Celebrating 25 years, Fox Harb’r Resort is redefining luxury golf in Canada with a multi-million dollar expansion, debuting the highly anticipated Ocean Course on May 8, 2025. Designed by Canada’s top golf architects, Doug Carrick and Tom McBroom, this marks the first phase of a visionary golf transformation at the celebrated Nova Scotia resort.
A Visionary Legacy
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.
And having been there to writer a travel article for GoodLife Mississauga Magazine back in 2017, I can confidently say it is truly spectacular!
A proud host to golf legends, world leaders, and celebrities – including the Nova Scotia’s own, Sidney Crosby whom I happened to meet there while on a press trip – 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 (a very kind fellow and good friend of the late Canadian music legend, Gord Downie), the resort is embarking on a new era of excellence while staying true to its founding principles of a world-class destination that would blend luxury, nature, and sport.
A Game-Changing Golf Experience
In 2018 Steven Joyce and Fox Harb’r Resort president Kevin Toth hosted an international design competition that led to an unprecedented collaboration between Canada’s most esteemed golf architects, Doug Carrick and Tom McBroom.
Tasked with reimagining the resort’s golf experience, the duo blended their expertise to create a seamless integration of breathtaking oceanfront and inland landscapes. Once complete in Spring 2027, the resort will feature 36-holes of championship golf.
The Ocean Course – Debuting May 2025
Opening this spring, the Ocean Nine kicks off the first phase of the resort’s bold golf transformation, offering players a thrilling new coastal experience. To ensure a full 18-hole round, it will be paired with an existing nine holes for the 2025 season. This temporary routing allows golfers to experience the stunning new coastal 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.”
The Vineyard Course – Arriving in 2027
Complementing the Ocean Course, the Vineyard Course will feature 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,” says Toth. “Players will encounter two entirely different challenges—from dramatic oceanfront holes to the refined, inland vineyard layout.”
Beyond the Greens
As Eastern Canada’s only Four Diamond, Five-Star resort celebrates 25 years, its transformation extends beyond golf. This spring, the resort will debut an all-new luxury spa—inspired by the world’s top wellness retreats.
Highlights of the new spa include:
- Comprehensive Hydrothermal Circuit: A meticulously designed experience featuring a Bio Sauna, Aroma Steam Room, an Experience Shower 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.
Fox Harb’r Spa & Wellness reflects the growing demand for wellness-focused travel, combining cutting-edge hydrothermal therapies with holistic healing traditions. Designed to promote relaxation, recovery, and social connection, the spa offers an immersive experience inspired by Nova Scotia’s renowned natural beauty.
A Destination Unlike Any Other
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 resort also features a private 5,000-foot runway, allowing guests to arrive with ease.
This spring, the first phase of a new community of 18 luxury golf townhomes, designed by renowned Atlantic Canadian architect Brian MacKay-Lyons, will also be unveiled. These additions will further enrich the resort’s reputation as a premier destination for golf, wellness, and luxury living.
“With Nova Scotia emerging as a must-visit golf destination, Fox Harb’r Resort brings something unique to the province’s golf landscape,” says Toth. “Our coastal setting, championship course, and luxury amenities offer guests an experience that is both world-class and deeply relaxing. Whether it’s a round of golf, a weekend retreat, or a chance to unwind at the spa, we provide a destination where guests can truly escape and recharge.”
About Doug Carrick
Since establishing Carrick Design in 1985, Doug has been involved in the planning, design and remodelling of more than 80 golf courses worldwide. He apprenticed under the guidance of C.E. “Robbie” Robinson, one of Canada’s most respected golf course architects, who schooled him in the classic design principles of the renowned Stanley Thompson.
Many of Doug’s designs have been recognised with numerous awards from several of golf’s most respected publications. Doug has also served the profession through the American Society of Golf Course Architects serving on various Committees and Boards including: the Environmental Committee, the Board of Governors, the Executive Committee and as President of the ASGCA in 2010.
About Tom McBroom
The Tom McBroom signature is synonymous with the design and construction of outstanding golf courses across North America and around the world. His work has stood the test of time and his courses are routinely ranked amongst the best in Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and China.
Twelve of his courses are ranked in Canada’s Top 100 according to SCOREGolf Magazine, second only to the legendary Stanley Thompson (who has 15). Tom’s two courses in Finland are both ranked in Golf Digest’s Top 100 European Courses and his Royal St. Kitts is ranked among the best in the Caribbean.
contributed by Tim Gallant of Siren Communications, added notes by TOtimes editor, Terry Lankstead
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