Highland Links Cape Breton

Highland Links was commissioned by the Canadian government as part of the development of Cape Breton Highlands National Park in the late 1930s. The legendary Stanley Thompson, already renowned for his work at Banff Springs and Jasper Park Lodge, was hired to design a course that would showcase the extraordinary natural beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands. Construction began in 1937, initially as a nine-hole course, with Thompson convincing his employers that a full eighteen holes was essential to do justice to the landscape.

The course opened for play in 1939 and Thompson himself declared it his favorite design, a remarkable statement given his illustrious portfolio. The layout traverses an astonishing variety of terrain, from oceanside holes along the Atlantic to forested highland passages with the Clyburn River weaving through the property. Each hole is named after a Scottish word or phrase, reflecting the strong Scottish heritage of Cape Breton.

As a Parks Canada facility, Highland Links has remained remarkably accessible and affordable for nearly a century. The course has undergone sensitive restoration work to preserve Thompson's original design intent, and it is consistently ranked among the top public courses in the world.

Highland Links is unlike any other golf experience in North America. The course takes you on an extraordinary journey through wildly varied terrain, from oceanside links holes to forested mountain passages along the Clyburn River. Expect to encounter wildlife, breathtaking natural beauty, and hole designs that feel perfectly integrated into the landscape.

The pace of play tends to be relaxed, and walking is encouraged to fully appreciate the setting within Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The course can play significantly longer than its yardage suggests due to elevation changes and the wind that sweeps in from the Atlantic.

Course management is essential at Highland Links. The terrain is so varied that you will face every type of shot over the course of eighteen holes. Pay close attention to the wind direction, which can shift dramatically as you move between the ocean, river valley, and highland holes.

The greens are large and undulating, with subtle breaks that can be difficult to read. Trust your caddie if you hire one, as local knowledge is invaluable. Bring rain gear regardless of the forecast, as weather in Cape Breton can change quickly. The back nine is particularly demanding, so conserve energy and stay patient.