In 1939, when the National Park Service hired Stanley Thompson to design and build what he later called “the mountains and ocean” course, he told friends that it was the best contract he ever had. He was given one of the country''s most scenic and awe-inspiring national parks, and had just one mandate: take advantage of it. The result is an inspired piece of architecture that has proved to be one of Thompson''s finest design achievements.

Cape Breton Highlands Links began as a nine-hole course with Thompson convincing his employers that a second nine holes was essential. Normally one to remain with his original plan, Thompson changed the routing of the course during construction to follow the Clyburn River, an integral element of the final layout.

Given the size of the project, construction progressed quickly, taking just two years. It was difficult to bring machinery to the site and local laborers did much of the work by hand. A great deal of the course was clear land and much of the growth of the surrounding vegetation has come since. On many holes, few trees were present and it''s a tribute to Thompson''s vision that with all the growth, the course has retained its shape.

Cape Breton Highlands Links golf course is one of a kind. Conceived and constructed under the watchful eye of world-renowned designer Stanley Thompson, it is a classic 18-hole, par 72 course carved out of one of Canada''s most pristine wildernesses. Come experience golfing in a way you never have before! Our course has beautiful views around every corner, as well as nature being all around you while playing through the Cape Breton National Park.