DAYTRIPS & OVERNIGHTERS - Fun on the Farm!

by Kim Krieger

SUMMER IS HERE AND LOCAL ADVENTURES ARE RIPE FOR THE PICKING! THERE’S NOTHING LIKE TAKING A TOUR OF LOCAL FARMS TO DISCOVER THE ENORMOUS BOUNTY WE HAVE RIGHT IN OUR OWN BACKYARD. WHETHER YOU’RE A COOK, AN ANIMAL LOVER, A GARDENER, OR WANT TO SHOW OFF THE BEST OF THE AREA TO YOUR VISITORS, YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH AN AGRICULTURAL ADVENTURE.

There is a dizzying number of farms on Vancouver Island and in the area, so narrowing down where to go and what to see can be daunting. Allow us to recommend a few stops you might not think of.

DAYTRIP—STAY LOCAL

You don’t have to stray far from home to find incredible produce. Take Nanoose Edibles for example. This longtime love of the locavore scene is where you’ll find organically grown vegetables, fruit, herbs, and eggs. This year it is changing hands from its owners of 30 years, Barbara and Lorne Ebell, to the next generation of farmers in their family. What an exciting time for a visit! Check out their Facebook page: NanooseEdiblesFarm, for up-to-date visiting information.

From Nanoose, travel north to Parksville, where you’ll find Morningstar Farm, home to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks. Take a self-guided stroll around the grounds to meet some new furry friends, then step into the shop to sample and purchase their offerings. Their line-up of cheeses is impressive for such a modest outfit. Bleu claire and the fromage frais are our favourites, but don’t take our word for it, try them all yourself! They’re open 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday to Sunday and can be reached at (250) 954-3931.

Morningstar Farm home of Little Qualicum Cheeseworks

After you’ve had your fill of cheese, come back to Nanoose for a tour of Arbutus Meadows Farm. Known for the incredible fragrance of their early-blooming lavender, they also offer cut bouquets (at the right time of year) but you can also pick up a few of their gorgeous products for bath or home, all artfully made on-site, and available throughout the season. If you didn’t get your fill of adorable animals at Morningstar Farm, Arbutus Meadows also has plenty of cute critters to meet! Call (250) 951-1378 or visit their Facebook page for hours of operation.

Arbutus Meadows Farm

OVERNIGHTER—ON HORNBY ISLAND

For a truly immersive farm experience, why not stay on one? Head up to Hornby Island for an overnighter to remember, and book in at Outer Island Guest Farm. If the opportunity to stay on a working farm doesn’t convince you to visit, their amenities (tennis court, swimming pool) will. They recommend bringing a cooler to take home a selection of their chicken, lamb, mutton, or organically grown produce. Bookings can be made online at outerisland.bc.ca.

Outer Island Guest Farm

Head out to Fossil Beach farm for a taste of Hornby-grown apple cider (hard and non-alcoholic). This oceanfront farm is the only place you can purchase this craft beverage, and you’ll be happy you did. In addition to their apples, planted in 1921, the farm also raises free-range cattle and heirloom fruit and nuts. Visit fossilbeachfarm.com for more information.

Fossil Beach Farm cider

To round out your tour of Hornby, don’t forget to stop at Summer Soul Farm, a small but mighty operation offering sustainably grown produce. The farm’s owner, Sarah, sold her three successful businesses to follow her dream of becoming an organic farmer and Summer Soul is the result. Delight in over 30 different crops, available through the charming roadside farm stand. Learn more by contacting the farm directly at: info@summersoul.farm.