Fox Harb'r - Nova Scotia - Canada

Fox Harb’r is one of the most exclusive resort destinations in North America. It may lack a couple of vowels in its name, but nothing else - this gated getaway boasts hunting lodges, tennis courts, sumptuous dining facilities, fully equipped spa, junior Olympic swimming pool and a championship golf course – plus, if you prefer not to drive here, there’s a deepwater marina and 5,000 foot airstrip should you choose to arrive by boat or plane!

Situated on a peninsula between Pugwash and Tatamagouche in the north of Nova Scotia, Fox Harb’r was created by Ron Joyce, co-founder of the Tim Hortons coffee and baked foods chain.He sold his stake in the company for mega millions some time ago so money was no object when it came to developing Fox Harb’r. Joyce commissioned former top amateur golfer turned golf architect Graham Cooke to design the golf course which opened for play in 2001 to immediate acclaim.

The Fox Harb’r course is essentially two loops of nine holes. The outward nine is parkland in nature, played away from the shore to sheltered woodland, wetland and lakes. The back nine is more links like, with many holes played above the steep rocky shore of the Northumberland Strait which separates Nova Scotia from Prince Edward Island – and yes, as you might imagine, the views are absolutely spectacular.

Two holes are worthy of special consideration, one on the front nine and one on the inward half: The par four 5th, which is 370 yards from the regular tees, doglegs to the right. The drive has to avoid not only a bunker on the right but a solitary oak tree in the middle of the fairway! At the short, 325-yard par four 16th, the drive from an elevated tee has to carry more than 100 yards of open water to the generous landing area on the fairway – and when the wind’s up, do you feel lucky, punk?

You might care to warm up for your round by playing the more recently opened nine hole par three course which will get your short game in order before tackling its big brother next door.