Lion's Head Meadery
Nucleus Bee Colonies for Sale
Start your beekeeping journey
Ever thought about keeping bees?
There’s something deeply rewarding about caring for a hive and watching thousands of bees work together to pollinate flowers, orchards, and gardens.
Beekeeping connects you to the land in a way few other activities can.
It supports local agriculture, helps pollinators thrive, and may even reward you with your own honey.
At Lion’s Head Meadery in the Thompson Valley, our bees play an important role in pollinating the fruits and flowers that shape the flavours of our meads.
Now, we’re excited to share that experience with others by offering nucleus bee colonies (“nucs”) for sale for $300.
What is a Nucleus Colony ("Nuc")?
A nucleus colony is a small, established starter hive that gives new beekeepers the best chance of success.
Instead of starting with loose packages of bees, a nuc is a functioning mini-colony already working together.
Because the colony is already organized and raising young bees, it grows quickly once placed into a standard hive box.
What is in a Nuc?
Each nuc typically includes:
• A laying queen
• Several thousand worker bees
• Brood frames with developing bees (eggs, larvae, pupae)
• Frames containing honey and pollen for food
Why Start With a Nuc?
Nucleus colonies are the preferred way for beginners to start beekeeping because:
• The queen is already accepted by the colony
• The bees are already building brood and raising new workers
• The colony establishes faster than starting from packages
• Higher success rate for new beekeepers
Locally Raised Bees
Our bees are raised here in the Thompson Valley, adapted to the local climate and forage. They spend the season pollinating wildflowers, orchards, and valley blossoms before helping produce the honey that goes into our meads.
When you purchase a nuc from Lion’s Head Meadery, you’re getting local bees that are already thriving in this landscape.
Price: $300 per nucleus colony
Pickup: Spring (exact timing depends on weather and colony readiness)
Whether you’re interested in producing honey, helping pollinators, or simply learning about one of nature’s most fascinating creatures, starting a hive is an unforgettable experience.
Contact us to begin your beekeeping adventure with a nucleus colony from Lion’s Head Meadery.