Quebec City: Honey and Distillery Tour with Tasting

If you’re looking to add a sweet twist to your Quebec City visit, a tour of Apikol’s honey and distillery operation offers a fascinating peek into urban beekeeping and craft spirits. This experience is perfect for curious travelers who want to learn about the process from hive to bottle, all while supporting eco-friendly practices.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour: first, the chance to see a live indoor hive in a setting that’s accessible year-round, and second, the tastings of locally sourced meads and spirits that highlight the region’s artisanal craft. However, keep in mind that the entire experience is just about an hour, so it’s a quick but thorough introduction. This tour suits those with an interest in sustainable food production, craft beverages, or just looking for something a little different during their time in Quebec City.

Key Points

• Educational and engaging: Led by passionate owners who are both beekeepers and distillers.
• Eco-conscious focus: The operation emphasizes reducing its ecological footprint.
• Unique hive experience: Observation of a live, all-season hive offers a rare inside look.
• Taste of local: Sample three different beverages made from honey, including mead and spirits.
• Small group intimacy: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Great value: At only $21, it’s an affordable way to learn and taste.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Experience

This honey and distillery tour in Quebec City offers more than just a quick look at how spirits are made; it’s a chance to understand the vital role bees play in our environment and how small producers are creating eco-friendly products. Hosted at Apikol, a family-run micro distillery in the vibrant Saint-Roch district, the experience combines education, tasting, and a bit of environmental activism.

What immediately strikes you is the thoughtful design of the entire operation—bringing together a honey house, mead house, distillery, and tasting area all under one roof. The owners are both beekeepers and distillers, so their enthusiasm and expertise shine through. We love that the tour is owner-led, making it more personal and genuine. Plus, the emphasis on sustainability makes it appealing for eco-conscious travelers.

One potential consideration is that the tour is only about an hour, so if you’re looking for a lengthy deep dive into beekeeping or spirits, you might find it just enough. But for most visitors, this quick yet comprehensive glimpse is ideal. It’s especially suited for those interested in local food and drink, environmental sustainability, or just a fun, offbeat activity in Quebec City.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

The tour begins with a check-in at the distillery’s front desk. From there, you’ll meet your guide—one of the co-owners—who happens to be both a beekeeper and a distiller. The first part of the experience involves seeing a live, all-season hive in action. This observation hive is indoors, meaning no matter the weather outside, you’ll witness bees at work, collecting pollen and tending their combs, which is a rare treat.

The guide explains the role of bees in honey production and demonstrates the extraction process, showing how honey is gathered with minimal impact on the hive. We loved the way the guide’s passion and detailed explanations made complex processes easy to understand. According to reviews, visitors find this part especially engaging—Rob from the U.S. called it “really cool,” and Claire from the U.K. described it as “fascinating and entertaining.”

Next, you’ll be taken through the artisanal process of making mead and spirits. You’ll see how raw honey is transformed through fermentation, and how the spirits are distilled, aged, and bottled. This process is done with a clear focus on eco-friendly practices, which means they’re mindful of waste and resource use. The owners’ dedication to sustainability is evident and adds a meaningful layer to the experience.

The final part of the tour is the tasting session. You’ll sample three different beverages—most often a selection of mead and spirits like gin, vodka, or Eau-de-Vie—crafted from honey sourced directly from their urban hives. Reviewers consistently praise the deliciousness and variety of the offerings. Stephanie from the U.S. appreciated that the tasting included “a nice variety,” and Gisselle from the U.S. highlighted the gin as her favorite.

If you wish, you can end with pure honey harvested from their hives, adding a literal taste of local nature. The tasting is led by an expert who explains each product’s flavor profile, making it an educational experience as well as a sensory delight.

The Value of the Experience

At $21 per person, this tour offers remarkable value. For just over an hour, you gain insight into the fascinating relationship between bees, honey, and spirits, plus a chance to taste some of Quebec’s best small-batch products. The small group size—limited to 8—ensures personal attention, making it more engaging and memorable.

Compared to larger, more commercial tours, this experience feels authentic and intimate. The emphasis on sustainability and local sourcing resonates with many travelers, especially those interested in supporting eco-conscious producers. The reviews repeatedly mention the knowledgeable guides and delightful tasting as highlights, reinforcing the tour’s quality.

What’s especially notable is that it manages to be both informative and fun without feeling rushed—a balance that’s often hard to find. The fact that you’re visiting a family-run operation lends a warm, genuine touch that many visitors appreciate.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• The tour is indoor, so no worries about weather interfering.
• It lasts about 60 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy day of sightseeing.
• The tasting includes three beverages, with options to add more for a small extra fee.
• Visitors under 18 will get a non-alcoholic beverage, making it family-friendly.
• Check-in is straightforward, just head to the distillery front desk.
• The tour runs mostly in the afternoon or evening—perfect for post-lunch plans or a relaxing evening activity.
• You might find this experience particularly appealing if you enjoy craft beverages, eco-tourism, or local food.

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Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This honey and distillery tour is ideal for those who enjoy learning about local artisans and sustainable practices. It’s particularly suitable for foodies, nature lovers, and anyone curious about how small producers blend tradition with eco-consciousness. Since the tour is owner-led, expect a personable experience with plenty of stories and insights.

It’s also a fantastic activity if you want something different from the usual sightseeing—something interactive, tasty, and surprisingly educational. The small-group format ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the focus on quality and authenticity makes it feel like a true insider’s look into Quebec’s craft spirit scene.

The Sum Up

In a city full of historical sites and vibrant neighborhoods, this honey and distillery tour offers a refreshing break—both educational and delicious. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want to connect with local producers, understand the importance of bees in our ecosystem, and taste some of Quebec’s finest eco-friendly spirits. The passionate guides, engaging hive observation, and excellent product tastings make it a worthwhile addition to any Quebec City itinerary.

Given its affordability and intimate setting, it’s especially suited for those seeking a meaningful, small-group experience that combines learning, flavor, and environmental consciousness. Whether you’re a craft spirits enthusiast, a bee lover, or simply looking for a unique activity, this tour delivers on all fronts.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 18 will receive a non-alcoholic beverage, making it accessible for families.

How long does the tour last?
The experience takes about 1 hour—perfect for fitting into a day of sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book ahead. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility.

Is the tour indoors?
Absolutely. The entire tour takes place inside the distillery, including the hive observation.

What languages are available?
Guides speak both English and French, so you can choose the language that suits you best.

What does the tasting include?
You’ll sample three different beverages—most often a mix of mead and spirits made from honey—crafted locally with an eco-conscious approach.

This tour offers a genuinely memorable way to see a different side of Quebec City—one that combines sustainability, craftsmanship, and delightful flavors.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby