ROMBus
The Secret Life of Honey Bees
About
Discover the remarkable world of honey bees on this exclusive day trip to the newly re-opened and iconic Honey Bee Research Centre at the University of Guelph. Responsible for pollinating one-third of the food we eat, honey bees are among the most important creatures on our planet—and this immersive experience offers rare behind-the-scenes access to learn more about them. Guided by renowned bee expert and Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame inductee Paul Kelly, guests will enjoy an engaging presentation on honey bee biology, pollination, and pollinator-friendly plants, followed by a tour of the state-of-the-art facility and an up-close look at a working outdoor apiary. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase honey and handcrafted beeswax candles produced onsite.
Following the tour, we’ll enjoy lunch at Borealis Grille & Bar, one of Canada’s few Certified B restaurants, known for its commitment to locally sourced food and social responsibility. The day concludes with a relaxing guided walk through the stunning gardens of The Arboretum, where you’ll explore horticulture, natural history, and the beauty of one of Ontario’s premier green spaces
Speaker
Highlights
Meet one of Canada’s leading Beekeepers: Paul Kelly, Manager of the Honey Bee Research Centre, is a leading innovator in Canadian beekeeping. He has designed or co-designed many tools and technologies widely used by Ontario beekeepers today, including winter hive wraps, queen bee rearing equipment, pollen collection devices, and monitoring systems for parasitic mites and biological controls.
Honey Bee Research Centre (HBRC): Established more than 100 years ago, the HBRC reopened in a new facility in June 2026. Today, the Centre focuses on honey bee health, hive productivity, and bee breeding.
Behind the scenes HBRC: The Honey Bee Research Centre focuses its research on honey bee health, hive productivity and bee breeding.
Trip Details
Depart at 8:30 AM from ROM (Weston Entrance on Queen’s Park)
Return at 4:30 PM from ROM (Weston Entrance on Queen’s Park)
Be Prepared
- Both morning and afternoon tours will involve walking and standing, indoors and outdoors. The Honey Bee Research Centre is accessible with ramps and stairs. The Arboretum nature trails are groomed and outdoors.
- Tours are conducted rain or shine.
- Walking surfaces may be uneven, containing minimal gravel in parts.
Consent Form
- All participants must sign a consent form before Sept 20 for touring the Honey Bee Research Centre (HBRC) at University of Guelph.
- Please DOWNLOAD the CONSENT FORM
- Email your completed form to programs@rom.on.ca with Subject title: ROMBus Bees – your name.
- When touring the apiary, participants can choose to stand indoors behind protective glass, if they choose.
Lunch
Borealis Grille and Bar
1388 Gordon St, Guelph, Ontario
Borealis is one of Canada's only B Corp certified restaurants, with an emphasis on fresh, locally-produced food and social responsibility.
Dietary Options:
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available upon request.
Kindly notify ROM Programs at programs@rom.on.ca of any dietary restrictions before September 10.
Media Gallery
Related Programs
ROMWalks
Museum Tours
ROMBus is organized by ROM’s Department of Museum Volunteers (DMV) to support the Museum’s mission.
Cost varies depending on the trip. Check individual ROMBus trip webpages for more details and to register.