Kelowna's Juicy Tips

I admit it: I am a fraidy-cat when it comes to flying bugs with stingers… But I recently had a turn-around in this department when it comes to bees after a very informative and fascinating visit to Arlo’s Honey Farm in South East Kelowna. Arriving at the farm, we could take in the bee-perfect surroundings, from the clover between rows of vines and fruit trees, to Nasturtium around the hives.

Bee Keeper Helen loves her honey bees. Photo Credit: Christina Symons

Arlo’s is at 4329 Bedford Lane, just a block or so away from the Okanagan Lavender and Herb Farm. I arrived with a media guest to speak with Helen Kennedy, the Bee Keeper, one beautiful morning not long ago. Helen has a terrific bee display in her honey shop, and took the time to show us a hive and how the bees seperate duties and responsibilities in their bee society in the hive. They are such clever little beings!

She explained to us that worker bees are the ones who make the honey, and in their lifetime they will produce one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey. Talk about having a new appreciation for the value of the honey! Did you know that a Queen Bee is made by bees who add “Royal Jelly” to a cell in their hive, which then becomes the birthplace of the new Queen? I’m telling you, the things Helen taught me opened my eyes, big time.

Helen also told us all about the health benefits of honey, and its’ humectant qualities which make it a perfect natural beauty product ingredient. My writer friend was furiously taking notes and peppering Helen with questions, while I reassessed my feelings toward these industrious creatures.

Helen shows off a frame at Arlo's Honey Farm in Kelowna. Photo: Christina Symons

Then Helen suited up in her white bee suit and took us out to the hives so that we could see the bees in action. She pulled out frame after frame with the ease and comfort of someone selecting books from a library. The bees didn’t mind one bit, and Helen explained how she manages hives, keeps them clean and comfortable, and ensures they have a steady supply of water. These are happy bees, that’s for sure!

This is a super interesting farm visit that I can highly recommend – and I’ll bet you’ll be bringing visitors to Arlo’s time and time again. Not only can you find delicious local honey (good for alergy sufferers out there) and bee products, but it’s one of those experiences that can shift your world view and deepen your understanding of the world around you.

Just the facts
Hours of operation: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday until September 30, 2009.
Cost to visit the farm: Free – but bring cash for goodies sold at the farm store!
Other interesting stops in this area: Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm, Tantalus Vineyards (hey! Another 1-2-3 Tour!)
Note: Helen also sells her honey at the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market (see this blog post for info on the whereabouts and hours of the Farmers’ Market in Kelowna.)

Watch this video about Arlo’s Honey Farm, from Tourism Kelowna’s new tourism videos on Kelowna.com entitled “The Tour Guru”: