For Canadian golfers, there's nothing quite like arriving at the perfect course, booking that coveted golf tee time well in advance, soaking in breathtaking landscapes, and savoring camaraderie on the green. From the rugged coastlines of Nova Scotia to the serene fairways of Prince Edward Island, and from mountain vistas in British Columbia to Ontario’s famed cottage-country layouts, Canada offers unforgettable golf escapes.
In this comprehensive guide, we spotlight the top 10 golf destinations beloved by Canadians, exploring their must-play courses, ideal tee time strategies, travel tips, and why each is a perfect staycation or getaway. Whether you're aiming to secure golf tee times in PEI, experience BC’s alpine charms, or plan an Ontario cottage retreat, you'll find expert insights and local tips.
East Coast Charm: Nova Scotia & PEI
Cabot Cape Breton Resorts: Canada's most famous goldestination, Cabot Cape Breton, features Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs—ranked in the top 100 courses globally. Set against a backdrop of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, these coastal courses offer stunning ocean views and true links-style play. Book tee times early (up to 6 months ahead) for peak season.
Highlands Links & Bell Bay: Nestled in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Highlands Links is a Stanley Thompson classic known for its natural layout and scenic transitions between forest and coastline. Bell Bay in nearby Baddeck offers great value and smooth greens.
Hidden Gem: Digby Pines & Fox Harb’r: Digby Pines is a Donald Ross-designed treasure, while Fox Harb’r boasts private jet access, luxury villas, and cliffside holes. Both cater to upscale travelers with flexible tee time options via Brio.
Mountains & Majestic Scenery: Alberta & B.C.
Fairmont Banff Springs & Jasper Park Lodge: Banff and Jasper are more than national parks—they're icons of Canadian golf. Banff Springs, with its castle backdrop and Bow Valley vistas, is unforgettable. Jasper Park Lodge delivers alpine drama and peaceful play. Expect green fees to range from $150 to $275.
Kananaskis Country Golf Course: Destroyed by flooding in 2013, Kananaskis is now fully restored with two courses: Mount Kidd and Mount Lorette. Both offer high value and breathtaking scenery.
Whistler & Okanagan Valley (Predator Ridge): Whistler is home to Nicklaus North and Chateau Whistler. In the Okanagan, Predator Ridge offers luxury stays, vineyard views, and excellent service. Brio users frequently praise the real-time tee notifications for these areas.
Pacific Pleasure: Vancouver Island & Coast
Bear Mountain, Olympic View, Victoria Golf Club: Vancouver Island is a year-round golfing haven. Bear Mountain Resort has two courses and an onsite spa. Olympic View blends rainforest with rolling terrain, and Victoria Golf Club—established in 1893—is a private gem with ocean exposure.
Cordova Bay & Highland Pacific: Cordova Bay is known for warm hospitality, while Highland Pacific surprises with its elevation changes and downtown Victoria views.
Central Icons: Ontario & Quebec
Glen Abbey & National Golf Club of Canada: Ontario is the epicenter of Canadian golf. Glen Abbey hosted the RBC Canadian Open 30+ times and features bold bunkering and elevation. The National is ultra-exclusive—good luck booking a tee.
St. George’s, Capilano & Private Club Culture: St. George’s in Toronto and Capilano in Vancouver offer elite-level course design, yet are accessible via charity events or limited open tee days.
Crowbush Links in PEI: While technically East Coast, Crowbush Links deserves standalone love: ocean dunes, rolling fairways, and friendly PEI hospitality.
Off-the-Radar Favorites
Cranbrook/Kimberley BC Circuit: Shadow Mountain, Trickle Creek, and Wildstone Golf Club (Gary Player design) are must-visits in the East Kootenays. Affordable, remote, and spectacular.
Mushuoka Cottages + Golf: Near Sudbury, these remote Ontario cabins come with access to nearby courses—perfect for long weekends.
Road-Trip Style Exploration: Use Brio’s route planner to stitch together 3-4 courses across provinces. It features filter tools by difficulty, rating, and weather suitability.
How to Book Tee Times (Use Brio)
The Brio app has become a go-to among my friends. It offers:
- Real-time tee time availability
- Daily notifications
- Custom course search by budget, rating, distance
- Weather + route planner integration
Accommodation & Travel Logistics
Major golf destinations offer bundled stay-and-play packages. Use Brio to preview partner hotels and travel times.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to golf in Canada?
Late spring through early fall (May–October), depending on region.
2. Are there public golf courses near Vancouver Island?
Yes. Cordova Bay, Highland Pacific, and Olympic View are all public and highly rated.
3. How can I get tee times for private clubs like Glen Abbey?
Watch for charity tournaments, or use Brio for notifications of limited public days.
4. Are there golf resorts with accommodation packages in Canada?
Yes. Predator Ridge, Bear Mountain, and Fox Harb’r offer stay-and-play deals.
5. What is the easiest way to plan a cross-country golf trip?
Use the Brio app’s route planner to link courses by province and travel distance.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your clubs, pick your province, and let Brio guide your journey from fairway to finish.
