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A scenic oceanfront property along the Northumberland Shore of rural Nova Scotia, Fox Harb’r Resort attracts visitors from across North America to enjoy its luxury accommodations and lavish amenities. Nearly 40 years in operation, development still continues at the family-owned property.
Breaking ground
In 1987, Ron Joyce, co-founder of Tim Hortons, purchased 1,100 acres of land on the sunrise side of his home province. Located just outside of Wallace, Nova Scotia, the property offers an escape from city living but is still conveniently located about a 90-minute drive from Halifax and Moncton airports.
Joyce’s vision was to create a luxury resort and community. Construction quickly began on a 5,000-foot airstrip, a championship golf course, guest accommodations, dining facilities, a spa and residential properties. After about 13 years of development, Fox Harb’r Resort officially opened in 2000.
Growing amenities
Well-known for its golf course, Fox Harb’r was named Best New Course by Golf Digest after its first full year in operation in 2001. The course was designed by Graham Cooke, renowned for his architecture work and amateur golfing career. Among many notable guests over the years, Tiger Woods still holds the course record, as well as the longest drive on hole 16.
Throughout the early 2000s, development continued. Construction of the resort’s spa and clubhouse was completed, as well as a number of townhome complexes that welcomed their first residents. The Fox Harb’r sporting lodge opened in 2004, and over time the resort added skeet shooting, horseback riding, sea kayaking, pickleball, tennis, wellness facilities and boat cruise tours. There are also three greenhouses onsite, which grow produce used in the resort’s dining facilities.
In 2015, development began on the resort’s 25-acre vineyard, which had its first harvest in 2018. Fox Harb’r also continued to add accommodations throughout its property, which can now host up to 170 guests.
Growing green
Current developments at Fox Harb’r Resort include two new golf courses being designed by top Canadian golf architects Doug Carrick and Tom McBroom. A new nine-hole links course along the property’s coastline is expected to open in May 2025. Plans are also underway for a parkland-style nine-hole Vineyard course that’s anticipated for the summer of 2026. These additions will bring the resort’s course total to 36 holes.
The resort also continues to expand its accommodations with an 18-unit townhome and 48 new home properties in development.
Maritime hospitality
Today, Fox Harb’r Resort is still owned by the Joyce family with Ron’s son Steven as the current owner and CEO. The resort’s season runs from mid-April until mid-November each year, while certain amenities are available to members year-round. During peak times, Fox Harb’r employs 264 staff.
Commenting on the experience of visiting Fox Harb’r Resort, president Kevin Toth said: “We use the slogan of ‘luxury without pretension’. Our approach is to ensure guests experience authentic maritime hospitality and all the amenities we have to offer.”
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