Set along one of Canada’s most remarkable stretches of Atlantic coastline, Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore, lies Fox Harb’r Resort, long celebrated as one of Canada’s most exclusive destinations. Fox Harb’r Resort is redefining luxury golf in Canada with a multi-million dollar expansion, debuting the highly anticipated Ocean Course, accompanied by the heathland-style Vineyard course. Designed by Canada’s top golf architects, Doug Carrick and Tom McBroom, this marks the beginning of a visionary golf transformation at the celebrated Nova Scotia resort, which is commemorating its 25th anniversary.
Great golf is just the beginning at this accessible luxury destination, located just 90 minutes from Halifax Airport. For discerning travelers, guests can bypass traditional airports and land directly on the resort’s private 5,000-foot runway.
Founded in 2000 by Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist Ron Joyce, co-founder of Tim Hortons, Canada’s largest and most iconic coffee chain, Fox Harb’r Resort was built as a “labour of love” along Nova Scotia’s picturesque Northumberland shore. A proud host to golf legends, world leaders, and celebrities, Joyce’s vision was to establish an unparalleled golf and luxury resort experience in his home province. Today, under the leadership of his son, Steven Joyce, the resort is embarking on a new era of excellence, while staying true to its founding principles of being a world-class destination that blends luxury, nature, and sport.
The centerpiece of the Fox Harb’r evolution will be the Ocean Course, the first phase of a sweeping golf expansion that will ultimately deliver 36 holes of championship play.
The Ocean Nine debuted in May 2025, marking the first phase of the resort’s bold golf transformation, offering players a thrilling new coastal experience. At the start of the 2026 season, the Ocean Nine will be paired with the new Vineyard Nine, a temporary routing that will allow golfers to experience the stunning new coastal and vineyard holes designed by Carrick and McBroom while the final phases are completed.
Inspired by Scotland’s legendary Links courses, the layout delivers a refined yet exhilarating challenge, blending dramatic elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and breathtaking oceanfront views along the rugged Northumberland Strait.
“The Ocean Course will unfold like a journey, building anticipation from inland terrain to commanding coastal vistas,” says Carrick. “By the time golfers reach the elevated 5th tee, they are met with a spectacular panorama of the Northumberland Strait and Prince Edward Island—one of the course’s most awe-inspiring reveals. From there, the layout fully embraces the oceanfront, flowing through the par-four 6th, which plays into the backdrop of the Strait. The journey continues with the scenic par-three 7th and the rolling par-five 8th, winding along the cliffs before rising to the final hole. It’s a routing that seamlessly blends challenge, beauty, and strategy, ensuring that every round is both exhilarating and unforgettable.”
Work is already underway on the complementary Vineyard Course, which will be open for play in 2026. The Vineyard course is a Heathland-style layout weaving through forests, open meadows, and alongside the resort’s award-winning vineyards. With its sheltered fairways framed by fescue and heather, the course will offer a classic and strategic playing experience.
“With both the Ocean and Vineyard Courses, Fox Harb’r will be one of the most diverse golf destinations in North America,” added Kevin Toth, president of Fox Harb’r Resort. “Players will encounter two entirely different challenges, from dramatic oceanfront holes to the refined, inland vineyard layout.”
Spa & Wellness Centre
As Eastern Canada’s only Four Diamond, Five-Star resort, it celebrates 25 years, and its transformation extends beyond golf. The resort boasts an all-new luxury spa—inspired by the world’s top wellness retreats.
Highlights of the new spa include:
- Comprehensive Hydrothermal Circuit: Fox Harb’r Spa & Wellness is a meticulously designed experience featuring a Bio Sauna, Aroma Steam Room, Experience Showers with customizable water pressure, and a Cold Plunge to stimulate circulation and support muscle recovery.
- Restorative Wellness & Recovery: A therapeutic Salt Lounge designed to promote respiratory health, skin rejuvenation, and deep relaxation is complemented by a selection of advanced therapies focused on holistic healing and stress relief.
- High-Performance Fitness Studio: Designed to rival elite wellness clubs, it features a hydration bar, plyometric equipment, and state-of-the-art cardio solutions tailored to complement the spa’s hydrotherapy offerings.
Spanning 1,400 acres, Fox Harb’r Resort offers a luxurious experience, with accommodations for up to 200 guests. Beyond golf and the new spa, visitors can enjoy a deep-water marina, kayaking, sport shooting, archery, axe throwing, award-winning conference facilities, fine dining, and more.
The first phase of a new community of 18 luxury golf townhomes debuted this spring, further enriching the resort’s reputation as a premier destination for golf, wellness, and luxury living.
“Nova Scotia continues to grow as a golf destination, and Fox Harb’r brings something distinctive to the province’s landscape,” says Toth. “Whether it’s a round of golf, a weekend escape, or time at the spa, we offer a place to unwind and recharge truly.”
As the resort celebrates its 25th anniversary, its trajectory feels as ambitious as its origins. For those seeking a destination where land, sea, and sky converge in effortless harmony, Fox Harb’r remains in a league of its own.
Travel golfers planning a Nova Scotia getaway may want to consider an extended stay so they can hit both Fox Harb’r and Cabot Cape Breton, home to a pair of acclaimed tracks. A scenic three-hour drive separates the two resorts.
