Don Valley Golf Course, located in North York, is one of the city’s most iconic public golf venues, offering a scenic and challenging experience nestled in the heart of the Don River Valley. Opened in 1956, the course was designed by Howard Watson, a renowned Canadian golf architect and protege of Stanley Thompson. Don Valley’s layout makes full use of the rolling terrain, mature trees, and the meandering Don River. The course’s natural setting is a major draw, with dense vegetation and wildlife creating a tranquil escape from the urban bustle. Despite its central location near Yonge Street and York Mills Road, Don Valley feels secluded, offering golfers a peaceful round surrounded by nature.

Located in Etobicoke along the banks of the Humber River, is one of Toronto’s oldest golf courses. Dating back more than 100 years, the Humber Valley Golf Course has stood the test of time and is regarded as one of the best municipal golf courses in Ontario. Although short by today’s standards, this 5,446-yard, par 70, 18-hole golf course is no easy walk in the park. The tight, treelined fairways and small greens will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Two holes in particular are noteworthy – the 392-yard par 4 14^th and the 167-yard par 3 15^th – both of which were designed by Canada’s world famous architect, Stanley Thompson. In 2021, Humber Valley hosted the inaugural Canadian All Abilities Championship.

This Doug Carrick design features generous fescue-lined fairways that amble gently across rolling terrain. Cross bunkers punctuate several holes requiring a decision while others have water hazards lurking alongside. That’s all negotiable. The real challenge at Ballantrae is discovered on the raised slick greens with their humps and contours, framed by deep bunkers and closely-mown roll off areas. Approach shots need to be spot on or else there’s a real premium on chipping. Always fun, the course prides itself on its immaculate condition and a brisk (but reasonable) pace of play.

Pheasant Run Golf Club features three distinct nines: Highlands, Midlands, and Southern Uplands. Each layout offers a unique experience. The Highlands course is known for its sweeping views and elevation changes, emphasizing precision and target golf. The Midlands is widely regarded as one of the most demanding nines in Ontario, with tree-lined fairways and dramatic par-5s that test both fitness and skill. The Southern Uplands, while more forgiving in terrain, still requires strategic play and rewards accuracy over power. Pheasant Run was designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Wetlands, mature forests, and gently undulating terrain are all integral to the course’s character.

The origins of Silver Lakes date back to 1958 when club founder Chuck Penstone envisioned developing a pristine piece of timberland into a great golf course. After four years of planning and construction, the Silver Lakes Golf & CC officially opened in the spring of 1994. Design of the golf course is credited to R.F. Moote and Associates who created a 7,100-yard “Carolina-style” layout that delicately weaves its way through well-treed terrain alongside the neighbouring Holland River. Water comes into play on 12 holes as great care was taken to protect the wetland areas native to the property.

Opened in 2008, the course was quietly developed over three years before bursting onto the scene with a dramatic layout that quickly earned accolades—including “Best New Course in Canada” by Golf Digest in 2009. Spanning over 7,200 yards from the back tees, Dragon’s Fire is a par-72 course that challenges players with a mix of length, precision, and strategic decision-making. The design is both dramatic and thoughtful. Players navigate through mature maples, mountain ash, and spruce trees, with water hazards and over 80 bunkers guarding fairways and greens.