there was limited places to stay if they wanted to extend their fun beyond a day trip - that’s when it clicked that there was a gap to fill. “We realized that the land we bought would be a great spot for cabins, as there was a winter market for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and other activities in addition to what the property could offer in the summer months. So, we developed a business plan and went from there.” They moved forward with construction, and while breaking ground was an exciting moment, building on the rugged mountain terrain was no easy feat. The property spans 14 acres on one side of the road and six on the other, with the latter being an open field cleared by his great-great-great- grandfather that they wanted to preserve. The other side was steep and uneven, with slopes that made navigation tricky even for foresters with extensive experience in road building and construction. “The driveway and landscaping became bigger projects than we expected, but we made it work,” he says. “Now, standing at the top and looking out over the valley, we know it was worth every bit of effort. It’s a bit of a climb to get there, but once you do - the view speaks for itself.” Construction wrapped up in early 2020, and by March 1st, the chalets were ready to welcome guests – in time to catch the last month or so of what had been a great snowmobiling season. But just two weeks later, the world changed. “We had two really good weeks, then COVID hit, and the lockdowns came,” he recalls. “That was stressful, being a brand- new business.” The chalets sat empty for a couple of months, but as restrictions eased and people started looking for safe staycation options, Valley View proved to be a perfect escape. With a safe self-check-in process and a strong Wi-Fi signal, even remote workers enjoyed the change of scenery.
“Once people started moving around, things really picked up, and Nova Scotians really supported us when nobody else could come or go.” Moving past the worst part of the pandemic, Valley View Chalets focused on building its brand around offering a year-round, premium experience while staying accessible. In an area with few new developments, Kody saw an opportunity to provide something fresh. “We wanted to offer a premium experience that could still be affordable for younger families or snowmobilers,” he says. Each of the 360-square-foot chalets is fully equipped with kitchens—including an oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator—as well as washrooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, satellite smart TVs, and electric fireplaces. Outside, each chalet has a spacious veranda, propane BBQs, and a firepit. Each chalet is named after Kody’s great-uncles and grandfather—Donald, Robie, Lee and, Bud- adding to the property’s charm and reflecting the pride in the family legacy. “Our newest chalet is named after my uncle Alec, who originally owned the piece of land where the chalets are built now, so Alex’s Treehouse has a special place in everybody’s heart. His grandson, Robert, built it for us, so it’s a nice family connection.” Outside of the chalets, guests at Valley View Chalets have endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. The Margaree River is a must-visit, whether for fishing, sightseeing, or tubing down its gentle currents. Just four kilometers from the Cabot Trail, the chalets offer easy access to hiking spots. In winter, snowmobilers can leave directly from the chalets to explore the Highlands, while ATV riders can access miles of scenic trails leading to waterfalls. With family members running local tours, activities, and restaurants, there’s a deep sense of community woven into the experience. For those looking to enter the tourism and hospitality industry, the key is to create a
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I was always in the woods with my dad, or office with my mom, and had an interest in both the administrative and operational side of our family operation ”
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