Summer Golf Getaway to Eastern Canada

5 Reasons to Escape to Cape Breton Island

By Chris Duthie

Perhaps more than any other recreational traveler, golfers are treated to an endless supply of spoiling, “pinch-me-hard” experiences.

Eastern Canada’s Cape Breton Island is just such a place. Forbes magazine calls it “the hottest island in golf.” Travel + Leisure hails CBI as the “No. 1 Island in the Continental U.S. and Canada.” And for good measure, Golf Digest ranks two of the area’s courses among the world’s 100 greatest.

Located about 500 miles northeast of Maine, this 4,000-square-mile northern Nova Scotia landmass has exploded onto the vacation golf scene and has gained a Bandon Dunes/Cape Kidnappers/Los Cabo-style reputation for astonishing, must-play recreation.

Looking for a world-class summer escape? Here are five reasons why Cape Breton Island should head your play-before-you-die list:

1) In Inverness, public Cabot Cliffs is 6,764 yards of stunning Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw dunes golf that debuted at No. 19 on Golf Digest’s 2016 world’s greatest courses list, plus it’s widely regarded Canada’s top layout. Walking only; caddies services available.

2) On the same property is Cabot Links, the highly praised and wickedly gorgeous Rod Whitman creation. Offering ocean views on every hole and five directly adjacent to the beach, Golf Digest ranks the 6,854-yard public routing 94th in the world. Walking only; caddies services available. Golf tip: For resort-style luxury, reserve overnight lodging at Cabot Links.

3) Two hours northwest near the village of Ingonish Beach is public Cape Breton Highlands, a timeless Stanley Thompson gem that was once ranked Canada’s best course. Built in 1939 within Cape Breton National Park, the 6,600-yard routing still commands serious acclaim — Golf Digest ranks it 11^th best in the country.

4) Two other courses worth playing: the 7,037-yard, Tom McBroom-designed Bell Bay in Beddeck, which Golf Digest named Best New Course in Canada 1998; and Le Portage, crafted by Robert and David Moote, located halfway to Cape Breton Highlands on the super scenic, coast hugging Cabot Trail byway.

5) America’s exceptionally strong dollar is a palatable enticement to vacationing Coloradoans. Right now the U.S. greenback is fetching a CAN$1.34 exchange, giving virtual “discounts” on rental cars, lodging, dining, greens fees, gifts and all other purchases.

For more about Cape Breton Island, go online by clicking here. What are your favorite memories of Cape Breton Island? Share your comments below.

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• Cabot Links: Adding to the Journey
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 Chris Duthie is a Durango-based contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer. Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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