The Avon Spirit Shipyard offers a truly distinctive setting—an authentic, working boathouse that brings character, history, and a warm maritime charm to any gathering. Its rustic 3,800-square-foot open layout provides exceptional versatility, comfortably seating up to 150 guests indoors and welcoming as many as 400 for larger open-air celebrations such as festivals, performances, and community events. For weddings and receptions, the space is at its most magical when hosting around 100 guests, creating an intimate atmosphere framed by the boathouse’s historic craftsmanship and waterfront views.
Operated by the Avon River Heritage Society, both the Avon River Heritage & Culture Centre and the Avon Spirit Shipyard are situated within the scenic Newport Landing Waterfront Park in Avondale. Steps from the Avondale Wharf and set along the majestic Avon River, the venue offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop that blends natural beauty, local heritage, and an unforgettable sense of place.
Operated by the Avon River Heritage Society, both the Avon River Heritage & Culture Centre and the Avon Spirit Shipyard are situated within the scenic Newport Landing Waterfront Park in Avondale. Steps from the Avondale Wharf and set along the majestic Avon River, the venue offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop that blends natural beauty, local heritage, and an unforgettable sense of place.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON VENUE RENTALS
- For single and multiple day bookings of the Avon Spirit Shipyard tenants may have access to the space after 4pm the day prior to the event, until 10am the morning following the event.
- Special events held in the Avon Spirit Shipyard, like weddings and festivals, are encouraged to book additional time for set-up and clean-up following the event. The space must be emptied by 10am, unless otherwise specified.
- Cost of rental includes use of electricity and use of Municipal outhouses.
- We have 18 four foot tables, 10 five foot tables and 100 folding chairs available for use at no additional charge.
- Liability insurance and liquor permits must be purchased by the tenant.
- All garbage, recycling and compost must be removed by the tenant, failing to do so will result in an additional charge of $100.
- Tenants are encouraged to rent porta-potties and hand-washing stations for larger events.
- Upon signing of the agreement a damage deposit of $500 plus 50% of the full rental rate is required to place a booking. The damage deposit will be returned to the tenant after a final inspection of the facility is completed.
- This is a bedroom community and out of consideration noise restrictions are in place as of midnight. If we receive a noise complaint your damage deposit will not be returned.
- The Avondale waterfront area is a public park, please contact the Municipality of West Hants with any questions regarding land use. Email [email protected] or call 902-798-6938.
- Not-for-profit organizations and residents of the Avon Peninsula receive a 25% discount.
- Final payment is required before you will be given a key to the facility.
Cancellations: Should you choose to cancel your event, the booking deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. We will refund your deposit only if you can resell the date to another party.
- For single and multiple day bookings of the Avon Spirit Shipyard tenants may have access to the space after 4pm the day prior to the event, until 10am the morning following the event.
- Special events held in the Avon Spirit Shipyard, like weddings and festivals, are encouraged to book additional time for set-up and clean-up following the event. The space must be emptied by 10am, unless otherwise specified.
- Cost of rental includes use of electricity and use of Municipal outhouses.
- We have 18 four foot tables, 10 five foot tables and 100 folding chairs available for use at no additional charge.
- Liability insurance and liquor permits must be purchased by the tenant.
- All garbage, recycling and compost must be removed by the tenant, failing to do so will result in an additional charge of $100.
- Tenants are encouraged to rent porta-potties and hand-washing stations for larger events.
- Upon signing of the agreement a damage deposit of $500 plus 50% of the full rental rate is required to place a booking. The damage deposit will be returned to the tenant after a final inspection of the facility is completed.
- This is a bedroom community and out of consideration noise restrictions are in place as of midnight. If we receive a noise complaint your damage deposit will not be returned.
- The Avondale waterfront area is a public park, please contact the Municipality of West Hants with any questions regarding land use. Email [email protected] or call 902-798-6938.
- Not-for-profit organizations and residents of the Avon Peninsula receive a 25% discount.
- Final payment is required before you will be given a key to the facility.
Cancellations: Should you choose to cancel your event, the booking deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. We will refund your deposit only if you can resell the date to another party.
Rental Rates for Avon Spirit Shipyard, the Lydia and Sally Cafe and the Artists' Landing Gallery
Rental Rates for Avon Spirit Shipyard
1 Day: $1500
2 Day: $2700
3 Day: $3600
Hourly rate:
Starting at $300 (base rate includes first 3 hours) + $80 for each additional hour
1 Day: $1500
2 Day: $2700
3 Day: $3600
Hourly rate:
Starting at $300 (base rate includes first 3 hours) + $80 for each additional hour
Rental Rates for Lydia and Sally Café
(Located within the Avon River Heritage & Culture Centre)
1 Day: $1000
2 Day: $1800
3 Day: $2700
Hourly rate:
Starting at $300 (base rate includes first 3 hours) + $120 for each additional hour
(Located within the Avon River Heritage & Culture Centre)
1 Day: $1000
2 Day: $1800
3 Day: $2700
Hourly rate:
Starting at $300 (base rate includes first 3 hours) + $120 for each additional hour
Rental Rates for Artists' Landing Studio Space
(Located within the Avon River Heritage & Culture Centre)
Starting at $80 (base rate includes first 3 hours) + $20 for each additional hour
(Located within the Avon River Heritage & Culture Centre)
Starting at $80 (base rate includes first 3 hours) + $20 for each additional hour
Please contact us at (902) 757-1718 (May through October) or email [email protected] for more information and availability.














































