Northern Ontario
Whitewater Golf Club
Rosslyn, ON
18 Holes • Green Fee: $80-90
Designed by acclaimed Canadian architect Thomas McBroom and opened in 2005, Whitewater is a stunning example of modern golf course architecture that harmonizes with nature. McBroom’s vision for Whitewater was to “play the land as it lies,” incorporating plateaus, ravines, wetlands, and cliffs into the course’s natural flow. His strategic use of the river and surrounding wilderness creates a layout that’s both visually arresting and technically demanding. Set across 550 acres of forested terrain along the Kaministiquia River, the course is a dramatic blend of rugged Northern Ontario beauty and strategic design. McBroom’s routing divides the course into two distinct nines: the Forest and the River. The Forest nine winds through mature trees and residential areas, while the River nine showcases dramatic water features and elevation changes. Wildlife sightings—moose, bear, deer, and lynx—add to the immersive experience.
“Weaving its way between the Kaministiquia River and the Rosslyn Oxbow Wetlands, this is a vast, rugged and diverse 550-acre property. Still, architect Tom McBroom managed to fashion a seamless flow to it all, carving the opening nine through mostly boreal forest before connecting it to the River Nine, with ravines, plateaus and cliffs adding to the scenery along the way. But my favourite holes are reserved for the river views: the par-4 4th, which wraps its way from left to right just inside the river’s edge, and the 176-yard downhill par-3 13th, with the Kaministiquia providing a most dramatic backdrop.” —Ted McIntyre
Northern Ontario
Timberwolf Golf Club
Sudbury, ON
18 Holes • Green Fee: $71
Timberwolf Golf Club is a championship-caliber course that stands as one of the largest and most visually striking layouts in Northern Ontario. Designed by acclaimed Canadian architect Thomas McBroom in 1998, Timberwolf sprawls across a vast tract of land, offering a golfing experience defined by scale, solitude, and natural beauty. The par-72, 18-hole course stretches over 7,126 yards, winding through wetlands, streams, and granite outcroppings, with thousands of white birch trees framing the fairways. Each hole feels like a world unto itself, offering a sense of isolation and immersion rarely found in public courses.
“Thomas McBroom has designed so many outstanding golf courses across Canada and I would include Timberwolf among his best. It’s a great test of golf that’s certainly challenging, but equally fair and a pleasure to walk. For the quality of the entire experience, Timberwolf is a no-brainer for best value in Ontario.” —Grant Fraser
Northern Ontario
Stone Ridge Golf Club
Elliot Lake, ON
18 Holes • Green Fee: $54
Stone Ridge Golf Club is one of Northern Ontario’s premier 18-hole championship courses. Designed by renowned architect Ted Baker, the course stretches 6,800 yards and offers a dynamic blend of natural beauty and strategic challenge. Since its opening in 2005, Stone Ridge has earned praise for its dramatic elevation changes, pristine fairways, and breathtaking views of rock escarpments, boreal forest, and Ryan Lake. Stone Ridge is a visually stunning and technically demanding experience, designed to challenge seasoned players while remaining accessible to everyone.
Rarely does a golf course architect have the opportunity to work with a site of such exceptional beauty. The escarpment, the lake, the wetlands, mature vegetation, exposed rock faces, and dramatic elevation changes - the design fits effortlessly into the landscape. —Ted Baker
Northern Ontario
Sault Ste. Marie GC
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
18 Holes • Green Fee: $62
Located along the picturesque St. Mary’s River in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the Club is a semi-private facility that blends rich history with modern amenities. Originally routed in 1919 by George Cumming, considered the “Dean of Canadian Professional Golfers”, and the winner of the Canadian Open in 1905, and later redesigned by legendary architect Stanley Thompson in 1952, the course reflects classic Canadian golf architecture with strategic layouts and natural beauty. This par-72, 18-hole course stretches over 6,769 yards with tree-lined and gently undulating fairways, while the greens are well-protected by bunkers and subtle slopes. The course’s riverside location adds scenic charm and occasional breezes that influence play.
In 1952 Stanley Thompson redesigned the original Cumming nine holes and added a further nine. Sault Golf Club was his last course design prior to his death in 1953. The course was completed by his brother Matt Thompson. It is an easy walking 18 holes that are well manicured with fast testy greens. At $62.00 you will not be disappointed. —Guy Ginter
Northern Ontario
Red Lake Golf Club
Red Lake, ON
18 Holes • Green Fee: $55
The Red Lake Golf & Country Club holds the distinction of being the northernmost 18-hole golf course in the province. Set along the scenic shores of Red Lake and nestled within 88 acres of pristine wilderness, this course offers a truly immersive experience in nature, combining rugged boreal forest ridges, natural lakes, ponds, and bulrush streams. Established in 1971, the par-73 course stretches up to 6,359 yards from the back tees. Golfers are treated to fast greens and lush fairways, with a layout that challenges shot-making and strategic play.
Unique, challenging and surrounded by wilderness. —Andy Karanasos
Northern Ontario
Osprey Links Golf Club
Callander, ON
18 Holes • Green Fee: $52
Osprey Links is a Rene Muylaert par 71 design that measures a challenging 6,442 yards from the tips. The two nines at Osprey Links are as different as the seasons in northern Ontario. The front nine is best described as links style golf enhanced by the presence of eight strategically placed ponds bordering fairways and greens. The back nine is a completely different sensory experience and challenge. Carved out of the dense hard and softwood forests, it features tree-lined fairways, granite rock formations, and varying tee to green elevations. Add 40 well maintained bunkers to the mix, and it’s no wonder Osprey Links is considered one of the best golf courses in the area.
I’ve played Osprey Links several times over the years and have always been impressed with the condition of the golf course and its natural beauty. The greens are especially good and I like the design difference of the two nines. For approximately $50 (walking) this is great value and an even better golf experience. Be sure to pack some bug spray or lotion as you’ll likely need it!” —Grant Fraser
Northern Ontario
Huron Pines Golf Club
Blind River, ON
18 Holes • Green Fee: $55
Huron Pines is one of Northern Ontario’s most scenic and well-regarded championship golf courses. Established in 1984, the course is nestled alongside the Mississagi River and surrounded by hardwood forests, wetlands, and exposed rock. The original nine holes were designed by Robbie Robinson, a protégé of Stanley Thompson, and reflect a natural integration with the landscape. The back nine, added by Graham Cooke, brings a championship-level challenge with dramatic elevation changes, water hazards, and tricky greens.
Best in Class! The course experience is unbelievable, and the price point makes it a true sleeper. Once the new hotel goes into the community this is a must play destination. —Owen Rigg
Northern Ontario
Hollinger Golf Club
Timmins, ON
18 Holes • Green Fee: $45-60
Hollinger Golf Club is a premier destination for golfers seeking both challenge and natural beauty. Established in 1922 by the Hollinger Mine to attract workers to the region, the club has evolved into Northern Ontario’s only full bentgrass 18-hole championship course. The current course was designed by John Robinson and spans over 6,500 yards from the black tees and plays as a par 72. It’s divided into two distinct 9-hole loops: the Highlands and the Lakelands, each offering unique terrain and strategic challenges. It’s water hazards, rock outcroppings and rolling fairways set against a backdrop of rugged Northern Ontario landscape.
If you happen to be in Timmins, you will want to play the Hollinger Golf Club. Originally designed over 100 years ago, it was transformed into a bent grass facility with fast greens, outstanding manicured fairways, impressive elevation changes and a lot of challenges. —Guy Ginter
Northern Ontario
Fort William Country Club
Thunder Bay, ON
18 Holes • Green Fee: $60-80
This scenic gem is nestled beneath the majestic Nor’Wester Mountain Range in Thunder Bay and offers a breathtaking setting for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. Established in 1926 and originally designed by renowned architect Stanley Thompson, the course was later redesigned by Norman Woods in 1959 to become the championship 18-hole layout it is today. Every hole on the course is framed by dramatic mountain backdrops, creating a visually stunning and serene environment. At 6,570 yards, this par-72 layout features impressive elevation changes and greens that will test even the most seasoned players.
A mature course nestled at the base of the Nor’Wester mountains. Known for great pace of play, tree lined fairways, and one of the most scenic finishing holes in Ontario. —Andy Karanasos