Father’s Day Hive Experience: Coffee & Lunch with the Bees
Father’s Day Hive Experience: Coffee & Lunch with the Bees
An immersive farm experience at Purple Haven
11 am till 2 pm June 21 Father's Day
A Hands-On Beekeeping & Honey Bee Experience in Haldimand County, Ontario
Step into the incredible world of honeybees, pollinators, and beekeeping at Coffee with Dr. Jo and the Bees, a unique educational farm experience at Purple Haven Lavender Farm. Located in Haldimand County, Southern Ontario, this one‑hour event offers an engaging and informative introduction to the Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera), led by Dr. Jo, an experienced beekeeper and educator.
This interactive beekeeping workshop combines live demonstrations, hands‑on learning, and group discussion, making it a memorable family‑friendly agritourism experience. Whether you’re a gardener, nature enthusiast, homeschool family, or simply looking for unique things to do in Ontario’s countryside, this experience offers a meaningful connection to nature and sustainable agriculture.
Picnic Lunch Experience
After your time with the bees, settle in and continue the experience with a relaxed picnic-style lunch on the farm. Everything is thoughtfully prepared for you—so all you have to do is sit back, sip your coffee, and enjoy the moment. Surrounded by open fields and fresh country air, this peaceful setting creates the perfect opportunity to slow down, connect, and truly enjoy each other’s company. Whether you’re celebrating Father’s Day or simply looking for a unique outing, this experience beautifully rounds out the day as a memorable farm date—simple, meaningful, and just the right mix of discovery and relaxation.
Did you know a single worker bee lives only about 40 days in spring or summer, may visit up to 100 flowers per trip, and produces just 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime? It takes a colony of approximately 556 bees to create just one pound of honey. There are more than 20,000 bee species worldwide, with 4,000 in North America and 800 in Canada, yet only eight species are true honey bees. You’ll explore these fascinating facts and more during the session.
What You’ll Learn
This Ontario beekeeping experience covers:
- Basic honey bee biology
- The castes of the honeybee (queen, workers, drones)
- Beekeeping equipment and tools
- How a working bee colony functions
- The essential role of pollinators in food systems and ecosystems
Optional Apiary Experience
After the educational portion, guests may choose to suit up in a beekeeper’s suit and visit the apiary for a once‑in‑a‑lifetime photo opportunity—standing near active hives and holding a frame alive with bees. Participation in the hive visit is completely optional, and observing from a distance is always welcome.
Your safety is our priority. Protective gear is provided (excluding footwear), and participants are fully supported by an experienced beekeeper throughout the experience.
A Welcoming Ontario Farm Experience
This hands-on farm event in Haldimand County is designed to be accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re searching for things to do in Southern Ontario, an educational family outing, or a unique rural tourism experience, Coffee with Dr. Jo and the Bees offers discovery, learning, and connection.