BC BEE SUPPLY WELCOMES YOU TO

Reserve Your Live Bees For

Spring 2026

Reserve high quality, locally-raised bees

from trusted BC beekeepers or imported bees from qualified farms abroad,

secure your colony early and achieve a strong start to your season with BC Bee Supply.

Imported Packages

A PACKAGE is a colony typically imported from outside of Canada, usually from the southern hemisphere. Either the bees arrive in a screened tube or mesh cage/box and will hold a certain weight of bees, a mated queen and usually a container of feed. Expected to arrive in March and possibly early April.

Pros:

  • Honeybees from New Zealand and Australia allow Western Canadian beekeepers to start their season as early as possible

  • Give yourself the best chance to catch the full nectar bearing season

  • Suitable for standard (and non-standard) beehive set ups

  • Lighter and simpler to transport and install

  • Often preferred by beekeepers who have existing drawn comb from last year

Cons:

  • Only bees arrive with these colonies - no drawn comb, no brood, and no stored honey

  • Colony growth depends heavily on early weather and feeding

  • Initial establishment can take longer

  • Bees may require closer monitoring during the first weeks

Nucleus Colony (Nuc)

A NUC from BC Bee Supply will arrive in a screened wooden box and include 4 frames of healthy bees which represent the core of a honeybee colony. Expected around late April and throughout May (the best part of spring weather wise).

Pros:

  • Nucs are "already established" colonies featuring a laying queen

  • These frames include drawn comb, honey/pollen and bees in all stages of life

  • Generally easier to install due to an already functioning colony

  • Often more resilient during early spring conditions

  • Requires fewer immediate management steps after installation

  • Features 100% BC-bred content - support your local bee farmer.

Cons:

  • Usually available later in spring compared to packages

  • Limited supply due to local production timelines

  • May require returning or exchanging the Nuc box

  • Less opportunity to observe colony development from the earliest stage

  • Arrives later than Packages so access to some nectar sources are missed

BC Bee Supply's simple 3 stage
2026 Reservation Process

Place Your Reservation

This 2026 Reservation Process will keep BC Bee Supply and its BEEloved live bee customers informed and organized during the upcoming beekeeping season.
1. Fill out reservation form with your contact information.
2. Choose and pay for the product and quantity that suits you best.
3. Add any questions or concerns in the Notes section.
4. Rest assured knowing that you will get Live Bees from us.

Pickup Arrangement

Now that your reservation for live bees is secured, BC Bee Supply will reach out by email with a schedule to arrange time slot for picking up the bees closer to when they arrive.

We expect to have these calendar choices to you about 2 weeks before the bees are to be picked up.

We offer a guide on how to install your live bees after you submit your pickup arrangement or upon pickup.

Pickup and Installation

Once your pick up date is selected and finalized, we will see you and walk you through the installation process.

If special transportation or shipping is required for any reservation holders, please reach out to us and we will attempt to customize an special arrangement for you.

Otherwise we will look forward to seeing you at 4759 Hastings Street in Burnaby BC at your time of pick up.

For further questions or concerns feel free to contact us at

236-888-1484 or [email protected]

How do I reserve honeybees for 2026?

To reserve either a imported package or a NUC we have a new reservation system starting by filling out the form below with your contact information as well as the quantity of colonies your looking to add to your apiary this year.

When does BC Bee Supply get their NUCs or Imported Packages?

Typically we can expect to have imported packages around and throughout the month of March. And NUC handoffs can be expected throughout late April and throughout May.

How do I get in contact with BC Bee Supply?

To contact us please call us at 236-888-1484 or email us at [email protected]

Where do I learn to keep honeybees?

We teach you how to keep bees! For workshop details please visit BCBeeSupply.ca or contact us by phone or email.

Where do I get beekeeping equipment?

All of our beekeeping equipment and feed is in store or online at BCBeeSupply.ca.

How do I install my bees into my brood box?

We offer a guide on how to install your live bees after you submit your pickup arrangement or upon pickup.

Ready to place a reservation?

Please choose between nucs or packages

Don't hesitate to contact us for any questions or special inquiries

Call at 236 - 888 - 1484 or Email at [email protected]