Cabot Links
Canada's first true links — a windswept Rod Whitman layout draped along a mile of Cape Breton beach, open to resort guests and day visitors alike.
Cabot Links in photos
Can I play Cabot Links?
Yes — Cabot Links is a public-access resort course, and both overnight guests and day visitors can play. Resort guests get first call on tee times and better rates, while non-guests are welcome to book, typically within 14 days of play. It is Canada's first true links, laid along a mile of sandy Cape Breton beach.
How to book: Book through the Cabot Cape Breton website or reservations line; the surest access is a stay-and-play package at the on-site lodge or golf villas, which unlocks priority tee times across the resort's courses. Non-resort golfers can reserve closer to the date within the 14-day window. Summer weekends sell out, so plan ahead.
About Cabot Links
Cabot Links, opened in 2011 on a reclaimed coal-mining site in Inverness, Nova Scotia, is widely regarded as Canada's first authentic links and helped ignite a modern golf destination on Cape Breton. Rod Whitman's par-70 routing runs firm and fast along the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with several holes hard against the beach and the harbour town framing the short 14th. It is a walking-only course where the sea wind shapes every shot, complemented at the resort by the acclaimed Cabot Cliffs and the par-3 Nest. Both overnight guests and day players can tee it up, making a bucket-list links refreshingly attainable.
Signature hole
The short par-3 14th plays from a clifftop to a green perched above the beach with the harbour and town of Inverness beyond; the closing holes running hard along the Gulf of St. Lawrence are pure seaside drama.
What makes it special
Canada's original true links
Firm, fast, beachside turf along the Gulf of St. Lawrence — the course that launched Cabot Cape Breton.
Rod Whitman design
A subtle, ground-game par-70 routing routinely ranked among the world's top 100 courses.
A two-course resort
Pair it with sibling Cabot Cliffs and the par-3 Nest for a full links pilgrimage.
Need to know
Best time to play
The season runs roughly May to October, with June–September the prime window; shoulder months are cheaper and quieter. Sea wind is a constant on this exposed links, so pack layers whatever the month.
Dress code
Relaxed but tidy — collared shirts are standard; this is a walking-only links.
Good to know
Walking only, with caddies and push carts available; add 14% HST to all rates. Beyond Cabot Links there is the sibling Cabot Cliffs and the par-3 Nest, so build in extra rounds. Book with a stay for the best access.
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
Halifax Stanfield (YHZ) ~3.5–4 hr drive; Sydney/J.A. Douglas McCurdy (YQY) on Cape Breton is closer at ~1.5 hr.
On arrival
Drive from Halifax (about 3.5–4 hours) across the Canso Causeway onto Cape Breton and up the west coast to Inverness, or fly into Sydney for a shorter ~1.5-hour transfer. The courses are walkable straight from the lodge.
Stay near the course
The on-site Cabot lodge rooms and upscale golf villas put you steps from the first tee and secure priority play; the village of Inverness has additional inns and B&Bs a short walk 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 Links — 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 non-guests play Cabot Links?
Yes. It is a public-access resort course; day visitors can book (usually within 14 days of play), while resort guests get priority tee times and better rates.
How much does it cost to play?
Prices are tiered by season, with peak-season resort-guest rounds up to about C$450 and lower early/shoulder-season and twilight rates; add 14% HST.
Can I ride a cart?
No — Cabot Links is a walking-only links, with caddies and push carts available to help you around.
When is the best time to visit?
June through September offers the warmest, longest days; May and October are quieter and cheaper. Expect coastal wind year-round, so bring layers.
More golf courses to play
Cabot Cliffs
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Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course (Stanley Thompson Eighteen)
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Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course
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Pebble Beach Golf Links
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St Andrews — Old Course
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Carnoustie Golf Links — Championship Course
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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.