Future of Cape Breton golf lodge still in doubt two years after closure

The Keltic Lodge in Cape Breton, N.S. is pictured. (Source: Facebook/Keltic Lodge at the Highlands)

The Keltic Lodge in Cape Breton closed its doors two years ago and its future remains in doubt as Parks Canada continues to consider restoration or removal options.

GolfNorth, which leases the Keltic Main Lodge from Parks Canada, closed the site and some cottages in Ingonish, N.S., in April 2024, citing the condition of the lodge as a major impediment to keeping it open.

“A significant investment in the range of tens of millions of dollars would be required to comply with minimum current standards and codes, including electrical, heating, air conditioning and accessibility, and to maintain the high-quality experience visitors have come to expect,” a news release from GolfNorth at the time reads.

Parks Canada says a third-party “options analysis” looked at three possible futures for the lodge, but no final decisions have been made yet.

The first option involves a $69.5-million restoration and conservation of the building’s heritage elements, along with an update of its accessibility, code compliance and hotel amenities.

Parks Canada notes the Federal Heritage Review Office evaluated the lodge and noted it does not meet the threshold to be a federal heritage building, which does not prevent it from receiving preservation.

The second option involves removing all main lodge infrastructure east of the landbridge while keeping the existing roadway and trailhead parking lot. This project is estimated to cost $11.6 million.

The third option considers re-using the building for non-hotel purposes such as housing, restaurants, office space and community rooms. This approach is expected to cost $58.5 million.

“There are no decisions yet regarding funding or the future use of the Keltic Main Lodge,” a news release from Parks Canada reads. “As discussions continue and new information becomes available, Parks Canada will update the community. We remain committed to keeping residents informed.”

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