Food & Flavour

Alberta Honey Festival Returns with Local Vendors and Tastings

Held annually in Calgary, the Alberta Honey Festival is back with dozens of beekeepers, honey-based products, and interactive workshops for all ages.

By Jackson Thompson | 2025-10-03 19:19

Calgary’s beloved Alberta Honey Festival returned this past weekend, drawing crowds of honey enthusiasts, local beekeepers, and curious foodies from across the province. Held at the Bridgeland Community Hall, the event featured more than 40 vendors offering everything from wildflower honey to beeswax candles and honey-infused spirits.

After a two-year hiatus, the festival’s return marked a sweet moment for local producers and enthusiasts. “This isn’t just about selling jars,” said organizer and third-generation beekeeper Sophie Tremblay. “It’s about showcasing the relationship between bees, food, and community in Alberta.”

Among the most popular attractions were guided tastings, where attendees sampled honey from different regions and floral sources. Tasters were invited to detect subtle differences between clover, buckwheat, and fireweed honey varieties. “It’s like wine tasting,” Tremblay explained. “The flavor depends on where the bees have been.”

Several new producers made their festival debut, including Prairie Gold Apiary from Red Deer and Hivemind Honey Co. from Okotoks. Both saw brisk sales and lots of engagement from visitors curious about their bee-friendly farming methods.

Workshops held throughout the day offered hands-on learning experiences for all ages. Topics ranged from starting a backyard hive to identifying native pollinators. Children donned protective suits to inspect mock beehives, while adults listened to expert talks on sustainable apiculture practices.

A cooking demonstration stage was set up on the outdoor patio, where Calgary chefs prepared honey-glazed salmon, honey-roasted root vegetables, and a twist on tiramisu made with honey-infused mascarpone. Recipes were distributed via QR codes, promoting eco-friendly paperless access.

This year’s event placed a stronger emphasis on the environmental challenges facing bees. Educational displays explained the role of pollinators in food production, the threats posed by pesticides and habitat loss, and what individuals can do to help support healthy bee populations.

The festival also recognized innovators in the industry. The “Golden Hive Award” was presented to BeezKnees Urban Apiaries, a Calgary nonprofit that manages rooftop hives and runs education programs for schools and community groups. Their work was credited with increasing urban pollinator awareness and youth involvement.

Live music and local food trucks rounded out the day, creating a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. Many vendors noted that the festival has become a vital part of their annual sales and a meaningful opportunity to connect directly with their customer base.

Attendees left with not only jars of golden sweetness but a deeper appreciation for the complexity of Alberta’s honey industry. “I had no idea there were so many varieties of honey or that bees could be so picky,” said attendee Jordan Wallace. “It’s changed how I look at my toast in the morning.”

The Alberta Honey Festival is organized by the provincial Beekeepers Association and run by volunteers. Proceeds from ticket sales go toward pollinator research and education grants awarded to local schools.

Next year’s event is already in the works, with organizers hoping to expand into a two-day format to accommodate growing interest. Plans include hosting it in a larger indoor-outdoor venue and adding more regional producers from across Western Canada.

With rising awareness around food origins and sustainability, the humble honeybee is enjoying a moment in the spotlight. Judging by the turnout, Alberta’s honey-loving community is buzzing with support—and ready for more.