Cabot Cliffs
A Coore & Crenshaw clifftop links on Cape Breton's wild Atlantic edge — a modern world top-10 course that any traveller can walk and play.
Cabot Cliffs in photos
Can I play Cabot Cliffs?
Yes — Cabot Cliffs is a pay-and-play resort course and any traveller can book a round. Guests staying at Cabot Cape Breton's on-site lodging get first priority on the tee sheet, but non-resort players are welcome and can reserve tee times a set window ahead. It is a walking course, so expect to hoof it with a caddie or push-cart.
How to book: Resort guests book their tee times as part of a stay-and-play package; non-resort visitors can reserve online or by phone from 14 days out from the desired date, subject to availability. Peak summer dates sell out well in advance, so book early. Caddie requests should be made at the time of booking, as cancellations inside 24 hours still incur the caddie fee.
About Cabot Cliffs
Opened in 2015 alongside its older sibling Cabot Links, Cabot Cliffs was routed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw across a spectacular stretch of headland above the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Its playful structure — six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s — gives huge variety, while the clifftop closing holes and the vertiginous par-3 16th have made it one of the most talked-about courses built this century. Despite its acclaim and lofty world ranking, it remains a resort pay-and-play course open to any visitor, walked with a caddie in true links fashion. Firm turf, ocean wind and dramatic elevation changes reward imaginative, ground-hugging golf.
Signature hole
The par-3 16th plays from a clifftop tee across a chasm to a shelf green perched above the Gulf of St. Lawrence — one of the most photographed short holes in golf. The course is also famous for its unusual balance of six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s, capped by the cliff-hugging par-5 18th.
What makes it special
Coore & Crenshaw clifftop links
A minimalist, naturally routed design widely rated inside the world's top 10 courses.
Six-six-six routing
An unusual balance of six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s keeps every hole feeling distinct.
The par-3 16th
A short iron across a cliff chasm to a green hanging above the Atlantic — pure spectacle.
Need to know
Best time to play
The season runs roughly May to late October; June to September offers the warmest, driest weather and the longest daylight, while May and October bring lower rates and quieter tee sheets alongside cooler, breezier conditions.
Dress code
Smart golf attire — collared shirts and tailored shorts or trousers; soft spikes. Denim and athletic wear are discouraged on course.
Good to know
Cabot Cliffs is walking-only for the golf; caddies (highly recommended for first-timers) and push-carts are available, with carts reserved for accessibility. Allow around 4.5 hours per round, and pack a windproof layer — the Atlantic exposure means weather can turn quickly.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney (YQY) ~1h45 drive; Halifax Stanfield (YHZ) ~3.5–4h for wider connections.
On arrival
Cabot sits on the west coast of Cape Breton Island in the town of Inverness, about a 3.5–4 hour drive from Halifax along the Ceilidh Trail, or roughly 1h45 from Sydney's regional airport. Most visitors hire a car and pair the trip with a loop of the Cabot Trail. The two courses and lodging share a single walkable resort campus.
Stay near the course
The resort's own villas, lodge rooms and cottages put you steps from the first tee at both Cliffs and Links and secure tee-time priority. Otherwise the town of Inverness has inns, cottages and B&Bs within a few minutes' drive, with Baddeck and the Cabot Trail a scenic day-trip away.
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Haus Treuburg
Port Hood
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Hillcrest Hall Country Inn
Port Hood
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices The Fiddle and The Sea B&B
Port Hood
A taste of the luxury stays near Cabot Cliffs — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Inverness — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Inverness.
Explore InvernessFrequently asked questions
Can the public play Cabot Cliffs?
Yes. It is a resort pay-and-play course open to all golfers. Guests staying at Cabot Cape Breton get tee-time priority, but non-resort visitors can book from 14 days out, subject to availability.
How much does it cost to play Cabot Cliffs?
Peak-season green fees are around CAD 565 per round, with shoulder-season weekday rates from roughly CAD 275. It is a walking course, so budget for a caddie or push-cart on top.
Do I need to stay at the resort to get a tee time?
No, but staying on-site secures the best access. Resort guests book through stay-and-play packages; day visitors reserve within the 14-day booking window and should book peak summer dates early.
When is the best time to play?
June to September brings the warmest, driest weather and longest days; May and October are cheaper and quieter but cooler and windier on the exposed clifftops.
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Golf guideSources & pricing note
Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Guide updated 2026-07-27.