Nova Scotia has been turning heads in the golf world for years, and the latest SCOREGolf Top 59 Public Courses in Canada rankings prove why. Six of the province’s courses made the 2025 list, which is an incredible showing for a region this size, and a sure sign that a golf trip here belongs on every player’s bucket list. From dramatic cliffside layouts to historic parkland gems, here’s a closer look at each of Nova Scotia’s Top 59 standouts and what makes them so special.
Cabot Cliffs & Cabot Links — #1 and 2 in Canada
When a course tops the SCOREGolf list, it’s because it’s unforgettable. Cabot Cliffs is all about drama, which comes from teeing off with the ocean stretching out below you and a breeze that changes the shot from one day to the next. Coore and Crenshaw’s design is clever without ever feeling forced, and the final holes along the cliffs will have you pulling out your phone for more photos than you’ll admit.
Right next door, Cabot Links offers a true links golf experience that feels plucked straight from Scotland. Canada’s first authentic links course is a walking-only track with firm fairways, natural dunes, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence as a constant backdrop. It’s pure seaside golf and a perfect complement to the Cliffs.
Cape Breton Highlands Links — #5
Cape Breton Highlands Links is a Stanley Thompson masterpiece that has been challenging and inspiring golfers since 1941. Routed through the rugged beauty of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, each hole comes with a different backdrop, from mountains and forests to ocean views. It is challenging, but it’s not punishing, and it has a unique character that you won’t see replicated.
Northumberland Links — #26
A coastal gem on the Northumberland Strait, Northumberland Links has a relaxed and welcoming feel, combining both parkland and links elements. But the ocean winds can turn a comfortable yardage into quite the test. Recent upgrades and storm recovery work have only enhanced its character, opening up new sightlines and improving playability without losing its charm.
The Links at Brunello — #46
Just minutes from downtown Halifax, The Links at Brunello is a modern championship course that offers variety and challenge for all skill levels. Thomas McBroom’s design feels modern but not overdone, with elevation changes, rock outcroppings and a mix of hole styles that keep things interesting from start to finish.
Fox Harb’r Resort — #53
Fox Harb’r is as much a resort experience as it is a golf course. The front nine gives you a parkland feel, while the back nine opens up to sweeping ocean views. Combine that with high-end accommodations and amenities, and it’s the kind of place where you might stay an extra night just to enjoy it all.
Planning Your Nova Scotia Golf Trip
Having six Top 59 courses in one province is a rare treat. Whether you want to tackle them all in a single trip or mix them into a broader East Coast golf tour, Best Golf Trips can make it happen. We’ll line up your tee times, secure the right accommodations, and make sure your itinerary flows seamlessly, so all you need to do is show up ready to play.
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