Balsam Ridge Forest Domes - Portage Vale, NB (Rising Tides & Stars Region)
Accommodation: Five-star Luxury Geodisic Domes Accommodation Style: Seven Geodisic Domes Operating Period: Year-round
Description: Balsam Ridge Forest Domes: A 5-Star Luxury Escape in Nature Tucked away in the peaceful wilderness of Portage Vale, New Brunswick, Balsam Ridge Forest Domes offers a one-of-a-kind luxury glamping experience just 35 minutes from Moncton. Rated 5-stars by Canada Select, this geodesic dome retreat redefines outdoor accommodation by blending high-end comfort with raw natural beauty.
At Balsam Ridge, every detail is carefully curated to ensure a stay that’s both indulgent and authentically local. Each dome is outfitted with Canadian-made and locally sourced products, featuring handcrafted furnishings and décor that reflect the creativity of the surrounding community. From the plush interiors to artisanal touches, your dome is more than just a place to stay—it’s part of the experience. Guests can immerse themselves in nature through the property’s extensive private trail system, perfect for hiking, snowshoeing, or simply reconnecting with the forest. After a day of outdoor adventure, retreat to your private dome, where luxury amenities await. Each unit features a private hot tub, and select domes are equipped with a personal sauna—ideal for deep relaxation under the shade of the trees.
Balsam Ridge also serves as a stunning stargazing haven. On clear nights, guests can enjoy a celestial showcase from their dome’s panoramic windows or outdoor seating areas. Whether you’re watching the Milky Way arc overhead or catching a meteor shower, the skies here are part of the magic. Strategically located in southeastern New Brunswick, Balsam Ridge is close to the Nova Scotia and PEI borders, making it a perfect base for regional adventures and day trips across the Maritimes. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, wellness retreat, or a unique escape into nature with friends or family, this resort delivers the ultimate treetop glamping experience. Discover a new way to unwind—where luxury meets the forest, and the stars are just the beginning—at Balsam
Ridge Forest Domes.
Astro-strengths: Away from significant light pollution, you will enjoy dark skies with better-than-Bortle-3 conditions, ensuring stargazers and astronomers alike will have the opportunity to view and experience the night sky and all its wonders. You can use the handy Cliff Valley Astronomy binder to help you in your star-hopping journey.
Bortle Zone: better than 3
Perfect for: Beginners to advanced astronomers, astrophotography, nightscape and Milky Way photography, couples, families, nature lovers and corporate retreats! Please inquire about our group bookings!
2025 Key Celestial Events:
- July 16 – Moon, Saturn & Pluto conjunction
- July 20 – Moon & M45 Pleiades conjunction
- July 28 – Moon & Mars conjunction and Delta Aquarids meteor shower (20/hr and Moon at 10%)
- August 11 & 12 – Venus & Jupiter conjunction and Perseids meteor shower (100+/hr and Moon at 83%) and Moon & Saturn conjunction*
- August 31 – Moon and M44 Beehive Cluster conjunction
- September 7 – Total Lunar Eclipse*
- September 8 – Moon, Saturn & Neptune conjunction
- September 12 – Moon and M45 Pleiades conjunction
- September 16 – Moon & Jupiter conjunction
- September 20 – Saturn at opposition
- September 21 – Partial Solar Eclipse (not visible from North America)
- September 23 – Neptune at opposition
- Octoboer 13 – Moon & Jupiter conjunction*
- October 21 – Orionids meteor shower during New Moon*
- November 2 – Moon & Saturn conjunction*
- November 9 – Moon & Saturn conjunction*
- December 7 – Moon & Jupiter conjunction*
- December 26 – Moon & Saturn conjunction*
- December 31 – Moon & M45 Pleiades conjunction*