A Stanley Thompson Masterpiece in the Heart of the Highlands
Cape Breton Highlands Links
Designed by Stanley Thompson and carved through the mountains, forests, rivers, and coastline of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cape Breton Highlands Links is one of Canada’s most celebrated golf courses.
This is golf shaped by nature, rich with history, and unlike anything else in the country.
Stanley Thompson’s finest work
Best known for iconic Canadian designs such as Banff Springs Golf Course, Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course, and St. George’s Golf and Country Club, Thompson used the dramatic terrain of Cape Breton to create something entirely unique.
Rather than forcing the course onto the land, he allowed the mountains, valleys, coastline, and rivers to shape every hole naturally. Rolling fairways, uneven lies, blind shots, and creative ground play were all intentional parts of his philosophy, creating a course that feels adventurous, strategic, and unforgettable.
Nearly a century later, Highlands Links remains remarkably true to Thompson’s original vision and stands as one of the most authentic examples of classic Canadian golf architecture.
by SCOREGolf
Ranked Top 5
Public Coursein Canada in 2025
Stay & Play at The Keltic Resort
Experience Highlands Links the way it was meant to be played. Stay steps from one of Canada’s most iconic courses and pair your round with oceanfront accommodations, warm Highland Hospitality, and unforgettable views of the Atlantic.
View Stay & Play Packages
Killiecrankie
Known as Canada’s finest three-shot hole, Killiecrankie is a long and demanding par five played through dense forest deep within the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Narrow fairways, uneven lies, and an uphill approach create one of the most complete tests at Highlands Links, where strategy and patience are rewarded at every step.
- Par:
- 5
- Yards:
- 570/554/427
- Handicap:
- 1/1
Golf as Stanley Thompson Intended
Uneven lies. Blind shots. Firm greens. Wind off the Atlantic. Nothing but the sound of nature around you.
Highlands Links was never designed to be easy. It was designed to be memorable, where the golf is shaped by the land itself.
Become Part of a Highlands Tradition
Set within Cape Breton Highlands National Park and shaped by the vision of Stanley Thompson, membership at Highlands Links offers the opportunity to experience one of Canada’s most iconic courses throughout the season.
From early morning rounds surrounded by wildlife in the Highlands to unforgettable evenings and sunsets overlooking the Atlantic, Highlands Links is a place golfers return year after year.
Tournaments & Group Outings
Host your next golf event at one of Canada’s most memorable courses.
From group outings to tournaments and fundraising events, Highlands Links offers a truly unique setting for your upcoming event.
Explore the Course Guide
Each hole at Highlands Links has its own name, character, and story.
From Killiecrankie to Caber’s Toss to Hame Noo, the course guide brings to life the history, strategy, and personality of Stanley Thompson’s design.
Physical copies with hole layout and yardages are available for purchase in the Pro Shop.
End Your Round with the Hame Noo Tradition
Every great round deserves a proper finish.
Inspired by the closing hole at Highlands Links, Hame Noo (meaning Home Now) is our signature post-round tradition.
Celebrate the traditional Cape Breton way with a fresh oyster on the half shell and a half-ounce of local Glen Breton whisky, or simply raise a glass of your choosing overlooking the Atlantic at The Arduaine.
A toast to golf in the Highlands, as Stanley Thompson intended.
Golf Facilities
Browse premium golf apparel, equipment, gifts, and essentials before or after your round. Our team can also assist with tee times, cart rentals, and club rentals.
Located at Highlands Links Pro Shop, Stanley’s Grill welcomes golfers and non-golfers for casual dining and beautiful views of the 1st tee and 18th green.
Warm up on dedicated chipping and putting areas, practice bunker, and hitting nets before taking on Stanley Thompson’s firm, rolling greens. Note that Highlands Links does not have a full driving range.
Know Before You Play
To help preserve the integrity of Highlands Links, the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and to ensure an enjoyable experience for all golfers, guests are asked to review and respect the following course policies and local rules.
Arrival & Registration
- All golfers must register at the clubhouse a minimum of 15 minutes prior to their scheduled tee time.
- All visitors entering Cape Breton Highlands National Park require a valid Parks Canada Entry Pass, available for purchase at the Pro Shop.
- Tee times are subject to the course’s 72-hour cancellation policy.
Pace of Play
- Highlands Links maintains a pace of play of 4 hours and 30 minutes for an 18-hole round.
- Golfers are expected to keep pace with the group ahead and play ready golf when appropriate.
- Searching for balls should be limited to 3 minutes or less.
- Proceed to the next tee promptly after completing each hole.
- Course marshals may assist groups in maintaining proper pace throughout the round.
Dress Code & Course Etiquette
- Proper golf attire is recommended at all times.
- Soft spike golf shoes only are permitted on the course.
- Players are expected to repair ball marks, replace divots, and rake bunkers after use.
- Respect for fellow golfers, staff, wildlife, and the natural environment of the National Park is expected at all times.
Power Carts & Rentals
- Power carts may only be operated by individuals with a valid driver’s license.
- Club rentals are available based on availability. Guests are encouraged to reserve rentals in advance by contacting the Pro Shop.
- Practice facilities are available for use prior to play.
Local Rules
Highlands Links follows the Rules of Golf as approved by the R&A and Golf Canada, except where modified by the following local rules.
- Red Stakes and Lateral Penalty Areas: All areas marked with red stakes are to be played as lateral penalty areas. Yellow stakes are to be played as water hazards.
- Out of Bounds: is defined by white stakes, boundary fencing, or property lines where applicable. All roads are considered out of bounds.
- Environmentally Sensitive Areas: Certain natural areas throughout the course may be designated as environmentally sensitive and protected under Parks Canada regulations. Players are asked to avoid entering protected areas whenever possible, respect all posted signage and restricted zones, and leave all wildlife undisturbed.
- All visitors require a Park Entry Pass, which can be purchased at the Pro Shop.
- To play Par 72, White Tee players must hit from Blue Tees on #11, playing as a Par 5.
Tattie Bogle
A favourite among golfers at Highlands Links, Tattie Bogle is a dramatic par five that tumbles downhill toward the Atlantic through rolling Highland terrain. Twisting fairways, uneven lies, and breathtaking views of Whale Island in the distance combine to create one of the most spectacular and memorable holes on the course.
- Par:
- 5
- Yards:
- 540/530/451
- Handicap:
- 2/8
Contact the Pro Shop
Have questions about tee times, memberships, tournaments, club rentals, or course conditions?
Our team would be happy to assist you in planning your Highlands Links experience.
- Phone
- 1-902-285-2600
- Hours of Operation
- 7am to 7pm