Our Sweet Retreat

Since the start, we have often been asked by  people if they could join us on the farm to help for a day or two. In response, Sweetacre Apiaries now offers something truly unique - Our Sweet Retreat.  3 days of beekeeping in the Shuswap - could there be anything sweeter? 

Learn about beekeeping on a small diversified commercial operation and what it's all about. You'll be immersed in the real world of sustainable beekeeping.  We will work side-by-side , getting to know one another.  Be ready to break a sweat as we run nearly 300 colonies !! This includes 3 meals a day throughout the weekend. Both my wife and I have experience in commercial kitchens and want this to be as all inclusive as possible. Local Shuswap Fair will be showcased! If you have specific dietary requests or needs we can discuss options to satisfy them. 

Your experience will include pulling honey off the hives from some of our bee years (apiary sites). Once the honey ends up in our honey house you will run our  extracting line and watch liquid gold flow from the comb! We'll also process beeswax and be involved in candle and salve making. We are looking for one to four people per weekend. This keeps the experience personal. You'll be busy but it's not all work and no play.....we are just minutes away from a wonderful beach in Sunnybrae, there's a hot tub on site and a creek runs through our property. There will also be time to enjoy the local wines and beer! If you wish to stay the following week to enjoy the area both cabin rental or trailer parking can be discussed. 

We are excited to offer this experience so that you can not only develop a passion for beekeeping, but enjoy the Shuswap region of the province. You may be  interested in becoming a small commercial beekeeper or learning about sustainable agriculture.  Perhaps your simply curious about the path from the farm to your plate, or seeking a holiday that provides a bit of adventure.  Whatever your reason, Our Sweet Retreat will provide a unique enjoyable experience you're not likely to forget. 

Our studio cabin is finished with cedar, 2 double beds, full bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen. We also have parking for a small to medium 5th wheel/ trailer that includes running water and 30A service.

Our Sweet Retreat only runs for 3 weekends in the fall. 


                                                                DATES & PRICING 


                                                                          2014 SCHEDULE

                                                  Weekend One:                    August 8th, 9th and 10th.
                                                         Weekend Two:                      August 22nd, 23rd, and 24th.
                                                  Week Three:                September 12th, 13th, and 14th

                          PRICE:  $995 per person  CAD +GST = this includes cabin rental; shower, toilet, fridge, 2 double beds.
                                              $695 per person CAD +GST = this includes parking for small to moderate 5th wheel with 30A service.
                                                
                                                  
                        If you bring your partner or child he or she can receive $100 off either of the above packages

                                                                

                                                                                    To Register Contact Us



                                                          IMPORTANT INFORMATION !!

Between .5% and 2% of the population has a true allergy to honey bee venom.  As we want you to be safe, if you are uncertain if you are or are not allergic to honey bee venom please have yourself tested before we go out to a yard of 40 colonies!

BELOW IS AN EMAIL I RECEIVED FROM ONE OF OUR HAPPY PARTICIPANTS

Hi Bill   I have been meaning to send you a note since I got back.  Thank you so much for a wonderful visit and some wonderful learning experiences. I had a great time and came back to Calgary feeling relaxed and well.   I kinda miss your bees and going out every day to the hives and working with them<grn> It is an honest and sincere activity and I feel very privileged to have been part of your daily care for the bees. I came back and re-rendered my wax based on your instruction. I also used the cleaning water for a mead which is still working so I will let you know how that went later. // 

to Larrisa   Thank you so much for the care you take to include me into the heart of your lovely family. Thank you also for all the nourishing meals you prepared with love. I have been using the salve on my dry elbow and it has made a great difference. I tried to make the lip balm but it turned out a bit on the soft side so I might have the proportions wrong from memory. It still feels lovely to use and have given some to friends and they love it.