Why was Cape Breton Highlands Links built?

One of the founding principles of National Parks was to provide opportunities for visitors to enjoy leisure activities within the parks. In the case of Cape Breton Highlands National Park the natural attributes of the park itself provided a number of options for visitors to explore and enjoy the many fine beaches located within the park.

In addition to the natural opportunities available for enjoyment of the parks, it was generally accepted by Parks Canada officials that a golf course within the park was an important element that would contribute to attracting visitors and furthering their enjoyment and use of the parks.

Most likely this idea was the result of the success of Banff and Jasper National Parks in western Canada and Parks Canada leadership used this as a model for many subsequent parks.

Additionally, it must be remembered that during the 1930’s the country was still suffering the effects of the Great Depression and an undertaking such as the creation of a National Park would provide jobs that otherwise would not exist. The combination of these two factors contributed to the decision to move forward with the construction of Cape Breton Highlands Links.

In 1937 Parks Canada contracted with Canadian golf course architect Stanley Thompson to construct a golf course in Ingonish. Thompson was the architect responsible for both the Banff and Jasper courses and was well regarded by the Parks Canada officials.

Stanley Thompson fought in the First World War
Picture circa 1916