Participants will learn the fundamentals of responsible beekeeping, including hive equipment and materials, conducting status checks, assessing queen health, managing pests and diseases, harvesting honey, and preparing hives for winter.

The course also explores the role of honeybees within our broader ecosystem, including thoughtful discussion around native pollinators and how to minimize potential impacts through responsible hive management and habitat support.

Each session includes both in-class learning and hands-on experience in the bee yard with expert guidance. Veils and jackets are available for all participants.

Dates: Saturdays (May 2, May 30, June 20, July 11, August 8, September 5 and October 17)
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $375 + HST for the full course

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*No cancellations or refunds within 14 days of the 1st workshop.

SESSIONS INCLUDES:

Preparing for the Beekeeping Season
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Study the basics of bee biology and learn which plants are most important for the health of your bees.

Opening the Hive after Winter
Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Learn how to properly open your hive after a long winter, how to check the health of the queen, and what to look for when monitoring for diseases.

Spring Hive Check
Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Acquire the knowledge to identify the different castes of bees, bee larvae, and eggs. Learn how to avoid swarming, and the appropriate time to add honey supers.

Summer Hive Check
Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This class will focus on how to check the hives for diseases and pests such as AFB, chalk brood, wax moths, and varroa mites. Learn how to apply treatments to the hives if such diseases or pests are found. Honey supers will be added to hives as needed.

Summer Harvest
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This class will introduce the concepts of nectar flow and summer harvesting techniques. Learn the process of extracting honey from honeycomb. Participants will learn how to properly use a honey extractor and bottle honey.

Fall Hive Check
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This class will focus on scaling the hives down for autumn, storage recommendations for honey supers, and protection against wax moths and other pests. Fall mite checks and treatment will also be discussed.

Putting the Bees to Bed
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This class will focus on the process of preparing the colonies for winter. Hive wrapping, merging, and common winter beekeeping challenges will be covered.

TRCA is committed to creating an accessible experience for all participants. If you require an accessibility accomodation, please email Jennifer.Ouimette@trca.ca at least seven days prior to the event.