If you’re in Quebec City and looking for something a little different, this Honey and Distillery Tour with Tasting at Apikol might just be your next favorite experience. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, the rave reviews and comprehensive descriptions paint a picture of an engaging, educational, and tasty outing.

What really makes this tour stand out is the chance to see live bees in an all-season hive—an indoor setup that keeps the bees safe and the experience comfortable no matter the weather. Plus, the guide, who is an owner and beekeepers themselves, shares a wealth of knowledge without making it feel like a lecture. The locally sourced meads and spirits tasting at the end gives you a real taste of Quebec’s eco-friendly craftsmanship.

On the flip side, it’s an indoor experience, so if you’re hoping for sweeping outdoor views or a more physically active adventure, this may not be your top choice. But if you’re curious about urban beekeeping, artisanal spirits, and eco-conscious practices, this tour is a charming, well-priced way to learn and indulge. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy tasting local products and want a behind-the-scenes look at small-scale distilling.

Key Points

Unique indoor hive observation allows year-round viewing of bees at work
Expert-led tour offers insightful explanations about honey, mead, and spirits
Tastings include three different beverages, with options to add more
Eco-friendly focus highlights sustainable practices in small-scale distilling
Small group sizes (limited to 8) ensure a personal, relaxed experience
Tour duration is just one hour, making it a manageable addition to your day

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Apikol: A Close-Up with Bees and Spirits

Right in the heart of Quebec City’s Saint-Roch district, Apikol presents a refreshing take on urban farming, beekeeping, and distilling. This eco-conscious micro-distillery combines a honey house, a mead-making space, a distillery, and a tasting room—all under one roof. It’s a small, family-run operation that cares deeply about reducing its environmental impact, which comes through loud and clear in both the process and the stories shared during the tour.

What sets this experience apart is the opportunity to observe bees in action inside a live, all-season hive. This isn’t a simple glimpse through glass; you get to watch a working hive, which makes the whole process of honey production feel so much more immediate and real. The owner-guided tour offers a chance to ask questions, get detailed explanations, and see how their honey is transformed into mead and artisanal spirits.

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The Indoor Hive Experience

The live hive is a star of the show. Because it’s indoors, you don’t need to worry about the weather—bees are always at work here, and their activity is fascinating to watch. Several reviews highlight how passionate and knowledgeable the guides are, with one reviewer noting, “Seeing the beehive was really cool and it was clear that our guide was very passionate about his work.” Watching the bees go about their business, especially in a controlled environment, makes the experience accessible even if you’re not a beekeeper.

This part of the tour is also great from an educational perspective. You’ll learn about bee activity, honey extraction, and the importance of bees for pollination and sustainability. It’s a quiet, almost meditative moment that provides real insight into the tiny creatures responsible for so much of our food and natural beauty.

From Hive to Bottle: How They Make Their Spirits and Mead

After witnessing the buzzing activity, you’ll move into the more craft-focused part of the experience—how the local honey becomes mead and spirits. The tour guides walk you through the artisanal process, emphasizing that everything is made with locally sourced honey and with an eye toward eco-friendliness.

The process includes everything from honey extraction to fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling. The owners take pride in maintaining a small ecological footprint, and it shows in their methods. We loved the way the process is explained in simple, engaging language that makes even complex steps easy to understand.

Tasting the Fruits of the Labors

The final part of the tour is the tasting session, which lasts around 15 minutes. During this time, you’ll sample three different beverages, including a delicious, effervescent mead. The reviews reveal that the tasting is a highlight—people describe the drinks as delicious, unique, and well-crafted.

One reviewer mentioned, “The tasting was very informative and interesting. I love that they are environmentally conscious. The gin was by far my favorite,” highlighting how different flavors appeal to a broad range of palates. Visitors under 18 will be served a non-alcoholic beverage, making the tour accessible for families or those who prefer to skip alcohol.

If you’re curious about trying more, you can often add additional tastings for a small extra fee. It’s a nice way to explore the variety of flavors coming out of this small but innovative distillery.

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Practical Details: What It’s Like to Attend

The tour lasts about one hour, which makes it easy to slot into a relaxed afternoon or early evening plan. The group is limited to eight people, ensuring a more intimate and engaging experience. It’s a small group, meaning no rushing or overwhelming crowds—just plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

The tour is offered in English and French, catering well to diverse visitors. Check-in is straightforward—just stop at the distillery front desk, and you’re all set. The price of $21 per person is surprisingly reasonable for the depth of knowledge, the guided experience, and the tastings included.

Since it’s an indoor activity, it’s suitable whatever the weather, and you won’t have to worry about outdoor arrangements or walking long distances.

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What People Are Saying

The reviews are almost universally glowing, with an impressive rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 76 reviews. People praise the knowledgeability of guides, the quality of the products, and the environmentally friendly ethos. Comments like “everything was amazing,” “so much knowledge and experience,” and “highly recommended” are common themes.

Many reviewers mention the owner’s enthusiasm, which makes the experience feel genuine and personal. One review even states, “The staff was entertaining and funny,” suggesting you’ll not only learn but also enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

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Quebec City: Honey and Distillery Tour with Tasting

4.9

(76)

Value for Money

At just $21 per person, this tour offers excellent value. For about an hour, you get a guided, educational experience, a chance to see bees in action, and tastings of multiple beverages. When you consider the cost of other specialized tours or tastings, this feels like a well-priced way to dive into Quebec’s local craft scene while learning about bees’ crucial role in our environment.

This experience is perfect for curious minds interested in bees, sustainability, and local craftsmanship. It suits those who enjoy tasting artisanal products and want an educational yet relaxed outing. Families with older children might find it engaging, especially if they’re interested in nature and science, but younger kids might not find the indoor hive as captivating.

It’s also an ideal stop for anyone wanting a short, meaningful activity that combines learning with tasting good products—without the need for physical exertion or outdoor weather dependency.

This Honey and Distillery Tour at Apikol offers a rare glimpse into urban beekeeping and small-scale distilling, all delivered by passionate owners committed to eco-friendly practices. The live hive viewing is a highlight, adding a tangible element to the understanding of honey production. The tasting component lets you enjoy the results of their craftsmanship firsthand, making it a well-rounded experience.

Considering the price point of $21 and the glowing reviews, it’s a worthwhile addition to your Quebec City itinerary if you’re curious about local food, sustainability, and the tiny wonders of bees. It’s a relaxed, informative, and tasty experience that leaves many visitors eager to recommend it.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Visitors under 18 will receive a non-alcoholic beverage, making it accessible for families. However, the main focus on spirits and the indoor hive might be more appealing to older children or teens interested in science or nature.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about one hour, making it a quick but enriching activity you can fit into most travel plans.

What languages are available for the tour?
Tours are conducted in English and French, ensuring clear communication for most visitors.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the guided distillery tour, all-season hive observation, tastings of three drinks, and access to the distillery.

Can I buy additional tastings?
Yes, you can often add more tastings for a small extra fee, which is a nice way to explore the full range of products.

Is the tour indoors or outdoors?
This is an indoor experience, which is great for any weather and ensures a comfortable environment to learn and taste.

How many people are in a group?
Groups are limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, especially since the tour tends to fill up quickly. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you’re looking to add a uniquely Quebec experience that combines nature, craftsmanship, and a bit of local flavor, this honey and spirits tour is definitely worth considering. It’s an honest, engaging way to learn about bees, taste great products, and support a sustainable local business.