Along the winding shores of New-Wes-Valley, where small communities meet open skies and coastal views, Curtis Roebotham and his family have created something truly special: The Homestead Adventures. A retreat that blends outdoor living with the comforts of modern glamping, this homestead offers guests an experience rooted in a connection to nature, to community, and the quiet beauty of Newfoundland’s northeastern region.
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When Curtis Roebotham first envisioned The Homestead Adventures, his goal was simple: to create a place where people could experience the outdoors in a way that felt immersive, yet approachable. “It’s about offering a space where people can disconnect, reset, and truly connect with the land,” Curtis says. “I wanted to share the beauty of this place and allow others to experience it for themselves.”
The Homestead Adventures sits in the community of New-Wes-Valley, Newfoundland. It’s part of the scenic “Road to the Shore” route, a region known for its dramatic cliffs, peaceful coves, and cultural heritage. “Our location is everything,” Curtis says. “When guests step out of their tents, they’re greeted by sweeping views of the coast – rolling hills, the sound of the waves, and the crisp air. The sense of peace you feel here is something people really appreciate.”
New-Wes-Valley itself is a collection of small communities, rich in history and rooted in the fishing traditions of Newfoundland. It’s an ideal setting for those seeking a slower pace, a connection to land and sea, and the chance to learn by doing.
Curtis spent nearly two decades working in hunting and fishing camps across the country as a floatplane pilot. In the off-season, he worked as an occupational safety professional – an experience that helped shape the philosophy behind his business today. “I’m a product of the industry,” he says. “I’ve seen everything from one-star to five-star operations. What I wanted to build was something flexible, where guests of all skill levels and backgrounds could feel welcome.”
He returned to his hometown in 2017, got married, and began gradually shaping the land into what would eventually become The Homestead Adventures. Turning that vision into a functioning business required nearly two years of working with the provincial government to secure licensing. His persistence paid off – The Homestead Adventures became Newfoundland’s first officially recognized glamping operation. “There was no legislation for what I was doing,” he says. “I had to work with government officials to find creative ways to operate within what existed.”
Rather than fight the process, he focused on building relationships. “Now I’ve got contacts I can call anytime I have a new idea. It’s gone from me begging for permission to being seen as a partner in the process.”
By 2018, they opened their first glamping unit and began offering guided kayak tours. Since then, the site has evolved into a year-round operation offering a mix of nature-based accommodation, hands-on education, and adventure second to none in Newfoundland or anywhere, for that matter.
The accommodations at The Homestead Adventures are custom-built canvas structures – similar in design to old prospector tents but outfitted like hotel rooms. Each 14’ x 16’ tent is set on a wooden base and features a pillow-top mattress and an electric heater. Tents are fully powered and include BBQs, basic cooking equipment, and private decks overlooking the lake. “If you’re looking for a camping experience without the hassle of hauling and setting up gear, that’s what we offer,” Curtis explains.
While the tents don’t include in-unit washrooms, each has its own assigned private bathroom in the comfort station – a heated building with showers, sinks, hot running water, and toilets.
Activities at The Homestead Adventures are as flexible and personalized as the accommodations. From short recreational excursions to longer skills-based programs, Curtis has designed offerings that allow guests to push boundaries in a safe, supported environment.
One of the most popular features is the kayak experience. Tours are offered off-site in nearby Newtown, known as the “Little Venice of Newfoundland” for its protected waterways and scenic vistas. “We’re not flipping people over or paddling through rough seas,” Curtis laughs. “Our tours are safe, guided, and low-impact but very memorable.”
Guests can choose a one or two-hour paddle or opt for a combination package that includes a visit to a nearby white sand island, complete with a cooked meal prepared by Curtis. “We’ve had guests sit out there on their own private beach, eating a hot meal – it’s a special thing to be able to offer.”
Education is a core part of Curtis’s philosophy, and many guests come not only to relax but to learn. Among the most popular are the “Learn to” weekend packages, designed to teach practical outdoor skills in an approachable, supportive setting. The Learn to Kayak experience gives guests a safe introduction to paddling, equipment handling, and water safety, using the calm on-site lake as a learning ground. Meanwhile, the Learn to Survive program focuses on essential backwoods knowledge like fire-lighting, shelter-building, and map reading – ideal for families and beginner campers looking to build confidence and self-reliance in the outdoors. “If you got into trouble, here’s what you can do,” Curtis says. “It’s built for families and campers – not hardcore survivalists.”
The Bucket List Learning Package allows guests to try skills they’ve always wanted to learn – like small engine repair, basic carpentry, or even chainsaw safety. These sessions were inspired by conversations with single parents, many of whom were looking for both a break and a chance to leave with new life skills.
“Most of my packages have come from listening to guests,” Curtis explains. “I had moms tell me, ‘I don’t know how to fix a toilet, but I’d love to learn if I could bring my kids too.’ That’s how these programs were born. The adventure starts with you – that’s our slogan.”
Curtis wears every hat in the business: kayak guide, maintenance man, host, and educator. “I greet every guest. I’m the one who’s there if you need something. This is my home, and when you’re here, you’re part of it,” he says.
He encourages potential guests to reach out with questions. “Sometimes people call me just to ask if this is right for them. If it’s not, I’ll tell them and I’ll point them to other places nearby that might be a better fit. I’ve been seconded as a trip planner many times,” he laughs. “But that’s fine. It’s more important to me that people have the right experience.”
In addition to its core offerings, The Homestead Adventures provides a variety of thoughtfully designed packages that deepen the guest experience. For those seeking stillness and reflection, the Mindfulness Package includes guided meditation, yoga sessions at scenic lookouts, and peaceful private hikes through the woods. Guests interested in fishing can take part in the Learn to Fish Package, which covers everything from preparing gear to hands-on trout and fly-fishing instruction from both shore and boat. The Romance Package invites guests to hike a private trail, stargaze from a secluded lookout savour a selection of wine and cheese.
For those who want to combine wilderness exploration with a taste of the local lifestyle, backwoods culinary add-ons offer meals cooked over open fires during hikes or on remote island excursions. Every experience is customizable. “We’re inclusive and accessible. I’ve helped guests with mobility challenges get into kayaks using custom systems,” says Curtis. “If there’s something you want to try, just ask!”
As the business matures, Curtis is focusing more on group offerings like company retreats, family reunions, and private events. In 2021, they added a learning annex and events area to support these experiences.
They’ve hosted weddings, private parties, and even partnered with local talent bookers to offer live events with musicians and comedians. “It’s becoming the perfect spot for team building,” he says. “The groups take our accommodations, do our experiences, and we get to stay focused on what we do best.”
In recent years, The Homestead Adventures has received regional accolades, including the Accommodator of the Year Bergy Award from Adventure Central Newfoundland. But Curtis stays grounded in the day-to-day. “This is a lifestyle business. I get to live in a place I love, raise my family here, and help others experience it, too.”
Asked what’s next, he says: “I have so many ideas for this place – more glamping options, guided hikes, and small events,” he says. “But the heart of it all will remain the same: sharing this land with others, just as I’ve always dreamed.”
He reflects on the path it’s taken to get here. “The journey is long, and it hasn’t always been easy,” he says. “But it’s been incredibly rewarding. I’m proud of what we’ve built, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
by Lauren Reid