Access for All

At Balsam Ridge, luxury means comfort, and true comfort requires accessibility. Here is our guide to accessible travel in the forest, outlining how our 5-star New Brunswick resort accommodates wheelchair users, guests with physical limitations, and sensory needs.

We are committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility or ability, can safely disconnect from the noise of the world and reconnect with nature. We’ll be the first to admit: we are still learning, growing, and working on this every day. We don’t view accessibility as a static checklist to complete, but as an ongoing journey. To keep us on the right track, we routinely seek professional guidance, we ran a study with an Ontario accessibility firm in 2024, and another by Ability New Brunswick in 2026. These studies, combined with the priceless feedback from our guests, help us purposefully build a more inclusive future for Balsam Ridge.

If you have a physical limitation, a sensory need, or a specific wish, we want to make it happen. We believe a greater number of people should enjoy the forest to its absolute fullest.

Tailoring to Your Needs

Different physical needs require different setups. To help you choose the dome that fits you perfectly, we’ve mapped out how we accommodate various limitations.

For Wheelchair Users & Guests with Mobility Limitations

We have successfully hosted many guests on wheels! Here is how we make independent stays seamless:

• Remarkably, even if a dome is perched nearly 20 feet up a steep hillside, they feature a completely accessible entry ramp onto the deck, making it fully wheelchair accessible.
• We designed our king bed frames to sit at the lowest mattress setting. This standard allows for a seamless transfer from a wheelchair to the bed.
• Want to enjoy the hot tub? After collaborating with a guest who sent us his wheelchair dimensions, our team built a custom, sturdy transition table. This allows guests to transfer from a chair into the soothing waters. Since this was custom-built, and is dependent on the guest’s wheelchair size and mobility, with enough notification prior to the stay, we may be able to accommodate some changes.
• Domes have counter-level microwaves.

For Blind or Partially Sighted Guests

Navigating a new space can be a challenge, so we offer specific layout alternatives to make your stay safer and more intuitive:

• Fully Enclosed Decks: All of our dome decks are completely enclosed with railings and privacy walls. Blind or partially sighted guests can step outside to enjoy the forest sounds and fresh air with peace of mind.
• Tactile & Dial Appliances: Many of our domes feature touch-activated cooktops. For guests with vision loss, these can be difficult to navigate. We recommend booking one of our domes equipped with traditional stoves featuring physical knobs and dials such as Mossy Log, Anchor, and Fun domes.

For Sensory-Sensitive Guests

• Sensory Serenity: In the forest, our domes are in an ultimate low-stimulus environment. If you are sensitive to scents, let us know, and we will ensure no essential oils are diffusing upon your arrival.

Small Details, Big Impact

We are always on the lookout for small adjustments that make a big difference in someone’s vacation. Each dome includes:

Technical Details

For those planning their stay, here are the physical specifications built into our accessible accommodations.