Alberta Dominates Canadian Honey Production

The New West Coast Oil Pipeline (WCOP) consultation period ends on September 18. The article is not about the pipeline, but rather a tangent story about bees and honey production in Canada.

When author moved to Nova Scotia in 2013, they noticed a sign prohibiting the importation of bees into the province. Initially, they thought it was to protect local beekeepers from competition, but later learned that it was actually to prevent the spread of a beetle called the small hive beetle, which cannot be eradicated once established.

While researching Canadian honey production, author discovered that Alberta is the top producer in Canada, accounting for 34 million pounds of honey in 2025. This makes up roughly one-third of the country's total honey production. The province has been consistently at the top since 1986 and out-produces non-Prairie provinces by a significant margin.

Author attributes Alberta's success to its unique combination of factors, including its short but intense growing season, long days during peak nectar flow, and dry Prairie air that inhibits mold growth. Additionally, canola fields in Alberta provide an ideal environment for bees, with rich nectar and pollen sources.