Village Dairy

If you are looking for a true taste of the Canadian heartland, Village Dairy is a place you cannot miss. Located in the picturesque town of Armstrong, this cozy artisanal creamery and shop has become a true symbol of preserving traditions in the Okanagan Valley region. Here, in Canada, master cheesemakers create unique products using exclusively fresh whole milk from local farms.

Village Dairy. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This establishment, also known as the Village Cheese Company, combines modern production and an atmospheric retail shop under one roof. It was established as a response to the closure of an old large-scale factory, ensuring that the living art of cheesemaking did not disappear from Armstrong. Visitors appreciate this spot for its natural products and warm hospitality, as evidenced by high ratings and hundreds of positive reviews.

Inside, you will find a rich selection of varieties, from classics to signature creations, many of which have been recognized with prestigious awards. It is not just a shop, but a full-fledged gastronomic hub where you can feel the connection between eras and taste "that" legendary cheese for which British Columbia is famous.

To contact the creamery or check the availability of specific products, use the details provided below. The establishment always welcomes guests and is ready to share a piece of its gastronomic hospitality.

The main adventure at Village Dairy is, of course, the tasting. Visitors are invited to sample various artisanal cheeses so everyone can find a flavor they love before buying. You can find both soft and aged varieties, handmade with meticulous attention to detail. Shopping here turns into a fascinating exploration of local culinary traditions.

For those interested in how the products are made, introductory tours are sometimes available (it's best to check in advance). You can see the stages of turning milk into cheese, learn about the subtleties of pasteurization, and peek into the "holy of holies"—the aging rooms. Watching the masters at work adds special value to the visit, turning a simple shop run into an educational agritourism experience.

Don't forget to snap a few photos against the backdrop of the mouth-watering cheese shelves and chat with the staff. The employees are always ready to share secrets on how to store cheese and recommend the best pairings with other products. This is the perfect place for those who want to bring home a truly unique and delicious souvenir from their Okanagan trip.

Finding Village Dairy is easy, as it is conveniently located at 3475 Smith Dr, right in the heart of the town. Thanks to its proximity to the popular Rail Trail hiking and cycling route, outdoor enthusiasts often stop by for a snack after their journey.

For those traveling by car, the easiest route is from the city of Vernon (just 20 km south) via Highway 97A. You will need to turn onto Smith Dr, where free visitor parking is available right at the shop entrance. Driving here is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of the Okanagan Valley.

If you prefer public transport, you can use the bus routes connecting Vernon and other nearby settlements with the town center. From the central stop, the creamery is just a 10–15 minute walk. Taxis and car rentals are also available for greater mobility.

The story of Village Dairy, also known as the Village Cheese Company, began in 1998. It was founded by husband and wife Dwight and Linda Johnson with a noble mission: to preserve local cheesemaking traditions. This decision proved vital for the town, as when the large Armstrong Cheese factory closed in 2004, Village Dairy stepped in, ensuring the unique craft did not disappear.

Cheesemaking in this region has deep roots dating back to 1902, when locals founded the first creamery with their own funds. Despite significant challenges, including a devastating fire in 1927, the industry survived and grew stronger. By the mid-20th century, the local cooperative was producing hundreds of thousands of pounds of cheese annually, making the area famous across the country.

Today, the company continues to use whole milk from Okanagan farms and employs experienced artisans who carefully guard age-old recipes. In 2023, the owners announced they were seeking worthy successors to ensure the traditions of the "cheese capital" continue to delight new generations of tourists and foodies.

To leisurely enjoy the atmosphere of Village Dairy, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This is enough time to browse the shop's selection, sample several types of cheese, and pick out the best delicacies to take with you.

If you manage to catch a small production tour or decide to stay longer to chat with the staff about the nuances of cheesemaking, your visit might take a bit more time. Either way, it’s an excellent stop for a break during a busy day of sightseeing.

Village Dairy welcomes guests daily, making it a convenient stop on your itinerary any day of the week. From Monday to Friday, the establishment is open from 08:00 to 17:00, while on Saturday, it opens slightly later at 09:00 and closes at 17:00. On Sunday, there are reduced hours: from 10:00 to 16:00.

As opening hours may change during holidays or depending on the season, we recommend checking the company's official website before your visit to ensure the information is up to date.

After visiting the creamery and tasting the delicacies, it is worth spending some time exploring the surroundings. The town offers a cozy atmosphere and several interesting locations within walking distance.

You can stop by the local museum to learn more about the region's history or relax in one of the town parks. Below is a list of nearby spots to help complete your itinerary.