Highlands Links

Cape Breton Highlands Links is an 18-hole, par 72 course spanning 6,592 yards, designed by legendary Canadian architect Stanley Thompson. Built as a federal make-work project during the Great Depression and opened in 1941, it remains nearly unchanged from Thompson's original vision. Located in Cape Breton Highlands with spectacular mountain and ocean vistas, the course presents significant challenge through undulating fairways, firm greens, and strategically placed bunkers that function as genuine hazards rather than manicured features.

The course maintains mid-20th century agronomic practices, featuring natural lies and challenging conditions typical of Thompson's era rather than modern course standards. Thompson is widely regarded as Canada's finest golf course architect, and most golf historians consider Cape Breton Highlands Links his masterwork, despite his celebrated designs for Canadian railroad hotel courses. The layout is consistently ranked among the top 10 courses in Canada and frequently discussed among the world's best. The dramatic setting, preserved architectural integrity, and immersive historical elements make it a unique golfing experience. The course is ranked 12th on SCOREGolf's Top 100 Golf Courses in Canada.