Cape Breton Island Golf: Highland Links, Cabot Links, Cabot Cliffs
It is always fun to see other parts of Canada! In August, several years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Cape Breton Island, primarily to play some golf, but also to see a beautiful part of the world!
I hope to be able to return again soon once travel is more possible in our world!
Two flights will get you from Thunder
My first stop was the famed Highland Links Golf course consistently ranked in the top ten in Canada. This seaside course is also home to the historic Keltic Lodge
Resort & Spa located on one of the most beautiful settings you will ever see. The large white inn was constructed in 1950 and features fine dining and beautiful rooms with ocean views.
One of the highlights of Cape Breton
Island is the drive you take around the perimeter of the island up some large peaks, overlooking pristine ocean. On my trip there were even whales visible in the backdrop that attracts the attention of the many tourists on the road. You will end up travelling through Cheticamp, a historical seaside village where the houses and Main Street are right adjacent to the ocean!
My next destination was Inverness, Nova Scotia, a former coal mining and fishing village. Inverness had seen quite a bit of economic downturn with the stopping of coal mining and limited fishery. It has seen its population drop to 1500 people. The community leaders had always felt the former coal-mining site, right on the ocean, would be perfect for a true links style golf course and a few years ago their dream was realized with the opening of Cabot Links.
Andrew Alkenbrack is the General Manager of Cabot Links and has lived at Whistler, the French Alps and many other locations around the world working with major brands like Four Seasons.
“Two courses will create synergy. Our co owner Mike Kaiser of Cabot Links, who also owns famed Bandon Dunes in Oregon, says one course is a curiosity and two is a destination. Ben Cowan Dewar is the local partner on site. The people will stay longer. Cabot Cliffs is a Coore - Crenshaw design and a great layout.” said Andrew. “Cabot Cliffs is a very spectacular setting with natural beauty and ocean views. The views are even more spectacular along the cliffs and many holes are right on the ocean with others between huge seaside dunes. The excitement will build as you play through the holes.”
“You can fly into Halifax and then take the three hour drive to Cabot Links. The other option is a two hours drive from Sydney. We also have 11-passenger luxury Mercedes Sprinters you can take with us from the airports. It is a great with a group of people. Right now Halifax has more flight options. You could also fly privately, including with private jets, into Port Hawkesbury which is 1 hour away,” said Andrew.
The people who come to Cabot Links to play are geographically located from the eastern US 40%, Ontario 25% and 25% from Nova Scotia and local traffic. They also get some guests from Florida and Europe, which is growing.
“In Cape Breton we have the Trans Canada Trail where you can hike and mountain bike. There is the Inverness Beach, Tuna fishing, and world-class salmon fishing on the river. We are starting to offer other opportunities during your stay. We promise excellent food and beverages and warm
Cape Breton hospitality.” smiles Andrew. “
We want people to say this was amazing, a lot of fun and I can see myself bringing back some friends.”
After my rounds at Cabot Links and tour of the new Cabot Cliffs course it was off to Halifax for the return trip to Thunder Bay. My travels allowed me to see much of Nova Scotia. In all my golf travels in Canada and the world the Cabot Links destination ranks near the top! It really is a special place you must see.