Canadian cheesemakers create a symphony of flavours every single day. A testament to artisanal craftsmanship, Canada’s cheese-making landscape is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. From the picturesque hills of Oxford County, Ontario, to the idyllic valleys of Charlevoix, Québec, and the lush pastures of Prince Edward Island, the nation’s cheese makers are weaving their passion, tradition, and innovation into every wheel and wedge. Journey with us through the captivating stories of these cheese makers, each a maestro in their own right, composing flavours that resonate with Canadian excellence.
1. Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese, Woodstock, Ontario
Nestled in the picturesque hills of Gunn’s Hill Rd., Oxford County, Ontario, Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese crafts truly unique cheeses with Swiss influences from the Swiss Alps. Founded by Shep Ysselstein and Colleen Bator, the dairy capital’s heart, this thriving cheese plant utilizes top-quality milk from the neighboring Friesvale Farms. With traditional handcrafted methods and a dedicated team, they’ve earned recognition as one of Canada’s finest cheese producers. Visitors are welcomed to explore the area, delve into dairy farming, and savor award-winning cheeses, available in over 300 Ontario locations. Discover the taste of Canadian excellence at Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese.Â
2. Fromagerie Du Presbytère, Saint-Augustin-De-Desmaures, Québec
Nestled in the heart of Sainte-Élizabeth de Warwick, the Fromagerie du Presbytère resides in a heritage building dating back to 1936. This idyllic location, opposite Ferme Louis d’Or and adjacent to the village church, was the perfect starting point for crafting fine cheeses. Since its acquisition in 2005, the presbytery has undergone extensive renovations, restoring its yesteryear charm and transforming it into a vibrant gathering place for cheese enthusiasts. The Fromagerie upholds the highest agricultural standards, from its fields to its well-cared-for herd, with approval from Québec Vrai. Guided by a passion for quality, the Morin family, alongside dedicated collaborators, operates both the farm and artisan cheesemaking facility, producing exceptional cheeses from top-quality milk. Experience their creed: milk quality defines cheese excellence.
3. Back Forty Artisan Cheese, Mississippi Station, Ontario
Established in 2000, Back Forty Artisan Cheese is a haven for cheese aficionados, nestled on a farm in Mississippi Station, Ontario. Renowned cheesemaker Jeff Fenwick meticulously crafts top-quality artisanal cheeses using traditional methods and 100% natural, unpasteurized sheep’s milk. From the original raw ewe milk cheeses to new creations with raw water buffalo milk, each small-batch cheese ages for two to 12 months, resulting in exquisite flavours. Their selection includes Flower Station, Madawaska, Bonnechere, Highland Blue, Ompah, Pecorino Verona, Calabogie Blue Cheese, and Little Antoines. Experience farm-to-table delights at their Cheese Shop and Riverside Bistro, complete with wood-oven pizzas and a scenic, licensed riverside patio.
4. Salt Spring Cheese Company, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Since 1996, Salt Spring Island Cheese has been a beacon of artisanal cheese perfection. Founded by David Wood, the cheese-making journey began six years earlier with dedication and experimentation. Their cheeses are a testament to tradition and simplicity, crafted exclusively with pure goat milk, sea salt, dairy culture, and rennet. Nestled on the picturesque Salt Spring Island, this family-owned enterprise exudes quality and care in every cheese. With a commitment to delivering exceptional taste in beautifully packaged creations, they remain dedicated to their craft, ensuring each cheese receives the individual attention it deserves.
5. Glengarry Fine Cheese, Lancaster, Ontario
On the picturesque ancestral lands of Margaret Peters-Morris’ family, Glengarry Fine Cheese stands as a testament to artisanal cheese craft. Located in South Glengarry Township along the St. Lawrence River, the farm provides the quality hay, grass, and grains that nourish their Holstein herd. This dairy, in close proximity to the cheese factory, ensures that the milk used in their artisan cheeses originates right on the family farm. Inspired by Dutch heritage, gouda was their initial choice, but a love for cheese compelled Margaret to explore more varieties. What began as a dream evolved into her life’s vocation, creating artisanal cheese in her hometown. Margaret’s journey also led to Glengarry Cheesemaking Supply Inc, offering support and supplies to fellow cheesemakers. Today, Glengarry Fine Cheese continues to craft quality cheeses, aged in European-designed aging rooms, delivering mouth-watering flavours in each bite.
6. Laiterie Charlevoix – Baie-Saint-Paul, Québec
Established in 1948 by Elmina Fortin and Stanislas Labbé, Laiterie Charlevoix remains under the ownership of the Labbé family, now spanning four generations. Originally focused on dairy trade in Charlevoix and the North Shore, it has evolved into crafting fine cheeses and Cheddar. The company boasts its distribution network and stores across Quebec. Laiterie Charlevoix’s products extend across Canada. Their journey began with milk pickup and delivery in cans along the Vallée du Gouffre, expanding to the Côte-Nord by the 1950s. Transitioning to cheese production in the 1970s, they thrived until larger dairy companies monopolized the market. In the 1980s, they refocused on regional cheese, giving birth to the renowned Migneron de Charlevoix in 1994. Today, they’re one of Canada’s largest fine cheese distributors.
7. Fromagerie La Station, Compton, Québec
For nearly a century, this cheese-making legacy has thrived on Chemin Hatley since Alfred and Aglaé’s humble beginnings in 1928. Through four generations, the art of cheese-making has passed from one to another, evolving from Alfred Le Fermier to today. This enduring story is one of tradition, heritage, and a deep commitment to preserving their craft. It all began with Alfred and Aglaé, dedicated farmers who sowed the seeds of this remarkable journey. Succession followed, with Marcel Bolduc and Rita Ferland, then Pierre Bolduc and Carole Routhier. In 1995, the journey towards organic farming began, leading to the establishment of the cheese dairy and agrotourism in 2004. The years brought expansion and growth, culminating in the present, with a new chapter marked by the construction of a free stall barn and the enduring commitment of Martin, Simon-Pierre, Carole, Pierre, and Vincent, solidifying this story of tradition and progress.
8. Fromagerie Montebello, Montebello, Québec
In the heart of Petite-Nation, Fromagerie Montebello fulfills a cheesemaker’s dream. Alain Boyer’s passion for cheese-making resurfaced in 2011, birthing the beloved Tête à Papineau cheese and more. With support from various organizations, their artisanal cheese production began on Principale Street. From craft fairs to festivals, they actively promote their cheeses, with strong backing from partners like Outaouais Regional Solidarity Market and Outaouais Tourism. Montebello’s history, rooted in the Petite-Nation seigneury, inspires their cheese names, such as Rébellion 1837 and Manchebello. Their distribution network spans grocery stores, restaurants, and boutiques across Quebec, Eastern Ontario, and Toronto. Fromagerie Montebello proudly contributes to the fine cheese legacy in Quebec and Ontario.
9. Bushgarden Farm Elgin, Ontario
At the heart of Bush Road, the Smith family’s passion for cheese came to life. Their inaugural cheese, Pilgrimage, marks a significant achievement, the first raw cow’s milk cheese crafted in Ontario in decades. Then there’s Nauvoo, reminiscent of the beautiful place it’s named after, a traditional Elgin Cheese that delights the palate. Seasonality guides their cheese-making, with winter milk lending itself to Bushgarden Nauvoo and spring’s lush grazing inspiring Pilgrimage. The Smiths, farming Bush Road since the 1820s, transitioned to organic farming in 2006, growing crops without synthetic inputs. Their certified organic cows roam freely, creating delicious, antibiotic and hormone-free cheese for your enjoyment.
10. Glasgow Glen Farm, New Glasgow, Prince Edward Island
Experience a 25-year tradition of excellence at Glasgow Glen Farm in New Glasgow, Prince Edward Island. Formerly known as Cheese Lady’s Gouda, they take pride in crafting premium-quality Island Gouda that showcases the exceptional taste of local milk. Beyond their renowned Gouda, they offer a variety of fresh and washed rind cheeses that are sure to delight your palate. Don’t miss the chance to pair these exquisite cheeses with a freshly baked baguette, straight from their wood-fired brick oven. Glasgow Glen Farm is your destination for exceptional Island cheese and artisanal craftsmanship.
Canadian Cheesemakers are Making the REALLY Good Stuff
As we conclude our journey through these exceptional Canadian cheese makers, it’s evident that their dedication to tradition, their commitment to quality, and their relentless pursuit of excellence have created a cheese tapestry that’s as diverse and vibrant as the nation itself. From the heart of Oxford County to the scenic landscapes of Montebello, these artisans have crafted not just cheeses but experiences, inviting all to partake in their delectable creations. So, whether you’re a seasoned cheese aficionado or a newcomer to the world of artisanal fromage, these Canadian cheese makers beckon you to savour their offerings and be part of a story that continues to evolve, one mouthwatering bite at a time.
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