Beekeeping Experience in Kinghurst Forest with Freija

You don’t want to miss this!

On this special edition trip where we’ll visit Freija, a beautiful property in Grey County that offers camping, accommodation and nature-based experiences. The two owners of Freija have carefully tended to this land (part of the Kinghurst Forest Reserve) with the utmost respect for the environment and a keen interest in natural restoration.

At Freija, we will have the opportunity to explore hands-on beekeeping and education, have time for a picnic in their meadow (weather permitting) and a walk through one of their beautiful hiking trails. There is also a lovely freshwater pond you can have the option of canoeing or swimming in!

The Details

During the beekeeping experience you will learn about the importance of honeybees and native pollinators, beekeeping basics, and have a chance to encounter amazing behaviours of honeybees first-hand. On our inspection visit to the beehives, we will put on protective suites and come in direct contact with the bees. You will have a hands on, educational experience with the bees and be able to ask all the questions you’ve ever wanted to know about bees and honey.

During our inspection visits to the native and non-native beehives, we will come in direct contact with the honeybees, learning about their relationship to the North American relatives and what we can do to help our native ecosystems.

Did you know that the honeybee is not native to Canada and is only one of a handful of species that produce honey? There are over 4,000 native bees in Canada and it’s important to recognize their importance in the ecosystem.

The honey we will taste is unheated, unpasteurized and unprocessed. It is collected by happy naturally-kept honeybees in the wild meadows of old Kinghurst Forest. Designated as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI), Kinghurst Forest is a special place that offers a rare glimpse into Ontario’s natural past.

The mature hardwood old-growth forest provides the honeybees and other pollinators with a rich variety of rare native wildflower forage in May and early June. These spring ephemerals – plants that bloom briefly in spring, before the trees leaf out – are one of southern Ontario’s most beautiful displays and provide a one-of-a-kind delicately rich and vibrant flavour to the honey.

We’ll end the experience tasting local treats, cheese and honey. If weather allows, guests are welcome to have a picnic on the grounds after. Follow @iamfreija on Instagram for latest updates and more photos.

Please let us know if you are allergic to bees.

Important Tour Note: ALL TOURS ARE FINAL SALE. Tickets can be transferred to another person. Please contact us at least 72 hours before your purchased tour date to reschedule, and we will do our best to accommodate you. We cannot guarantee availability in the event of rescheduling. We do not offer refunds. No-shows will be charged the full price.
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Itinerary

8:00am – Departure from Christie Station. *Note: if your tour is on a Sunday, the subway does not start running until 8 am, shuttle busses run down Yonge Street and Bloor Street, increasing your travel time slightly.*

10:00am – Markdale, Ontario stopover at Tim Hortons (washrooms/last minute food or drink)

10:45am – Arrival & welcome at Freija

11:00am – The beekeeping experience begins at Freija’s apiary, located in a beautiful forest meadow! You will be provided with a bee suit.

1:00pm – Time for lunch (please pack a lunch, Freija will be offering some small treats)

2:00pm – Option to participated in a guided hike with Javier from Toronto EcoAdventures. You may also enjoy the pond on the property and relax in nature.

4:00pm – Depart Freija and begin returning to Toronto

5:30pm – Dinner stop at Champ Burger in Shelburne, Ontario

8:00pm- Expected arrival time to Toronto, Christie Subway Station