[Fowkes]

Hi there,

I'm new to beekeeping. I've only got one hive at the moment but as things grow I'm trying to find a solid company to order equipment from that is reliable and not too expensive. Suggestions? I live in Canada.

 

[StevenG]

I don't know what kind of problems you'll run into, importing equipment into Canada. You might ask some Canadian beeks, join any organization near you, pick their brains. They'll solve most of your problems.
Two companies I've had good luck with are http://www.dadant.com/catalog/ and http://www.kelleybees.com/PageDefault.aspx
Your best bet is to telephone them to place an order. No misunderstandings that way. Get their catalogues first.
Regards,
Steven

 

[Andrew Dewey]

Freight from the states will eat you alive. I'd suggest talking with local beeks to find out where they get equipment.

I pickup most of my woodenware at "the factory" (in my case Humble Abodes) and order only those items that aren't available locally. Recent online purchases have included a queen marking tube, Mite-Away II and burlap.

 

[sqkcrk]

Check w/ Ontario Agriculture, I bet they have a bulletin of recomendations that would help get you on the right track. Doug McRory retired this last year, but the new guy is quite capable.

Look up Ontario Beekeepers Association. That's a group that you aughtto belong to. Or at least get to know.

I have The Bee Girls calendar on my wall. Those ladies, and guys, are a great group. Cheerful, intelligent positive communicators of the best in canadian beekeeping knowledge and current research.

 

[Fuzzy]

go to honeybeeworld.com and send a message to Allen Dick. He is a longtime Canadian beekeeper and should know the answer.

 

[EastSideBuzz]

I am very much a fan of Mann Lake. They have done right by me many times.

 

[dtompsett]

In Canada...
-Near you.... Benson Bee Supplies. http://www.bensonbee.com/ (first result if you type 'beekeeping supplies ottawa' in Google)

-Better Bees (Cambridge) http://www.betterbees.com/

-Jones & Sons (longtime & major supplier to other companies)... unfortunately their site is useless... have to call and ask for a catalog. Based in Montreal and Toronto I believe. http://www.fwjones.com/



There are others... may be other local small-time guys. I'd suggest contacting your local club. From the OBA website:

Upper Ottawa Valley Beekeepers' Association
Murray Borer, President
RR2 Renfrew, ON K7H 2Z5 613-432-3432

And check out Ottawa Kijiji... I just saw some beekeeping equipment on there last night!

 

[garlicbee]

there are lots of great clubs you just missed a joint field day with eastern ontario club, lanark and I think there is a united counties one, lots of great people with lots of great info.

also the bee girls just did a weekend of workshops in casselman.

the ontario beekeepers association has a list of local clubs and contact numbers

cooks bee supplies in TO has good prices (no web site get the # of the ontario beekeepers association site)


benson bees is handy Metcalfe

hope that helps