Top 25 Golf Courses in Canada: A Golfer’s Ultimate Guide

Canada is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking golf courses, offering a blend of challenging layouts, stunning landscapes, and unique golfing experiences. Whether you’re planning a golf getaway or looking for new courses to conquer, here are the top 25 golf courses in Canada that every avid golfer should have on their bucket list.

1. Cabot Cliffs – Inverness, Nova Scotia

Regarded as one of the best golf courses in Canada and the world, Cabot Cliffs in Inverness, Nova Scotia, is a golfer’s paradise. This links-style course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, features dramatic cliffside views and challenging holes that wind along the rugged coastline.

2. St. George’s Golf and Country Club – Toronto, Ontario

St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto is an iconic Canadian golf course known for its rolling fairways, tricky greens, and strategic bunkers. It has hosted several Canadian Opens, making it a must-play for those seeking a championship-level experience.

3. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course – Jasper, Alberta

Nestled in the heart of Jasper National Park, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course offers stunning mountain vistas and a pristine layout designed by Stanley Thompson. It is regularly ranked among the top golf courses in Canada due to its natural beauty and playability.

4. Cabot Links – Inverness, Nova Scotia

Just a stone’s throw away from Cabot Cliffs, Cabot Links is another premier course in Nova Scotia. It’s Canada’s first authentic links golf course, providing golfers with a true seaside experience that challenges even the most skilled players.

5. The National Golf Club of Canada – Woodbridge, Ontario

Known simply as “The National,” this private club in Woodbridge is one of the toughest golf courses in Canada. With its demanding layout, deep bunkers, and narrow fairways, The National is a test for any golfer looking to challenge their skills.

6. Banff Springs Golf Course – Banff, Alberta

Set against the majestic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Banff Springs Golf Course is a masterpiece designed by Stanley Thompson. This course is famous for its breathtaking scenery and the renowned “Devil’s Cauldron” hole, making it a favorite among both amateurs and professionals.

7. Highlands Links – Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia

Highlands Links, located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, is another Stanley Thompson gem. The course’s layout takes full advantage of its natural surroundings, incorporating rolling terrain, forested areas, and ocean views.

8. Glen Abbey Golf Club – Oakville, Ontario

Glen Abbey Golf Club is a staple in Canadian golf history, having hosted the Canadian Open over 30 times. Its iconic “Valley Holes” and the challenging 11th hole provide a memorable golfing experience for players of all levels.

9. Capilano Golf and Country Club – West Vancouver, British Columbia

Nestled in the North Shore Mountains, Capilano Golf and Country Club offers spectacular views of Vancouver’s skyline and the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Stanley Thompson, the course is renowned for its beautiful fairways and well-manicured greens.

10. Predator Ridge Golf Resort – Vernon, British Columbia

Predator Ridge, located in the sunny Okanagan Valley, features two distinct 18-hole courses: The Predator Course and The Ridge Course. Both offer unique challenges and stunning vistas, making them a favorite among Canadian golfers.

11. Muskoka Bay Club – Gravenhurst, Ontario

Muskoka Bay Club, nestled in Ontario’s picturesque cottage country, offers a challenging layout that incorporates the natural granite rock and forest of the Muskoka region. Its challenging design makes it a standout among golf courses in Canada.

12. Royal Montreal Golf Club (Blue Course) – Île-Bizard, Quebec

The Royal Montreal Golf Club, established in 1873, is the oldest golf club in North America. Its Blue Course is renowned for its strategic layout and challenging greens, having hosted the Presidents Cup in 2007.

13. Toronto Golf Club – Mississauga, Ontario

One of Canada’s oldest courses, the Toronto Golf Club is known for its classic design and lush fairways. A private club, it offers a prestigious and historic golfing experience just outside Toronto.

14. Devil’s Paintbrush – Caledon, Ontario

Part of the Devil’s Pulpit Golf Association, Devil’s Paintbrush offers a unique experience with its links-style design and rugged terrain. It is considered one of the most unique golf courses in Canada.

15. Greywolf Golf Course – Panorama, British Columbia

Greywolf Golf Course, located in the Kootenay Rockies, is famous for its “Cliffhanger” hole – one of the most spectacular par-3 holes in Canada. This mountain course offers stunning vistas and challenging play.

16. Bigwin Island Golf Club – Lake of Bays, Ontario

Accessible only by boat, Bigwin Island Golf Club provides a secluded golfing experience on the shores of Lake of Bays. The course offers stunning views and well-manicured fairways in a serene setting.

17. Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club – Vancouver, British Columbia

Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club is a premier private club located in Vancouver. Known for its tight fairways and tricky greens, it is a course that demands precision and strategy.

18. Tobiano Golf Course – Kamloops, British Columbia

Overlooking Kamloops Lake, Tobiano Golf Course offers dramatic elevation changes and sweeping views. Its challenging layout and pristine conditions make it one of the best golf courses in Canada.

19. Fox Harb’r Resort – Wallace, Nova Scotia

Fox Harb’r Resort combines luxury with a championship golf course. This Graham Cooke-designed course offers seaside holes, challenging bunkers, and scenic water features.

20. Eagles Nest Golf Club – Maple, Ontario

Eagles Nest Golf Club, with its rugged terrain and dramatic elevation changes, is often compared to some of Scotland’s finest links courses. It is known for its excellent condition and challenging layout.

21. Kananaskis Country Golf Course – Kananaskis, Alberta

Kananaskis Country Golf Course, set in the Rockies, features two 18-hole courses: Mount Lorette and Mount Kidd. Both provide an unforgettable golfing experience with stunning mountain views.

22. Oviinbyrd Golf Club – Foot’s Bay, Ontario

A private club in Muskoka, Oviinbyrd Golf Club offers a secluded and exclusive golfing experience. Its beautifully manicured fairways and natural setting make it a top choice for discerning golfers.

23. Links at Crowbush Cove – Morell, Prince Edward Island

The Links at Crowbush Cove offers a true links-style experience on the north shore of Prince Edward Island. With its challenging bunkers, rolling fairways, and coastal views, it’s a must-play in Eastern Canada.

24. Memphrémagog Golf Club – Magog, Quebec

An exclusive and private club, Memphrémagog Golf Club offers a challenging layout set amidst the scenic landscape of the Eastern Townships. The course is known for its tranquility and top-notch conditions.

25. Humber Valley Resort – Little Rapids, Newfoundland and Labrador

Humber Valley Resort’s River Course is one of the hidden gems of Canadian golf. With stunning views of the Humber River and a challenging design, it’s a great destination for golfers looking to explore new terrains.

Conclusion

From the rugged cliffs of Nova Scotia to the serene lakes of Ontario and the majestic mountains of British Columbia, the top golf courses in Canada offer an unmatched variety of golfing experiences. Each course on this list offers something unique—be it challenging layouts, stunning landscapes, or rich histories. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a casual golfer, these courses are sure to provide unforgettable rounds of golf. So, pack your clubs and explore the best that Canadian golf has to offer!

Geof - London