White “glamping” domes dot the coastline like pearls at the end of “Chemin des Huîtres” (Oyster Road), in Haut-Shippigan on the Acadian Peninsula. Just like the valuable gems created by the shellfish, Cielo Glamping is a hidden jewel in this part of the country. And just like the Acadian oysters, Cielo’s reputation is growing internationally.
Pat Gauvin and Emilie LeBlanc opened Cielo Glamping over 5 years ago. Years earlier, When the idea first arose, glamping domes were a new idea in Canada. The couple thought it would be a good way to attract tourists and showcase what the area has to offer.
Having already worked with their local CBDC Péninsule acadienne to open his first business, Pat went back to get financing, and advice.
“The CBDCs are there to listen, and to help you, if you have any questions about your business plan,” he said. “They’re there to listen.”
With a project with as many facets to it as Cielo, it’s good to have experts to share your ideas with.
The glamping domes were always supposed to be a way to draw people to their “hub” — a restaurant, venue, and space to create new local products.
“We really wanted to promote local products,” Emilie said. “We wanted to create a space where our community could come, and where others from elsewhere could mingle with the community … where people would feel welcomed and feel the Acadian vibes.”
This year, they decided to build on that philosophy, and create a formal music series, “Icones Francos.”
“It’s artists that have had an impact on our French music scene, in Quebec or New Brunswick,” Pat said.
The series of 12 shows throughout the summer is in addition to the regular shows they host every week, all year round.
“The feedback we get the most is that the space is so intimate,” Emilie said. “It’s so small that you feel that proximity to the artists. You do get the chance to talk to them after the show too. They’re very generous with that. I think a lot of clients are very appreciative.”
This atmosphere is very much by design. The beautiful space, with a wall of windows looking out at the bay, was always intended to create an intimate and comfortable place to discover new things.
With over 40 products that have been developed at the hub itself, they offer their “Cielo boards,” with over 65 different local products in total. Customers can pick an assortment of everything from local chocolates to local smoked arctic char.