I’ve spent a lot of time on the fairways of this island. And while the big magazines love their flashy rankings, I’ve found that the “best” course isn’t always the one with the most Instagram followers.
I’m still chasing a round at Highlands Links and the par 3 course, The Nest, but having played everywhere else, here is how I actually see the island.
1. Cabot Links (Inverness)
If I could only play one course for the rest of my life, this is it. It’s the older brother to the Cliffs, and in my opinion, it’s the better walk. It’s a true links. Firm, fast, and right in the middle of the town of Inverness.
Firm, fast, and painted in pink. Cabot Links, you’re a dream.
- The Play: It feels like real golf. You aren’t just hitting high flying shots, you’re playing the ground. You have to learn how to “bump and run” your way onto the greens because the Atlantic wind will absolutely swallow a fly ball.
- The Perspective: At 5’2”, I appreciate that this is a walking only course that doesn’t feel like a mountain climb. It’s a dune full, beautiful stroll where you can literally smell the salt in the air and see the local fishing boats from the 14th green.
- Details: Par: 70, Yardage: 6,854, Rating: 73.7
No pressure, just the entire clubhouse watching your final putt. ⛳️
2. Le Portage (Chéticamp)
This is the island’s best kept secret. Located in Chéticamp, it’s tucked between the mountains and the sea, and it has a soul that the big resorts just simply can’t buy.
Small town charm, big time views. 🇫🇷
- The Play: It’s a tight, tactical course. It’s not about who can hit it 300 yards, it’s about who can keep it on the fairway. The greens are honestly some of the truest I’ve ever putted on, they roll fast and they roll fair.
- The Vibe: It’s community run and Acadian through and through. You might get a “Bonjour” at the pro shop and a burger down the road that tastes like home. It’s affordable, beautiful, and arguably the most “local” experience you’ll get on a tee box.
- Details: Par: 72, Yardage: 6,787, Rating: 72.7
Just the leaves, the mountains, and the game. 🏔️🤐
Aiming for the mountains. (And praying for a straight drive!) 🙏🏼
3. Cabot Cliffs (Inverness)
Look, the Cliffs is spectacular. It’s high drama, built on 100 foot cliffs, and the views are enough to make you forget you just totally tripled the 16th…..
The view that everyone knows, but nothing prepares you for. Truly iconic. 🏌🏼♀️🌊
- The Play: It’s a 6-6-6 layout (six par 3s, 4s, and 5s), which is a blast to play because you’re constantly switching gears. It’s hero golf, you’re always tempted to take the risky shot.
- The Reality Check: While it’s the showstopper, it’s a beast of a walk. Some of those elevation changes between holes feel like a literal hike. It’s the kind of course you play when you want to feel like you’re in a movie, but for me, it’s just a notch below the Links.
- Details: Par: 72, Yardage: 6,764, Rating: 74.3
They call it The Cliffs for a reason. My legs are still processing those climbs. 🧗♀️⛳️
Pretty sure I was walking sideways for a few holes after this one. 🍹🥴
4. The Lakes at Ben Eoin (Ben Eoin)
This is mountain side golf. If the Cabot courses are about the ocean, The Lakes is about the forest and the rock.
Views of the Bras d’Or Lake that make you forget your score. 🌊⛰️
- The Play: You’re hitting off massive rock carve outs and looking down at the Bras d’Or Lake. It’s golf at its finest, the elevation drops are huge, and you really have to trust your yardage.
- The Vibe: It feels like a hidden retreat. It’s usually quiet, and on a foggy morning, it feels like you’re the only person on the island. Just bring an extra sleeve of balls, the woods here are not forgiving to a slice.
- Details: Par: 72, Yardage: 6,904, Rating: 74.1
If you’re going to be in the beach, at least the view is 10/10. 🌅
5. Alderdale Greens (Point Edward)
I had to put this on the list because it’s a huge part of my golf roots and my go to spot to play. Located in Point Edward, it’s a small, 9 hole par 34 course that is the perfect antidote to the big golf world.
Found the pot of gold, and it’s right here in Point Edward. 🍀🌈
- Why I love it: Sometimes you don’t want a 4 hour round and a $200 bill. Alderdale is family owned and super chill. It’s where I go when I want to work on my iron game or just play a quick sunset 9 without the pressure. The staff are extremely friendly and before you know it they feel like a second family.
- The Detail: The conditioning is surprisingly good for a small local course. It’s proof that you don’t need a world renowned designer to have a great day on the grass. Plus, being in Point Edward, it’s a great spot to hit if you’re staying near Sydney.
- Details: Par: 34, Yardage: 2,455, Rating: 34.7
I mean, look at those green conditions?! Absolute carpet. ✨
Cheap as chips, beautiful as a postcard. Alderdale is a total steal 🙌🏼
At the end of the day, Cape Breton golf is in a league of its own. It’s a place where you can spend your morning tackling world famous cliffs and your afternoon discovering a hidden gem with greens that look like a million bucks but cost less than a post round dinner.
From the brutal climbs that test your legs to the quiet mountain fairways where the only sound is the wind, every course on this list offers a different piece of the island’s soul.
Whether you’re here for the bucket list or just a local looking for the best Saturday morning round, you really can’t go wrong. Just bring your camera, your climbing legs, and maybe watch out for those Screwdrivers…they hit a lot harder than the elevation.