Keltic Lodge at the Highlands, Cape Breton Highlands Links Golf Club, and GolfNorth Properties are thrilled to announce that Matthew MacKenzie will be returning to Ingonish as General Manager of Keltic Lodge at the Highlands and Cape Breton Highlands Links Golf Club. Matthew will oversee daily operations and guide the renaissance of these iconic Cape Breton institutions.
New (and returning) General Manager Matthew MacKenzie posted the following on his social media platforms:
I am truly proud to share that I’ve returned to Keltic Lodge at the Highlands as General Manager. This isan exciting new chapter for me and my family, and a meaningful full-circle moment at one of Canada’s most iconic golf destinations.
Set within the breathtaking Cape Breton Highlands National Park, this remarkable property brings together the timeless beauty of Stanley Thompson’s Highlands Links Golf Course with the charm and hospitality excellence of the Keltic Lodge. To once again lead such a storied destination is both an honour, a joy and a responsibility I take on with sincere gratitude.
This place holds deep personal significance. In 2011, after relocating from British Columbia, it was here that I first experienced the warmth and generosity of Cape Breton hospitality. That moment helped shape my service philosophy and sparked a lasting connection to this region. I am genuinely thrilled to once again be surrounded by the awe-inspiring landscapes, cultural richness, and community pride that make Cape Breton so unforgettable.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving as General Manager at some of Canada’s most respected resorts, including The Algonquin Resort – Marriott Autograph Collection, Muskoka Bay Resort, Cabot Cape Breton, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, and The Westin Nova Scotian. Each of these experiences has helped shape who I am as a leader—rooted in authenticity, guided by purpose, and always centered on people. I am excited to bring the insights, lessons, and values to help elevate Keltic Lodge at the Highlands to its highest potential.
I look forward to working alongside the passionate team at GolfNorth to continue building on the legacy of this treasured destination—celebrating its past, supporting its growth, and ensuring it remains a must-visit stop along the Cabot Trail, beside Cape Smokey, and within Canada’s national tourism landscape.
I look forward to hosting you all soon—what a great year to travel to Cape Breton!Humbly,
Matt
Doug Breen (Regional VP & Chief Agronomist for GolfNorth Properties) is looking forward to the future of the Keltic Lodge at the Highlands, “Having been involved in the Keltic story for a decade now, I feel that Matthew MacKenzie is the right person, at the right time, to pilot the resort into the next phase of service and development. We have renovated all the areas presently in use and look forward to partnering with Parks Canada to finish the job. In the meantime, the hospitality, golf, culinary, and tourism experiences offered to the travelling and golfing public, will be the best that Cape Breton has to offer.”
Many staff, local residents, golfers, and business owners remember Matthew’s previous tenure at Keltic Lodge at the Highlands fondly. Several have called him, “An excellent choice,” and local operators are looking forward to working with him through the Ingonish Development Society.
Keltic Lodge at the Highlands is also pleased to announce that Clare Corbin (well known to our community) has been promoted to the position of Director of Operations. Outgoing General Manager Micheal Young resigned in April 2025 to pursue other opportunities. Everyone involved wish him nothing but the best, and sincerely thank him for his years of service.
Keltic Lodge at the Highlands is now open for the 2025 season. Rooms are filling quickly, but excellent options for golf, hiking, live music, terrific food, relaxation and that legendary Cape Breton hospitality abound—whether you are from just up the Cabot Trail or from around the world.
Cape Breton Highlands Links is a Stanley Thompson designed masterpiece, which many believe to be his greatest work. It is consistently listed in the SCOREGolf magazine Top 10 in Canada, and the Golf Digest Top 100 courses in the world.
Keltic Lodge at the Highlands has been welcoming guests from around the world for generations and is delicately perched on one of the most beautiful peninsulas on the planet. Since GolfNorth leased the properties from Parks Canada a decade ago, the golf course has undergone significant improvement—the rooms, banquet hall, and restaurant have all been fully renovated. Parks Canada is presently weighing options for the future of the 1951 Main Lodge building and Cottages, and GolfNorth is anxious to participate in whatever future plan is approved.
GolfNorth Properties is a golf and resort management company, based in Kitchener-Waterloo Ontario. Founded in 1994, the company has expanded steadily and is a national leader in the consolidation and management of golf and resort properties, operating 41 sites in Canada, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia.
Matthew MacKenzie can be reached at mmackenzie@kelticlodge.ca or manager@kelticlodge.ca For reservations, please find Keltic Lodge at the Highlands online at www.kelticlodge.ca or call 1-800-565-0444.
