Designed by renowned Canadian golf architect Robbie Robinson in the early 1960s, this 6,922-yard course winds through woodlands and is celebrated for its natural beauty and thoughtful layout—not to mention the numerous wildlife that call this area home. Although situated alongside the St. Lawrence River, meandering waterways like Aultsville Creek add both scenic charm and strategic challenge, especially on standout holes like the par-5 14th, affectionately nicknamed “The Monster.”

Since 1998, Trillium Wood has been regarded as one of the best golf courses in the Belleville area. Carved through 200 acres of mature forest and scenic heathland, there’s a sense of isolation on most holes. Its 4.7/5 Google rating and 4.9/5 GolfNow rating are testaments to the quality of the layout, its conditioning, staff friendliness and the club’s mission statement to “provide the best golf experience possible.”

Timber Ridge is a public-access treasure that blends natural beauty with strategic design. Spanning 200 acres, the course features bentgrass greens and tees, lush fairways and tall fescue that frames each hole. Designed by Steven Ward of Golfplan Associates, it opened for play in August 2001 and stretches up to 6,633 yards from the back tees, traversing heavily wooded terrain that emphasizes accuracy over power. The par-4 13th is the signature hole and features a dramatic 75-foot drop from tee to fairway. Both the routing and constant movement of the fairways and putting surfaces make Timber Ridge both look and feel like a high-calibre tournament course.

Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River in the charming village of Appleton, this is one of Ontario’s oldest courses. Established in 1915 on the former Patterson Farm, the club began as a nine-hole layout designed by James Newman. It expanded to 18 holes in 1987 under the guidance of golf architect Graham Cooke. The course spans 190 acres of rolling terrain, with lush fairways and pristine greens, and offers a mix of risk-reward holes, including the signature par-3 7th, which challenges players with a dramatic shot over the river. The layout is friendly to walkers and accessible to all skill levels, yet still pushes seasoned players. A true hidden gem in the Ottawa Valley.

Smuggler’s Glen Golf Club, located in Lansdowne, opened in 2005. Developed by the Seal family, longtime owners of the Glen House Resort, the course was designed by Boyd Barr to showcase the dramatic terrain of the Canadian Shield and the rugged beauty of the Thousand Islands. It quickly gained acclaim, earning a nomination for Best New Golf Course in Canada by Golf Digest in 2006. Carved through granite outcroppings, mature forests and wetlands, the course offers stunning vistas and strategic challenges. Holes 4–6 traverse the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, a UNESCO-designated area that preserves natural habitats and showcases local wildlife.

Fairways winding through 100-year-old oak trees and natural marsh lands, with Otter Creek meandering amongst many of the holes.  The course winds through forest lined with cedar, spruce and evergreen trees. Elevation changes demand precise shot-making into well-bunkered, fast greens. You get to walk in the footsteps of Canadian superstar Brooke Henderson and her sister Brittany on the course where they grew up. Take a minute or two to enjoy the Henderson exhibit in the clubhouse.

Ever-present winds and commanding views of the lake accompany players throughout the round, as the course winds through the grounds of the historic Penryn Park, with huge elevation changes and bluffs reminding you of the backdrop of the early days of golfing in Canada. It’s only appropriate, considering this course first opened in 1926 as a nine-hole Scottish links-style layout. A huge, custom-built clear span bridge, 60 feet above four CN railway lines, offers the best views of all. Nominated for Golf Digest’s 2021-2022 Remodel of the Year Award.

Located in the historic village of Bath, this Ted Baker design opened in the mid-1990s. It began as a modest nine-hole layout with a trailer for a pro shop but quickly evolved into a full 18-hole championship course under the stewardship of the Kaitlin Group. Its layout integrates rolling terrain, strategic bunkering and natural watercourses, creating a scenic yet challenging experience. Recent upgrades include reconditioned bunkers, new tee decks and a refreshed fleet of golf carts, enhancing both playability and aesthetics. Loyalist has hosted numerous provincial and national events, including the Great Waterway Classic on the PGA Tour Canada.

A semi-private 18-hole course set on 300 acres of pristine forest in the scenic March Highlands. Opened in 1987, the layout was crafted by Gordon Witteveen, offering a blend of challenge and beauty that has matured gracefully over the decades. The course is walkable and well-maintained, with a reputation for excellent conditioning and a peaceful, natural setting. Loch March has hosted numerous amateur and charity tournaments, contributing to Ottawa’s golf culture while remaining accessible to the public. A refined escape just minutes from downtown Ottawa.