A Golfer’s Dream: Adam Stanley’s 5-Day Cape Breton Island Tour

There are no fewer than a solid half-dozen reasons why a trip to Cape Breton could top a potential travellers’ list. I was lucky enough to experience all of those reasons, and then some, in my trip. You can’t say more about the golf then what’s already been said – it’s special and spectacular. Equal parts worthy of telling your friends and family and a post on Instagram. As a golfer, the opportunity to play such great courses was the point of the trip but then you feel the hospitality, you interact with the people, you eat the food (oh my, the food!) and you do the Cabot Trail drive and you just think, this is what it’s all about.’

-Adam Stanley

Day 1: The Lakes at Ben Eoin Golf Club & Resort

Adam’s Cape Breton golf journey began at The Lakes at Ben Eoin Golf Club & Resort in Ben Eoin. Set along the shores of the Bras d’Or Lake, this course offers a balance of challenge and beauty, with scenic water views and rolling fairways that demand precision and creativity. That evening, he dined on site at Founders Restaurant and spent the night in one of their spacious chalets located just steps away from the course. With comfortable accommodations and quiet surroundings, it was the perfect start to his Island adventure.

Day 2: Cape Breton Highlands Links and Keltic Lodge

Day two took Adam north to Cape Breton Highlands Links in Ingonish, one of Canada’s most iconic golf courses. Designed by Stanley Thompson, the course winds through forest, river valley and rugged coastline inside Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Each hole feels like its own natural masterpiece, shaped by the Island itself.

After his round, Adam checked in at the Keltic Lodge at the Highlands, perched above the Atlantic. The views from the property are as striking as the golf course below, making it a perfect place to relax after a day on the greens.

Day 3: Bell Bay Golf Club and The Nest at Cabot Cape Breton

On day three, Adam made his way to Bell Bay Golf Club in Baddeck. Overlooking the Bras d’Or Lake, Bell Bay is known for its wide fairways, rolling hills and welcoming atmosphere. The course offers variety on every hole, rewarding smart play and steady putting.

That evening, Adam travelled west to Inverness to take on The Nest at Cabot Cape Breton, a par-3 short course perched high above the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The Nest offers pure fun, quick rounds, breathtaking ocean views, and a relaxed, social atmosphere that captures the heart of Cape Breton Island golf.

Day 4: Cabot Cliffs

Day four brought Adam to the spectacular Cabot Cliffs, often ranked among the best golf courses in the world. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Cabot Cliffs combines drama and elegance with cliff-top holes, rolling dunes and panoramic ocean vistas.

The course demands creativity and courage, especially on its finishing stretch, where the fairways meet the edge of the sea. Every swing offers a new perspective, making Cabot Cliffs a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 5: Cabot Links

Adam ended his five-day tour with a round at Cabot Links, Canada’s first authentic links course. Set between the town of Inverness and the sea, Cabot Links embodies traditional links golf, firm fairways, natural contours and the ever-changing influence of coastal winds.

The course offers a pure and timeless test of skill that perfectly capped Adam’s Cape Breton Island golf adventure. With the waves crashing nearby and the sun setting over the water, it was the ideal way to finish his Island tour.

A True Cape Breton Golf Journey

From the heart of the Island to its ocean cliffs, Adam Stanley’s five-day tour showed why Cape Breton Island golf is recognized among the best in the world. With welcoming stays, unforgettable scenery and courses that inspire every level of golfer, Cape Breton is truly a destination like no other.

Plan Your Own Golf Getaway

Follow in Adam Stanley’s footsteps and explore Cape Breton Island’s golf coast for yourself. Whether you’re chasing birdies or simply soaking in the views, you’ll find your own perfect swing on the Island.