Quebec City: Honey and Distillery Tour with Tasting

Discover Quebec City’s Unique Honey and Distillery Experience for $21

The Quebec City: Honey and Distillery Tour with Tasting offers a fascinating look into the world of bees and artisanal spirits. Priced at $21 per person and lasting one hour, this tour combines an owner-led visit to a local micro-distillery, live bee hive observation, and a tasting of locally sourced meads and spirits. It’s a perfect activity for those interested in eco-friendly practices, local craftsmanship, and learning about honey’s journey from hive to bottle.

This tour is especially appealing because of its small group size—limited to 8 participants—which ensures a personalized experience. The guided tour is available in English and French, led by passionate owners who are both beekeepers and distillers. While the one-hour duration is concise, it provides a well-rounded taste of Quebec City’s honey and spirits scene. Keep in mind, it’s an indoor experience, making it suitable for all weather conditions, but not ideal for those seeking outdoor activities or extensive walking.

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Key Points

• Affordable price of $21 offers excellent value for a curated experience
• Duration is 1 hour, ideal for a quick yet enriching visit
• Includes a guided tour led by passionate owners who are both beekeepers and distillers
• Live observation of an all-season hive inside the distillery
• Taste three locally sourced meads and spirits, with options for additional samples
• Eco-friendly focus with an emphasis on sustainability and reducing ecological impact

Visit Apikol, a Downtown Quebec City Micro-Distillery

The tour takes place at Apikol – Distillerie de Quartier, situated in the Saint-Roch district. This urban farm combines a honey house, mead house, distillery, and tasting area, all housed under one roof. The indoor setting makes it accessible year-round, regardless of weather, and highlights the distillery’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.

As you arrive, you check in at the distillery front desk, with easy access through a separate entrance to skip any lines. The location’s centrality in Quebec City makes it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the city’s lively neighborhood. The small group size ensures an intimate atmosphere, allowing for more meaningful conversations with the owners.

The Expertise of the Owners as Guides

The owners lead the tour, sharing their dual expertise as beekeepers and distillers. They are known for their passionate explanations about the behavior of bees, the honey extraction process, and the steps involved in transforming honey into mead and spirits. The owners also share insights on their eco-friendly project and their efforts to minimize environmental impact.

Their enthusiasm shines through during the 45-minute guided tour, which covers the interpretation of bee activity, honey extraction, and the distillation process. The owners’ knowledge makes complex processes accessible and engaging, especially for those interested in small-scale, sustainable production.

Observation of the All-Season Hive

One of the tour’s highlights is the live observation of a small, all-season hive located indoors. This up-close look at bees in action allows visitors to see firsthand how they work together and produce honey. The indoor hive is designed for year-round viewing, providing a fascinating glimpse into bee life regardless of outdoor weather.

This interactive element helps demystify bee behavior and showcases the importance of bees in ecological sustainability. The observation is both educational and entertaining, especially for those new to beekeeping or simply curious about nature’s pollinators.

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Making and Sampling Locally Sourced Meads and Spirits

Following the tour, visitors move to the tasting area where they sample three different beverages. The selection includes mead and spirits, all crafted from honey sourced locally in Quebec. Tasting is led by an in-house expert who explains the flavor profiles, production methods, and pairing suggestions.

The tasting session lasts about 15 minutes, but there’s an option to add more samples for an extra small fee. Review notes mention that the effervescent mead is particularly popular. Visitors can also opt to end the experience with pure honey harvested from a city hive, adding a delicious and natural finale to the visit.

Eco-Friendly Practices and Local Sourcing at Apikol

A core part of the experience is the distillery’s commitment to sustainability. The production processes emphasize reducing ecological footprint, including sourcing honey locally and maintaining small-scale, environmentally conscious operations. This focus on eco-friendliness resonates throughout the visit, from the hive observation to the product tasting.

Guests learn how the distillery integrates sustainable practices into its artisanal production, making it more than just a tasting—it’s an educational journey about local environmental stewardship. This makes the tour particularly appealing to eco-conscious travelers.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The one-hour tour is usually available in the afternoon and evening, making it convenient for most travelers. The small group setting ensures a relaxed, personalized experience, limited to 8 participants.

The tour includes all-day access to the distillery, and English and French are available as languages for the guided commentary. Visitors under 18 years old receive a non-alcoholic beverage, making it accessible for families. Cancellation is flexible, allowing a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Why This Tour Stands Out Among Quebec City Activities

Unlike larger, more commercialized tours, this experience emphasizes personal connection with the owners and a deep dive into sustainable craft production. The indoor hive and local honey tasting, combined with engaging storytelling, create a comprehensive, hands-on look at the beekeeping and distilling process.

The excellent reviews—with a 4.9-star rating from 76 reviews—highlight the enthusiasm of the guides, the quality of the products, and the value for money. Many appreciate the informative explanations and the passion of the owners, making this tour a memorable highlight when exploring Quebec City’s vibrant Saint-Roch neighborhood.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience is ideal for adventurers curious about bees, sustainable spirits, and local craftsmanship. It’s perfect for those seeking an educational activity with a relaxed pace and a small-group atmosphere. Eco-conscious travelers will appreciate the distillery’s efforts to reduce waste and support local producers.

While not suited for outdoor enthusiasts or those wanting extensive sightseeing, it’s an excellent choice for families, couples, or solo visitors wanting an interactive, meaningful activity in Quebec City.

Quebec City Honey and Distillery Tour: Final Thoughts

The $21 price tag for a comprehensive, owner-led tour with hive observation and product tasting offers great value. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of the entire honey-to-spirit process while supporting local, eco-friendly practices. The small group size ensures a personalized experience with plenty of opportunities for questions and discussion.

While the one-hour duration means the experience is concise, it covers all key aspects—from bee behavior to distillation techniques—making it an informative and enjoyable activity. This tour is perfect for those who want to learn about bees, artisan spirits, and sustainable practices in a friendly, relaxed setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 18 receive a non-alcoholic beverage and can enjoy the hive observation.

Can I book the tour in English?
Yes, the tour is offered in English and French.

How long does the tasting last?
The tasting session lasts approximately 15 minutes, with options to add more samples for a small fee.

Is the tour outdoors?
No, it is an indoor tour, making it accessible in any weather.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes owner-led guiding, observation of the hive, tasting of three beverages, and access to the distillery.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 8 participants for a personal experience.

What makes this distillery eco-friendly?
The distillery emphasizes local sourcing and sustainable practices to minimize ecological impact.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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