Award-winning travel writer Anita Draycott takes us inside Fox Harb’r Resort in Nova Scotia for a sneak peek at its spectacular $43-million golf course transformation.
Two renowned Canadian golf course architects, 36 holes of championship golf and spectacular views of the Northumberland Strait are ushering in a new era at Fox Harb’r Resort in 2027.
Golfers, pack your clubs and head east to Fox Harb’r Resort, Nova Scotia. In September 2026, my husband and I had a “sneak peek” at the transformation and golf course expansion. It’s fabulous. With two distinct 18-hole courses scheduled to offer the complete 36-hole experience in 2027, this luxury resort in Wallace, Nova Scotia, is raising the bar for golf in Atlantic Canada.
The folks at Fox Harb’r have always done things on a “Grand Slam” scale. When it opened in 2001, Golf Digest named Fox Harb’r “Best New Golf Course.” Original designer, Canadian architect Graham Cooke, created two unique 9-hole experiences: 9 inland holes and 9 oceanside holes.
Golf Courses in Nova Scotia – 36 New Surf and Turf Fairways
Now, $43 million later, the original 18-hole golf course has expanded into a 36-hole facility: 18 parkland-style fairways, the Vineyard Course, and 18 links-style fairways with views of the rugged coastline, the Ocean Course.
Ocean Course 18th hole Fox Harb’r Resort. Photo: Anita Draycott©
Two Renowned Canadian Architects, Two Distinct Golf Courses
Two of Canada’s most distinguished architects, Doug Carrick and Tom McBroom, won the international competition for the project. This is the first time the two have collaborated. The result is a fascinating contrast between inland and coastal golf.
McBroom describes the Ocean Course as a “refined links-style” that revolves around the ocean. The Vineyard Course offers an entirely different experience.
Elliott Isenor, director of golf operations & human resources, describes the Vineyard Course as a “heathland-inspired course,” reminiscent of the old classically styled inland courses in Scotland and England.
The Vineyard Course: A Taste of Scotland in Nova Scotia
The Vineyard Course meanders around the resort’s own vineyard. Fox Harb’r partnered with nearby Jost Winery to grow its own vines. Who knew that Wallace, Nova Scotia, would become Canada’s own Napa North?
At the starter’s hut, we are given freshly baked oatcakes to fortify ourselves for the round. It’s a nice nod to Nova Scotia’s Scottish heritage.
The first par-4 hole is a gentle handshake to the game. Number 16 is a showstopping par-3 playing downhill to an angled green with water on the left and bunkers on the right. Precision is key here.
The clubhouse is the backdrop to number 18, a par-5 with strategic bunkers to keep you on your toes.
Golfers may stop for refreshments at the new Strait Snack Bar, located between the 18th on the Vineyard and the 1st of the Ocean course. My recommendation? Try the Wagyu hot dogs.
Vineyard Course Fox Harb’r Resort. Courtesy Photo
The Ocean Course: Dramatic Golf Along the Northumberland Strait
The Ocean Course presents a different “kettle of fish”. Here, links-inspired rumpled fairways, pot bunkers and speedy greens.
Five fairways hug the coastline.
Number 6 is a long par-four played from an elevated tee, with the Northumberland Strait and Prince Edward Island in the distance. The gentle left-to-right dogleg plays over an undulating fairway framed by fescue-covered dunes along the left side. You might also spot a bald eagle or grazing deer.
Number 13 is an intriguing “up and over the hill” par-four reminiscent of many blind holes found on the ancient links courses in Scotland and Ireland.
Number 15 is Fox Harb’r’s drama queen. The long par-3 is situated on a rocky peninsula requires a carry over a cove to a green flanked by bunkers. Par here is worthy of a celebratory cocktail at the clubhouse’s casual restaurant, The Willard.
Ocean Course Fox Harb’r Resort. Photo: Anita Draycott©
Lobster Cobb Salad at The Willard Fox Harb’r Resort. Photo: Anita Draycott©
From Donuts to Divots: The Remarkable Ron Joyce Story
The Fox Harb’r story has all the makings of a great Canadian novel or movie. It begins with Ron Joyce, a blue-collar cop from Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, who partnered with Toronto Maple Leafs hockey player Tim Horton in a Hamilton coffee-and-donut shop. Together, they helped build what would become one of Canada’s most successful franchises, with a loyal following eager to “roll up the rim” while sipping their double-doubles.
But Joyce never forgot his Nova Scotia roots.
As his donut empire grew, he wanted to give back to the community where he had grown up. In 1974, he established the Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation to provide camping experiences for children facing financial hardship. The organization eventually grew to operate six camps across Canada, including one near his hometown of Tatamagouche.
Joyce also had another dream: to create a five-star golf resort on Nova Scotia’s beautiful North Shore. He purchased a parcel of land in nearby Wallace that would become Fox Harb’r Resort, a luxury golf destination and residential community that has welcomed the likes of former U.S. president Bill Clinton and golf legend Tiger Woods. Hockey great Sidney Crosby is an honorary member.
Not bad for a former police officer from small-town Nova Scotia.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve created here. Luxury without pretension, in one of the most beautiful places on earth,” Joyce said.
And that philosophy remains at the heart of Fox Harb’r. During our stay, we were dazzled by the coastal views, activities and amenities, but it was the staff who made our visit truly memorable. From our shuttle driver and pontoon boat captain to the restaurant and spa teams, everyone greeted us with genuine warmth, enthusiasm and a desire to please.
Joyce succeeded in creating something special. In spades.
And his legacy continues to grow.
Golf isn’t the Only Game at Fox Harb’r
Fox Harb’r began with golf as the main attraction but now there’s something for everyone on this sprawling 1100-acre property. In addition to the 18 new fairways, swingers may hone their game on the driving range, newly equipped with a TrackMan Range Golf Simulator. Using radar technology, it will analyze your ball flight; you can also program it to virtually play on world-famous tracts, such as Pebble Beach.
Inspired by the Himalayas Putting Course in St. Andrews, Scotland, Fox Harb’r has recently built The Strait 18-hole putting green.
Beyond the fairways, there’s plenty more to do: horseback riding, pickleball and tennis, hiking and biking. The resort offers sunset cruises aboard its pontoon and catamaran boats, a wonderful way to appreciate the Northumberland Strait from the water. Anglers can try their luck at the stocked catch-and-release trout pond.
At the Sporting Lodge, guests can test their aim with archery, clay shooting and axe throwing under expert instruction.
Travel writer Anita Draycott Catamaran Cruise. Photo: Anita Draycott© Left to right: Doug Carrick, Tom McBroom, Steven Joyce, Fox Harb’r Resort. Courtesy Photo.
Relax and Recharge at Fox Harb’r Spa
After a morning on the golf course, I can’t think of a better way to unwind than a visit to the recently renovated Fox Harb’r Spa & Wellness Studio. It offers a full range of treatments, including a signature rejuvenating facial and executive men’s menu.
Named one of Canada’s top spas, the popular facility has expanded to include a Hydro Wellness Studio. The self-guided circuit combines hot and cold thermal experiences, a salt inhalation lounge and an indoor swimming pool.
Fox Harb’r Resort Salt Spa. Courtesy photo
Coastal Dining: Fresh Seafood and Fine Wines
All this activity and fresh sea air whets the appetite, so it’s no surprise that fine cuisine is an important element of the Fox Harb’r experience.
The Cape Cliff Dining Room is Atlantic Canada’s first sustainable seafood restaurant certified by Ocean Wise. On the menu, you’ll find freshly shucked local oysters, Acadian sturgeon caviar from the Saint John River in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia halibut, scallops and lobster.
At breakfast, I couldn’t resist indulging in the lobster and crab Benedict. It was a delicious way to begin the day.
Fox Harb’r also uses fresh herbs and produce from its own greenhouses, bringing a distinctly local flavour to the dining experience.
Wine lovers will appreciate the extensive wine list, which has earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Many of the wines are from the nearby Jost Winery.
After a day on the links, the Cape Cliff dining room is a wonderful place to enjoy a gourmet dinner as the setting sun sinks into Northumberland Strait. It’s easy to understand why Ron Joyce chose this remarkable stretch of coastline for his dream resort.
View from Cliff Dining Room, Fox Harb’r Resort. Photo: Anita Draycott©
Fireplace seating outside Cliff Dining Room Fox Harb’r Resort. Photo: Anita Draycott©
Getting to Fox Harb’r Resort
Fox Harb’r Resort is located in Wallace on Nova Scotia’s North Shore, approximately a two-hour drive from Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The resort can arrange for shuttle service, although having a rental car provides flexibility for exploring nearby communities
If you have your own jet or yacht, fly or cruise direct to the resort’s own landing strip or marina.
Luxury Accommodations at Fox Harb’r Resort
Accommodations at Fox Harb’r Resort are first-class. We stayed in a Golf Manor Suite with a private terrace overlooking the Ocean Course. Amenities included Frette linens, plush bathrobes, heated bathroom floors and a fully stocked wet bar with complimentary Tim Hortons coffee (alas, no Timbits).
For families or larger groups travelling together, Fox Harb’r also offers home rentals with additional space and privacy.
Whether you’re planning a golf getaway, a romantic escape or a celebration with friends, the accommodations are designed to make it tempting to stay a little longer.
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Travel writer Anita Draycott was hosted by Fox Harb’r which did not review or approve of this article before it was published.
About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
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