Farmstays & U-Pick Experiences: Agrotourism at Little Tribune Farm
Just a five-minute stroll from the iconic Big and Little Tribune Beaches, Little Tribune Farm is a 10-acre organic blueberry farm and glamping retreat on Hornby Island, often dubbed the “Hawaii of Canada”, off the coast of British Columbia.
Nikki and Stu left behind the bustle of London, England in 2020 to return to their family’s land and embrace the island’s slower pace. Since then, they’ve created a peaceful haven where travelers can reconnect with nature, handpick blueberries, and sleep under the stars.
Little Tribune Farm is part of a growing movement in agritourism involving glamping farmstays and U-pick experiences— one that is capturing the hearts of a new generation of travelers.
"Stu and I had been coming to Hornby since 2005 after my dad bought the farm, and had so many special memories visiting the farm each summer. When my dad decided he could no longer run the farm and wanted to sell we were very sad, but ended up putting our belongings in storage in London UK to help my father tidy the place up and complete the sale. But fate would have otherwise. We arrived in Canada 2 weeks before the pandemic lock down - and decided we better buy the farm ourselves!"
After settling into the rhythms of island life, Nikki and Stu began shaping their vision: a glamping resort rooted in agritourism, where guests could experience the joy of U-pick blueberries by day and unwind in thoughtfully designed spaces by night.
"I owned an events based floristry business called Petal and Grace in London. Stu ran a brand strategy company. We wanted to bring a design led focus to our glamping business. We have tried to bring a lot of our influences from living in the UK to the set up of our glamping business."
Nikki & Stu's glamping tents are nestled in their organic blueberry field and all have ocean views. Glampers get to nibble on blueberries while watching the sunrise, all while being minutes from some of Canada's most beautiful beaches.
Glampers also have access to ‘the living room’ which is a communal lounging spot and kitchen situated in a modern rammed earth building which gives them a beautiful relaxing space to enjoy alongside their tents.
Rammed earth is a sustainable building technique that involves compacting layers of natural soil, sand, and gravel into sturdy, stone-like walls. Known for its durability, insulation properties, and minimal environmental impact, it's a method that dates back centuries but has seen a modern revival—especially in eco-conscious communities.
In recent years, more travelers have begun to seek experiences and hands-on, meaningful stays that connect them to nature, food, and place. This shift has fueled the rise of agritourism, which invites guests to experience life on a working farm or vineyard, often blending education, relaxation, and sustainability.
U-pick farms, in particular, have grown in popularity. Travelers who opt for this experience find it satisfying to fill a basket with their own harvest, and taste food that was on the branch just moments ago.
At Little Tribune Farm guests can pick fresh organic blueberries during their stay and enjoy the calm of a coastal retreat.
For farmers and landowners thinking about branching into glamping, Nikki and Stu’s journey offers thoughtful lessons in both design and growth. When choosing tents, they opted for the CanvasCamp Sibley Protech 500 Double Door, an ideal fit for their open field location. The roll-up sides allowed for better airflow—a crucial detail in the summer heat and a small touch that makes a big difference in guest comfort.
Their biggest piece of advice? Expand slowly and intentionally. They started with a single tent, then grew to four, and soon seven—giving themselves time to gather feedback, adjust, and see how increased guest flow impacted the land and their lifestyle. This gradual approach helped them stay aligned with their original vision of peace and connection, rather than rushing to scale, and many other glamping entrepreneurs feel the same.
They also recommend thinking carefully about your booking platform. While Airbnb was useful in the early days to attract visibility, Nikki and Stu eventually transitioned to handling all bookings through their own website—a move that reduced guest fees and gave them more control over the experience.
Whether you're a glamping entrepreneur, a farmer looking to diversify their land, or a venture-traveller looking for new experiences, check out Little Tribune Farm for a unique glamping experience.
