Cape Breton’s most famed resident, Alexander Graham Bell, once said “I have travelled around the globe. I have seen the Canadian and American Rockies, the Andes, the Alps and the Highlands of Scotland, but for simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals them all.” On this itinerary, you will explore Nova Scotia’s wild northern lands on a golfing survey of Cape Breton Island. Admire vast, untouched natural landscapes, absorbing the local Celtic-infused culture, and playing old world style, linksland golf in its purest form.
Upon arriving in Halifax, pick up your rental car and head to your hotel to check-in, relax and get acquainted with your new surroundings. Located in the heart of Halifax’s cosmopolitan downtown area, The Prince George Hotel features contemporary, stylish accommodations and luxurious amenities that will please even the most discerning of travellers.
Overnight at The Prince George Hotel
This morning, leave the city behind and begin your journey into Nova Scotia’s rugged Northern highlands. A largely undeveloped natural haven, Cape Breton Island is perhaps best known for its rich Scottish cultural heritage– is the only remaining locale in North America where Gaelic is still regularly spoken. Enjoy picturesque countryside views before arriving in the small community of Glenville, home to Glenora Distillery & Inn– North America’s only distiller of single malt whisky.
Enjoy a gourmet lunch followed by a private, behind-the-scenes distillery tour, where you will learn about the history of Scottish immigration to the Cape Breton Highlands, and gain insight into Glenora’s artisanal single malt whisky production process. Of course, you will have the opportunity to draw barrel samples to taste like a true whisky maker! After the tour concludes, continue on the second leg of your journey to Inverness, arriving at the Cabot Links Resort in the late afternoon. Check into your room, and spend the rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight at The Resort at Cabot Links
Rise early this morning for a coveted tee time on one of the resort’s two award-winning, linksland-style golf courses. Out of the world’s 30,000+ golf courses, a mere 246 of them can be classified as true links courses. Relying less on artificial hazards and immaculately manicured greens, and more on the natural features of the rugged Nova Scotian landscape, the golf experience at Cabot Links authentically recalls the sport’s humble Scottish beginnings.
Today, you may opt to play the namesake Cabot Links course, featuring spectacular ocean views from every hole, or alternatively, the Cabot Cliffs course, a stunning feat of landscaping, carefully carved from the Cape Breton Highland’s prodigious seaside cliffs. No matter which course you elect to play, you will surely delight in experiencing the sport in its purest form. After tallying up your final score, head back to the resort to enjoy the afternoon at leisure, taking advantage of the property’s luxurious amenities.
Overnight at The Resort at Cabot Links
This morning, head to the Pleasant Bay, where you will meet your local captain and guide, and board a private zodiac watercraft for an exhilarating marine life safari. Discover minke, pilot and fin whales in the intimate beauty of their natural environment. Utilizing the boat’s onboard hydrophone, you will even have the chance to listen to the haunting melodies sung by these magnificent creatures. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Cape Breton coastline, and if you’re lucky, you may spot bald eagles, gannets and a variety of other sea birds. Return to shore in time for lunch, then in the afternoon, embark on a self-guided exploration of Cape Breton Highlands National Park’s famed Cabot Trail. Named for John Cabot, the first European to set foot on the island, the Cabot Trail is a scenic loop that winds around the rocky splendour of Cape Breton’s northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus, passing through lush boreal forests and over pristine mountain streams. Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular drives in North America, the Cabot Trail loop promises unbelievable views, as well as opportunities to spot local fauna including bald eagles, caribou and whales.
In the early evening, proceed to Ingonish Beach, where you will check into your accommodations at the iconic seaside Keltic Lodge Resort & Spa. After you check-in and get acclimated to your new surroundings, enjoy a gourmet dinner and a leisurely evening by the fireplace.
Overnight at The Keltic Lodge at The Highlands
This morning, you will enjoy an electrifying morning on the links at another one of the world’s finest golf courses. The crown jewel of legendary golf course architect, Stanley Thompson’s storied career, the Keltic Lodge Resort’s Cape Breton Highlands course is truly exceptional in its commitment to traditional Scottish course construction and maintenance techniques. Offering magnificent coastal vistas at nearly every turn, the Cape Breton Highlands Course promises to go above and beyond even the most discerning golfer’s expectations. After making your last putt, head back to the resort feeling invigorated, and enjoy the rest of your day enjoying the property at your leisure. Head to Ingonish Beach for a dip in the ocean, indulge yourself with a treatment at the on-property, full-service spa, or simply relax and soak up some rays in a poolside lounge chair.
Overnight at The Keltic Lodge at The Highlands
After breakfast today, you will say goodbye to Cape Breton Island and drive to the nearby city of Sydney, where you will drop off your rental car and begin the journey home.
