CBDC helps bring a luxury glamping experience to the Annapolis Valley

Valley Sky Glamping provides visitors a luxurious getaway to unwind and explore Nova Scotia’s incredible scenery

Nestled in the picturesque Annapolis Valley, Valley Sky Glamping provides a luxurious, relaxing and rejuvenating experience to unwind while highlighting the natural beauty of Nova Scotia.  

Valley Sky Glamping is located a few minutes outside of Wolfville and offers an adult-only accommodation in two geodesic domes and a cabin that feature modern amenities and comforts inspired by the amazing landscape. 

The glamping retreat welcomed their first guests in April 2021 with the help of CBDC Hants-Kings, a not-for-profit organization that supports the success of small businesses in Hants & Kings counties by providing financing, training, and advice to entrepreneurs.

“The CBDC played a major role in the start-up of my business,” says owner and CEO Jonathan Stacey. “They helped me with the development of my business plan, worked with me to receive self-employment benefits while I started my business and helped me with a financial contribution.” 

CBDC Hants-Kings administers the Provincial Self Employment Program in Hants & Kings counties. The Self Employment Program provides support to eligible individuals to create jobs for themselves by starting a business.

“I chose CBDC because they were able to provide the help I needed to get my business up and running,” says Stacey.  

Stacey dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur from a very young age and thought long and hard about what business aligned with his passions. 

“I chose glamping because it combines my love of the outdoors and the experience of luxury accommodation,” says Stacey. “I needed a unique way to start Valley Sky, so I chose the domes because I was able to run them year-round.” 

Once Stacey had a goal in mind, he started developing a model for Valley Sky and later purchased a 32-acre parcel of land. He then hired a business start-up consultant, an excellent accountant and acquired help from CBDC to secure funding through their business loan program.  

Construction for Valley Sky started in May 2020 when the first Covid-19 lockdowns were in full swing. 

“The initial construction portion of building my business was definitely an exciting time for me, as I love building things,” says Stacey.  

“Creating unique accommodations in the up-and-coming glamping industry brought out my passion.” 

A point of pride for Stacey is that he was able to start creating his business in the middle of a pandemic, which created many added challenges. 

The Valley Sky property currently features two geodesic domes, Tidal Dome and Valley Dome, which have a breathtaking view of the wooded hillside. The domes accommodate up to four guests and provide two queen-sized beds, a fireplace, a private hot tub, a fully equipped kitchenette and a sky-light view of the stars.  

The geodesic domes take camping to a new level. Guests can enjoy the surrounding nature while staying in a luxury dome, protected from the elements.   

“It’s like its own ecosystem in here when it’s cold and windy outside,” Stacey said, pointing out that the domes allow for year-round use. It’s very comforting to be in here, actually.” 

Valley Sky also offers the Orchard Cabin, which is surrounded by a forested paradise. The fully accessible accommodation provides a king-sized bed, a skylight, a fully equipped kitchen to whip up delicious meals, and a spacious, luxurious private deck equipped with your own private hot tub, barbecue, fire table, and patio furniture. 

“I’m very proud of the new addition to Valley Sky, the Orchard Cabin. It is a fully accessible cabin, which was completed at the end of 2022,” says Stacey.  

If you are looking for a more traditional stay, Valley Sky offers the guest suite, which offers a king bed, full kitchen, bath, open concept living room with a private deck and barbecue. 

Elevate your glamping getaway with an intimate and immersive package which includes a dining experience while staying in one of the luxury glamping properties. 

The package is a two-night stay, which includes a three-course dinner for two curated by Red Seal Certified Chef, Kerina Dykstra and a complimentary bottle of wine from one of the world-class wineries in the Annapolis Valley.  

A significant achievement for Valley Sky was making the top five in the best new business category at the Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. 

Valley Sky has some exciting plans over the next few years. Stacey’s goal is to add seven more unique accommodations on the site, along with walking trails for access to the brook that borders the property.  

“I’m always working towards creating new experiences for my guests, so you can expect to see new and exciting things happening at Valley Sky in the years to come,” says Stacey.  

“I love what I do. It really doesn’t feel like work for me,” says Stacey.  

To learn more about this amazing experience or to book a reservation please visit www.valleysky.ca.  

Article by Sam Calio, SaltWire

Thank you to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), who collaborate with us to support small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. Together, we will continue to build a stronger Atlantic Canadian economy, fostering job growth and strengthening our rural communities.