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Built by a Nova Scotian entrepreneur also known for starting Canada’s favourite coffee chain, this year marks a quarter of a century of operations for Fox Harb’r Resort. Featuring five-star golfing, luxury accommodations, wellness services and other amenities, the resort attracts visitors from across the continent. To celebrate 25 years and solidify its reputation as a premier tourist destination, Fox Harb’r Resort recently launched expansions to its courses, spa and places to stay.
Getting started
The beginning of Fox Harb’r Resort dates back to 1987 when Ron Joyce (co-founder of Tim Hortons) purchased over 1,000 acres of oceanfront property along Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Coast. After 13 years of development, his luxury resort opened in 2000, featuring a golf course, spa, short- and long-term accommodations, dining and more.
After being recognized as a premier course by Golf Digest for its first year in operation, Fox Harb’r Resort consistently expanded over time. A number of townhomes were built on the property for permanent and summer homes. In 2004, a sporting lodge was built, which brought new activities, including skeet shooting, sea kayaking, tennis, pickleball and horseback riding. Development for a Fox Harb’r vineyard also began in 2015, which opened in 2018.
Celebrating 25 years
With an established reputation after decades in operation, Fox Harb’r Resort celebrates its 25-year milestone with the conclusion of several projects. Kevin Toth, Fox Harb’r president, explains that the resort is wrapping up construction of an 18-unit townhome project, which will be ready for occupancy in June of this year. Major expansions to its spa and wellness centre will also launch next month. Additions include new hydrotherapy services, treatments for performance and relaxation, beauty services and more.
Fox Harb’r Resort’s largest current project is an expansion of its golf offerings. In 2023, construction began on nine new holes for its Ocean Course, which opened this week. Nine new holes for its Vineyard Course are also in the works and scheduled to debut in 2026. Phased renovation of the resort’s original 18 holes of golf will complete the project. Toth explains that by the spring of 2027, Fox Harb’r Resort will have two distinct 18-hole golf courses—its lake-style Ocean Course and Heathland-style Vineyard Course. Plus, an 18-hole putting course will open this August. Courses are being designed by Doug Carrick and Tom McBroom, Canada’s top golf architects.
Maintaining legacy
Still a family-owned business, Fox Harb’r Resort is currently owned and operated by Ron’s son, Steven Joyce. An event on May 17 will further celebrate the resort’s 25 years in business with a golf tournament, performances by Rawlins Cross, fireworks and a gala dinner.
In addition to increasing its staff and expanding its season, Toth says these new expansions allow Fox Harb’r to future-proof its position in the market. He commented: “We want to solidify our future and be regarded as one of the leading resorts in Canada, which we’re well on our way to doing.”
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