Escape to Canada

Pictured above: Fairmont Jasper Park Golf Course

A question I’m frequently asked is, “Where should I go on a golf holiday?”

That usually elicits more questions from me about when they want to go, do they want to fly or drive, does their agenda include other activities such as sightseeing or soaking up another culture and most importantly, what’s their budget. There’s a long list of possibilities and I’m usually able to make suggestions that can tick a few of the appropriate boxes.

Oddly though, I’m rarely asked, “Where should I go on a golf holiday in Canada?” And I have to wonder why. Are most golfers looking for something more exotic? Farther away? The “in” spots?

I get it. I’ve been writing about those destinations for 25 years. Marketers routinely bombard us with stories and promos about tropical escapes, luxurious golf resorts in extreme locations and the special attractions of golf in places like Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, Italy or more recently Southeast Asia.

They’re all fantastic. But what about Canada?  We have some of the best golf courses in the world, in the most beautiful locations, yet we sometimes overlook what’s in our own backyard.

This year in particular might be a good time to choose a Canadian destination. With the Canadian dollar currently trading below $0.70 US, it’s more expensive than ever if you want to head south of the border. Most overseas trips are usually denominated in US dollars too.

With that in mind, here are six amazing Canadian destinations, from East to West, that should rank right up there with the best in the world. (Note, I have omitted destinations in Ontario from this list, not because we don’t have fantastic courses and resorts, but because I’m saving them for future articles.)

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Highlands Links

Lately, Cabot Cape Breton, has been garnering most of the attention for this island golfing mecca on our east coast. And rightly so. Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links are perennially ranked among the top courses in Canada and the resort is often sold-out months in advance. Both courses should be on any serious golfer’s Bucket List. Naturally, all of those accolades command a hefty price tag, but visitors can take comfort that the other courses on Cape Breton are more budget friendly. Bell Bay, Le Portage, The Lakes and Highlands Links, one of Canadian golf architect Stanley Thompson’s best, make up a grand rota. A stay at Keltic Lodge in Ingonish is highly recommended, driving the Cabot Trail is a must and soaking up some unique Cape Breton culture over a pint with some of the locals will be unforgettable.

GolfCapeBreton.com

 

Prince Edward Island

Crowbush Cove

I suspect everyone knows someone who has played golf in PEI. And they all talk about how good it is. And affordable. And fun. From top notch courses like Crowbush Cove, Dundarave and Brudenelle in the east to Andersons Creek, Eagles Glenn and Green Gables on the North Shore and Mill River on the western tip, the island is chock full of terrific designs. In fact, more holes per capita than anywhere else in Canada. A few days in Charlottetown should be part of any itinerary to sample the city’s extensive culinary offerings, especially the seafood. And don’t forget the beaches and the galleries and the history. PEI is a great place to golf but it’s also so much more than golf.

GolfPEI.com

Mont Tremblant, Quebec

Le Diable

Long known as one of the top winter destinations in Eastern Canada, Mont Tremblant also has some pretty strong chops as a summer vacation spot. The focus is typically on the faux European style village with wonderful restaurants and accommodations ranging from quaint Bed & Breakfasts to five-star hotels, but the surrounding lakes and hills are home to some magical places to eat, sleep and play as well. Golf at Le Diable, Le Geant and La Bête is exceptional and Royal Laurentian is also very good and just a short hop away.

Golf at Mont Tremblant

 

The Rocky Mountain Trail

Fairmont Banff Springs

Think of golf in the Rockies and I imagine that Banff and Jasper are top of mind. These two iconic Stanley Thompson layouts are more than 100 years old and are considered ‘must play’ courses in Canada, the absolute pinnacle, if you’ll excuse the pun, of mountain golf. But they’re not the only spectacular tracks on this trail. Canmore boasts Stewart Creek and Silvertip, while the two courses at Kananaskis are not to be missed. Six courses separated by some incomparable scenery are usually enough for a golf holiday but if you ache for more, then complete the loop from Calgary to Edmonton or vice versa and enjoy many more public courses and, if you have the right connections, a few private ones too.

Canadianrockiesgolf.ca

 

Whistler, BC

Chateau Whistler Golf Club

It’s not every day you find a destination with golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones Jr and Bob Cupp, virtual royalty among course architects. Nicklaus North, Whistler GC, Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Big Sky will provide all the thrills and memories that mountain golf can deliver. And Whistler Village isn’t lacking anything in terms of entertainment, dining and accommodations. Too long a list of amenities and attractions to list here but your research will no doubt turn up something that get’s your pulse racing. As an aside, there’s only one road into and out of Whistler so unless you rent a helicopter, on the way to and from Vancouver, you’ll pass a golf course overlooking magnificent Howe Sound. It’s called Furry Creek, and it’s built on the side of the mountain. It’s a little extreme and a bit quirky, but it’s worth fitting into your schedule.

Tourism Whistler

 

The Vancouver Island Golf Trail

Bear Mountain

For someone visiting from Southern Ontario, the first thing you’ll notice about Vancouver Island is the laid-back vibe. It’s not slow – more like chill, relaxed, comfortable. As in pack away the watch, unplug and embrace the pace. The Island is big for retirees, and they like to golf. Courses on the Trail stretch 250 km from Victoria in the south to Campbell River – a dozen affordable courses with mountain and ocean views, redwood forests and challenging designs that will deliver some wonderful memories. You can do a quick trip and play a few rounds, or you can take your time and play them all. Golf Vancouver Island can schedule tee times, accommodations and other activities too.

GolfVancouverIsland.ca

 

Peter Mumford
Peter Mumford is the Editor and Publisher of Fairways Magazine. He's played over 500 different courses in 21 countries and met some fascinating people along the way. He's also a long-suffering Toronto Maple Leafs fan.

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