Big Buzz : To bee or not to bee?

Three Queens and their accompanying entourage of more than 10,000 bees are now in residence atop the roof of Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York. The Queens checked into their 14^th storey triple hive apiary on June 4. To mark the royal visit and celebrate their arrival the hotel will offer a “B&B & BEE” package.

The Fairmont Royal York’s Executive Chef David Garcelon, photographed above at the St. Lawrence Market, says the three new hives are a natural extension of the his flourishing rooftop herb garden. The rooftop apiary was established in partnership with the Toronto Beekeepers Cooperative and FoodShare. Both initiatives will deliver fresh local products in a sustainable way to hotel guests.

"You can’t find a supplier much closer than your own roof," said Garcelon. He anticipates that the bee colonies will deliver "some irresistible honey for our guests" and at the same time promote the hotel's ecological commitment to bee culture. To see a fun and informative podcast about the bees, click on the headline above.

The “B&B & BEE” overnight city getaway package includes:

-One night accommodation in a Fairmont Room
-Full breakfast for two in EPIC or York’s Kitchen
-Valet parking for one vehicle
-A souvenir bee embossed soap
-A $1 donation the Toronto Beekeepers Cooperative

The package starts at $224 CAD per night, based on double occupancy. It is available through September 1, 2008. Book online or call 800.441.1414 and use bee code IU8BEE.

Photo by Sue Frause