a great place to spot cheeses from the local area, so at home or away, that’s a great place to start. Depending on what part of the country you are in there may also be dairies that you can visit. Many dairies have farm stores where you can purchase cheese, and some will invite the public in for a more in-depth view of operations. Always remember it’s hard to allow visitors into actual cheese making areas due to the rigorous health standards dairies need to abide by.

Here are a few fun places to visit while celebrating Canada’s 150^th birthday. This is in no way a complete list, so make sure to ask around as you’re travelling. 

In BC, these dairies have stores or farms you can visit:

• Farmhouse Natural Cheese  - in Agassiz
• Smits and Co.w – Chilliwack
• Little Qualicum Cheeseworks – Parksville
• Poplar Grove – Penticton
• Upper Bench – Penticton
• Carmelis Goat Cheese– Kelowna

In Alberta:

• Sylvan Star Gouda – award winning Gouda!  - in Red Deer

In Manitoba:

• Bothwell cheese – New Bothwell

In Ontario:

• Upper Canada Cheese – Lincoln
• Fifth Town Artisan Cheese – Picton
• Monforte Dairy - Stratford 

In Quebec:

• Fromagerie du Presbytére – Saint-Elizabeth de Warwick
• Abbaye St Benoit - Saint-Benoit du Lac (stop in to see the whole Abbaye it is amazing!)
• Fromagerie Fritz Kasier – Noyan
• Plus a ton more!

In PEI:

• Cow’s Creamery – Charlottetown

In Nova Scotia:

• That Dutchman’s Farm – Upper Economy