Just after the Matapédia River empties into the Restigouche, across from the village of Matapédia, you reach the Interprovincial Bridge that spans the river and takes you into Nouveau-Brunswick. From this point, the two provinces share the riverbanks.
This is where Route 11 begins, running through much of Nouveau-Brunswick and becoming a highway after the city of Campbellton. But between these two points, Jo-Anne and Danny Lagacé created a unique oasis in 2022 on a large property along the Restigouche: Appalaches Dômes & Spa.
This entrepreneurial couple began developing their project around 2019. After spending some time searching for the ideal site, and because of the COVID pandemic, it wasn't until 2022 that they finally acquired this site, which already included a house. For them, this type of accommodation continues to grow in popularity among people seeking an alternative to traditional camping and hotels. Such lodgings existed in several regions in Québec and Nouveau-Brunswick, but not in Restigouche. It was in this context that the retired Armed Forces member and his spouse decided to launch this project.
For summer 2024, three domes are available to vacationers. "There are plenty of cabins in the area, but nothing like the dome experience," explains Danny Lagacé. Unlike other similar setups, these domes have a distinctive wood-and-aluminum structure. It's a concept developed with an Ontario supplier: beautiful, sturdy, and well-insulated.
Yet what makes them even more unique, he adds, is that they overlook one of the province's most beautiful landscapes. More domes will be added over the years. In the meantime, the building next to reception will be fitted out to optimize the welcome for guests, and a shop will be set up there offering branded merchandise alongside a range of local products.
Treat yourself to nature and an exceptional experience
Appalaches Dômes & Spa: glamping at its best, ideal for singles, couples, friends, honeymoons, small groups, romantic getaways, wedding or Christmas gifts, and busy people who just need a break.
With unobstructed panoramic views of the mountains and rivers, blue skies, sunsets, and stargazing at night. This insulated dome, comfortable in all seasons, stands on its own foundations, protected from cold and snow, and offers little luxuries like heated floors throughout, air conditioning, a pellet stove, and more. Comfortably settled in rocking chairs or with the included WiFi, you can browse the internet on your laptop or tablet before snuggling into a warm bed.
Each dome features a full bathroom and a kitchen equipped with a hot plate, toaster oven, fridge and freezer, microwave, and a Keurig latte machine, plus most of the equipment needed to prepare a good meal. Finally, you can relax in the hot tub year-round.
After investing in 2022 in the conversion of the neighbouring Flatlands church into a high-end cottage, le Island View, offered for rent by Old Church Cottages, Jo-Anne and Danny Lagacé now have the wind in their sails to carry out their tourism project and help expand Restigouche's offerings.
"Travellers heading to Gaspésie, the Iles-de-la-Madeleine, or other Maritimes destinations will find an exceptional spot for a one- or multi-night stopover in an enchanting setting just a few kilometres from the Interprovincial Bridge, year-round," they assure.
Appalaches Dômes & Spa
booking.oldchurchcottages.com
62 Islandview Dr.
Flatlands, NB
506 329.5444