Located on a gorgeous peninsula jutting out from the shores of Cape Breton Island within Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cape Breton Highlands Links is one of the world’s most revered golf experiences. Consistently ranked among the Top 100 golf courses in in the world and within the Top 10 in Canada, Cape Breton Highlands Links features one of the most raw and unique settings in all of golf.
Architect’s Vision: Mountains, Ocean & Scotland
Designed by legendary Canadian golf course architect Stanley Thompson who famously dubbed Cape Breton Highlands Links his “mountains and ocean course,” many regard this to be Thompson’s greatest work—even above Banff, Jasper, or St. George’s. Stylistically inspired by the Old Course at St. Andrews, Highlands Links features Scottish-themed hole names like Heich O’ Fash (“Heap of Trouble”), Canny Slap (the par‑3 5th), and Killiecrankie (a par‑5 that echoes the narrow Highland pass). The routing follows a classic out-and-in layout, with six holes running along the ocean, then turning inward through forests and river valleys, before finishing oceanside once again.
Course Profile & Playing Experience
- 18 holes, Par 72
- 6,592 yards
The scenic, nearly 500‑yard walk between the 12th green and 13th tee along a tree-lined path beside the Clyburn River is part of the course’s cathartic beauty, and a special walk in all of golf. Conditions when I visited were the best I’ve seen them over my multiple visits spanning 20+ years. As you will see in the photos below, the brown hues are beautiful to my eyes, and had the course playing to its full glory. For this golfer, the conditions were very good, and that’s saying a lot from where Highlands Links has come from and the unfortunate neglect Parks Canada has given this gem.
Signature Holes at Centre Stage
- 3rd Hole (Lochan) – A par‑3 over water to a green set over a lake along the ocean.
- 7th Hole (Killiecrankie) – A narrow, double-dogleg par‑5 winding through dense woodland; a true classic.
- 10th Hole (Cuddy’s Lug) – A drop-shot par-3 into a mountain valley.
- 13th Hole (Laird) – A commanding par‑4 with a ridge bisecting the fairway; a rewarding hole for strategic players.
- 15th Hole (Tattie Bogle) – A tumbling par-5 to a raised green with Whale Island in the background.
Expect rolling fairways with few flat lies, creative bunkering, and greens that slope and pitch in all directions.
Restoration & Course Stewardship
After decades of wear, a major restoration led by Canadian golf course architect Ian Andrew helped return Cape Breton Highlands Links to Thompson’s original vision. Bunkers were reshaped, greens redefined, tees rebuilt, and trees selectively removed to restore historic sightlines and views. Today, long-time locals and return visitors say this is the best condition Highlands Links has seen in years.
Why You Should Play Highlands Links
- A rare chance to play one of Stanley Thompson’s finest works virtually intact.
- Seamless blend of dramatic coastal beauty, woodland serenity, and mountain valley challenges.
- A rich walking experience with Scottish flair and old-school conditioning.
Final Thoughts
Highlands Links is a classic golf pilgrimage where architecture, nature, and history collide. It’s one of the most raw and thrilling golf experiences anywhere in the world, and if you cherish golf in its most authentic form—wild fairways, legendary design, and timeless beauty—this course deserves its place on your bucket list. Whether you’re a student of golf course architecture, a fan of classic golf tradition, or simply someone drawn to unspoiled landscapes, the Highlands Links journey will not disappoint.
