Move over Muskoka. Word is getting out about Canada’s new playground for the rich

The 9th hole at Cabot Cliffs in Cape Breton, rated one of the top golf courses in the world, and drawing A-listers to stay and play. Photo by ANDREW PENNER/POSTMEDIA

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Nova Scotia is undergoing an evolution as Americans and Europeans, as well as Canadians with deep pockets, discover Canada’s new playground for the rich.

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People flocked to Nova Scotia during the pandemic when they realized they could have more house and a quieter lifestyle, not to mention spectacular scenery, beaches and world-famous golf.

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That’s when Fox Harb’r owners decided to expand their exclusive five-star Fox Harb’r Golf Resort on the Northumberland Strait that separates Prince Edward Island from Nova Scotia. Ron Joyce, who helped build the Tim Hortons empire, was among the first entrepreneurs to plunge into high-end tourism in the province where he was born. He opened an 18-hole golf course and resort with a private jet runway in 2000 that receives 200 guests a season.

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Now, 26 years later, the current owners have invested another $45 million in a multi-year project that will add two new courses with ocean views, both opening in spring 2027. They are also building 20 luxury housing units a year. The Wallace Townhouses that went up for sale last year at a cool $1.6 million, are already 60 per cent sold, says Kevin Toth, president of Fox Harb’r Resort.

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“We have a lot of faith in the luxury and high-end market — that’s what we cater to,” Toth said.

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Out-of-country visitors are escaping crowded noisy cities in exchange for a cheaper dollar and high-end vacation experiences in Nova Scotia. Some are buying up oceanside villas as getaways to ski or golf, prompting investors to pump millions into expansion projects over the next several years.

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Cabot Cliffs Golf and Residences in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, offer ocean views and some of the top-rated golf in the world. Photo by Armand Barragan/Cabot Cliffs

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A growing luxury segment of the tourism market in Nova Scotia is experiencing an unprecedented boom. Tourism Nova Scotia reports an uptick in tourism last year of eight per cent — well ahead of the national growth rate of just three per cent.

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Jennifer Simpson, CEO of Bespoke Travel Design, a customized travel experience to 31 destinations throughout North America, said their customers who want to come to Nova Scotia are spending between $7,000 to $13,000 during their stay.

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“The City of Halifax and the province have done an excellent job marketing to the clientele. There are now five-star restaurants and good air access for people out of country to come directly to Nova Scotia,” she said during a visit to Halifax in October.

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Bespoke can arrange for travellers to take a unique historical tour of the city or pay thousands to experience a view they can’t get elsewhere, such as a helicopter to Cape Sable Island where wild horses roam free.

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“They want to gain access to a high-end luxury experience with individuals who know the area,” said Simpson.

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Halifax kicked off this past summer with the international catamaran racing event Sail Grand Prix sponsored by Emirates and Rolex. Tourists filled grandstands overlooking the harbour and hotels like The Muir, part of the Marriott’s luxury collection.   The event generated an estimated $64.7 million in economic impact for Halifax, a nearly four per cent increase compared with the 2024 event, according to a study by Deloitte.

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This summer’s SailGP event in Halifax, sponsored by Rolex and Emirates, generated an estimated $65 million for the local economy. Photo by Tim Krochak

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Foodies have more choices than ever before to enjoy a culinary experience. Mystic, a Halifax waterfront restaurant, won North America’s Best New Restaurant in 2025 at the 6th Annual Culinary Awards, beating top competitors in cities like New York, Los Angeles and Vancouver.