While visiting EPCOT recently, we decided to stop in and get an updated look at the mystery construction project in the Canada Pavilion. As you may recall, the Hotel du Canada structure underwent a lengthy repainting refurbishment, and just when it seemed like things were back to normal, a new construction project appeared.
We’ve been tracking the mystery construction project since July, but our recent visit gave us the best look yet at the work. Walt Disney World has not made any public statements about the construction or what might be coming to the Canada Pavilion next year. Let the speculation begin.
Canada Pavilion Mystery Construction
We’ll start at the entrance to the pavilion, and the blocked walkway to the Hotel du Canada facade. The shops remain accessible and the Canada Far & Wide show is open. During our previous update on the project, we noted that scaffolding had returned to the back of the pavilion. As you can see below, that scaffolding has since been removed.
Heading to the back of the pavilion now, we can get a sneak peek at the work thanks to an overlook area near the entrance to the Canada Far & Wide show. Not only has the scaffolding been removed, but so too has the construction material that was covering a rebuilt portion of the back of the building.
As you can see in the file photo below from a February 2024 article that contains a photo tour of the refurbished Hotel du Canada building, there was previously a bay window-style attachment to the hotel, but Disney is completely rebuilding it for some reason.
Going back to our recent visit, we can see a rebuilt, similarly-shaped bay window-style attachment on the back of the building. The old display window area used to contain three windows, but it looks like the rebuilt area will only have two windows. Here’s a closer look!
The work is code named Project Maple, and it appears to contain both interior and exterior work on the Hotel du Canada building. If I had to guess, this will return to being a retail location or, perhaps, a new bar or lounge. My dreams of it being an ice bar feel more and more like a long shot, unfortunately.
Whatever it is, it’s clear that Disney is investing a good amount of money to not only gut the interior of the structure, but also perform some new construction and a complete refurbishment of the exterior of the hotel facade as well. It’s unclear when the project will be finished or when Disney will announce its plans for the space.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!