CAPE BRETON'S GAMING DESTINATION
More Than a Gaming Centre. A Community.
Soulvaria is Cape Breton's multi-gaming entertainment centre; A welcoming place where people of all ages and experience levels can play, connect, compete and belong.
our story
Our Story Began in 2017
Soulvaria officially began on September 16, 2017, with a simple but ambitious idea: to create a place in Cape Breton where every kind of gamer could feel at home. Founder Joseph Gracie imagined more than an arcade, more than a game store and more than a place to pass the time. He wanted to build a welcoming destination where gaming, technology, imagination and community could all come together under one roof.
Since opening, Soulvaria has continued to grow, evolve and introduce new experiences for the community. What began as a passion for gaming has developed into one of the region's most diverse gaming and entertainment destinations, bringing virtual reality, PC and console gaming, racing simulators, tabletop games, trading cards, youth programs, parties, events and retail together in one place.
Although Soulvaria has grown tremendously since 2017, its purpose remains the same: to bring people together, create unforgettable experiences and give gamers of every kind a place where they can play, connect and belong.
MILESTONE
SEPTEMBER 16, 2017
The Beginning of Soulvaria
THE FOUNDER
Meet the Creator of Soulvaria
Joseph Gracie
Founder, Owner and General Manager
Joseph created Soulvaria from his passion for gaming, entertainment and bringing people together. His vision was to build a place where guests could explore incredible technology, enjoy familiar games, discover something completely new and become part of a welcoming local community. Since founding Soulvaria in 2017, Joseph has continued to lead its growth and development, expanding its entertainment experiences, youth programming, tabletop community, retail selection and mobile services while keeping the heart of the business focused on people.
Joseph is also incredibly grateful for Soulvaria’s dedicated staff. Each team member plays an important role in creating memorable experiences, supporting guests and helping the business continue to grow. Soulvaria’s success and expansion would not have been possible without their hard work, passion, creativity and commitment. Joseph is proud of everything the team has accomplished together and deeply appreciates all they do for Soulvaria and the community it serves.
Meet the Soulvaria Team
One Destination. Countless Ways to Play.
Today, Soulvaria brings an incredible variety of gaming and entertainment experiences together in one welcoming location. Through our Mobile Services, we can also bring the excitement of Free-Roam VR gaming directly to venues and events throughout the region. Whether someone is visiting for the first time, celebrating a birthday, attending a special event, joining a weekly gaming community or looking for their next favourite game, there is always something new to experience.
Play & Experience
VR Arcade Pod Escape Rooms
Team up to escape immersive VR mysteries.
Free-Roam VR
Move freely through vast virtual arenas.
Free-Roam VR Escape Rooms
Physically explore VR escape challenges.
Racing Simulators
Feel the thrill on realistic racing rigs.
PC Gaming Lounge
High-performance PCs in a social lounge.
Nintendo Switch Gaming
Family-friendly party games together.
Tabletop & Community
WELCOME TO SOULVARIA
All Ages. All Experience Levels. All Kinds of Gamers.
You do not need to be an experienced gamer to enjoy Soulvaria. Our general gaming and entertainment services welcome a wide range of ages, experience levels and interests. Our team can help first-time visitors become comfortable with something new, while experienced players can explore more advanced, social and competitive experiences.
Whether you are introducing your family to virtual reality, challenging your friends to a race, discovering a new tabletop game or joining one of our gaming communities, Soulvaria gives you the freedom to find the experience that is right for you.
Families spending time together
Children, teens and adults
Beginners trying something new
Experienced and competitive gamers
Birthday groups
Friends and couples
Community organizations
Corporate and workplace groups
Visitors looking for a unique Cape Breton experience
MOBILE SERVICES
We Bring the Adventure to You
The Soulvaria experience is not limited to our gaming centre. Through our Mobile Services, we bring Free-Roam VR gaming directly to venues and events throughout the region, as well as pop-up party tents, consoles and more!
Our mobile setup allows groups to enjoy immersive gaming, and shared VR experiences at locations such as community events, exhibitions, festivals, schools, workplaces, private celebrations and special venues. It is an exciting way to bring interactive entertainment to guests without requiring everyone to travel to Soulvaria.
Whether we are supporting a major community event or creating a memorable experience at a private venue, our team brings the equipment, prepares the gaming area and helps participants step confidently into virtual reality.
Community events and festivals
Exhibitions and conventions
School and youth events
Corporate and workplace events
Private celebrations
Fundraisers
Partner events
Special venue experiences
OUR COMMUNITY
Proudly Local. Proudly Cape Breton.
Soulvaria is locally created, locally operated and deeply connected to the community we call home. We believe a strong local business should do more than provide a service. It should help create opportunities, celebrate the people around it and contribute to the community that supports it.
Since beginning in 2017, the support of local families, gamers, businesses and organizations has helped Soulvaria become what it is today. We are proud to return that support by working with local partners, participating in community initiatives and providing a place where people can connect through shared interests and experiences.
Our community partnerships, local events, fundraisers and outreach programs mean the world to us.
Our Commitment to Cape Breton
Supporting local organizations, community initiatives and charitable causes
Working with local entertainers, creators, businesses and community partners
Providing a welcoming gathering place for local gaming communities
Creating local employment and leadership opportunities
Helping Cape Breton families access unique entertainment close to home
Giving local players a place to meet, compete and build lasting friendships
Helping promote the work of local partners and organizations
Bringing new entertainment and technology experiences to Cape Breton
Bringing Mobile Free-Roam VR to community events and venues throughout the region
YOUTH PROGRAMS
A Place for Young People to Play, Grow and Belong
Young people deserve spaces where they can be themselves, explore their interests and feel that they belong. Soulvaria's youth programs combine gaming, technology, creativity and social connection in a supportive environment.
Through our all-year-round Youth Clubs and seasonal March Break and Summer Camps, participants can meet new people, build confidence, discover new interests and make memories that extend far beyond the games they play.
Our youth programs are about more than screen time. They are about friendship, teamwork, communication, creativity and giving young people a positive place to belong within their community.
All-year-round Youth Clubs
March Break Camps
Summer Camps
Social gaming activities
VR and technology experiences
Console and PC gaming
Board games and tabletop activities
Creative projects
Special guests
Team challenges
Inclusive programming for different personalities and needs
TABLETOP & TRADING CARDS
A Home for Tabletop and Trading Card Players
Soulvaria has become a home for Cape Breton's growing tabletop and trading card game community. Players gather throughout the week for regular casual play, organized play, leagues, tournaments, release events and community gatherings.
Our community includes everyone from someone opening their first deck to experienced players preparing for their next tournament. Whether you enjoy collecting, casual matches, competitive play, role-playing adventures or miniature gaming, there is a place for you at the table.
As one of the area's largest and most active tabletop and trading card destinations, we bring players together across every game and every level of experience all under one roof.
SUPPORTED GAMING COMMUNITIES
Pokémon Trading Card Game
Magic: The Gathering
Yu-Gi-Oh!
One Piece Card Game
Disney Lorcana
Gundam Card Game
Riftbound
Digimon Card Game
Warhammer
HeroClix
Dungeons & Dragons
New players are always welcome. Our community spans casual, social and competitive players — come find your table and your people.
OUR RETAIL GROWTH STORY
Serving Our Community and Gamers Around the World
What began as a way to better support our local players has grown into a major part of Soulvaria. Our expanded retail store now offers an extensive selection of tabletop games, trading card products, accessories, collectibles and gaming supplies.
Through our large and growing online store, Soulvaria can now serve players and collectors across Canada and internationally, while continuing to provide the personal care and service of a proudly local Cape Breton business.
Our reach may have grown beyond the island, but Cape Breton will always be our home.
WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN STORE & ONLINE
Trading cards and sealed products
Tabletop games and accessories
Board games
Miniatures and hobby products
Gaming supplies
Collectibles
In-store shopping
A large and growing online store
Service and shipping beyond Cape Breton
International customers
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Our Values
The beliefs that guide everything we build at Soulvaria—for our players, our community and our home in Cape Breton.
Welcoming
Everyone deserves a place where they can feel comfortable, included and excited to participate.
Community
Games bring people together, and the relationships built around them matter.
Innovation
We continue exploring new technology, new experiences and new ways to play.
Youth
We believe in creating positive opportunities where young people can connect, grow and belong.
Local Pride
We are proud to build something special in Cape Breton while sharing it with visitors and customers around the world.
JOIN THE SOULVARIA COMMUNITY
Come Be Part of Our Story
Whether you are visiting for an unforgettable gaming experience, joining one of our communities, shopping for your favourite game or inviting us to bring Free-Roam VR to your venue, there is a place for you at Soulvaria.