Golfers take in the awe-inspiring views overlooking the Northumberland Strait at Cabot Cliffs, considered by many to be the No. 1 golf course in Canada. (Adrian Brijbassi file photo for Vacay.ca)
Did you know that more than half of Canada’s countryside is untouched by human development? Much of the world’s second-largest nation remains a wild, unspoiled wilderness, which is exciting for anyone planning on travelling through the provinces and territories.
Snow sports, hiking, hockey, canoeing, and other activities give you the chance to enjoy both the spectacular landscape and the culture. But what’s the perfect mix between the stunning nature and the highly developed infrastructure of urban Canada? The golf course!
Here are three outstanding courses in three different regions of the country to put on your schedule. Keep in mind that golf season runs from April to October. Outside of that, you’ll most likely be slogging through snow or playing against howling wind to get the golf ball in the hole.
Cabot Cliffs Golf Course, Nova Scotia
Cabot Cliffs is part of a magnificent development on Cape Breton Island that includes a hotel and fine-dining restaurant. The course has been ranked No. 11 in the world by “Golf Digest”. (Adrian Brijbassi file photo for Vacay.ca)
Cabot Cape Breton is home to Canada’s top-rated golf courses — Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs. If you only have time to play one of these spectacular beauties, opt for the newer Cliffs course. It’s laid out on top of the hills that overlook the Gulf of St. Lawrence. All 18 holes provide views of the open water.
It weaves leisurely through a variety of diverse landscapes, with woodlands, wetlands, and meadows adding to the challenge. But the stunning scenery isn’t the only attraction. Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links are walking-only courses, which give you ample opportunity to enjoy the majestic Maritime panoramas. Cabot Cliffs is not without difficulty, but the light bunkering, friendly rough, and gently undulating fairways make it suitable for golfers of all levels to play.
The one thing that could possibly make it arduous is the wind. Coastal winds are common and make the course seem much longer, but it’s all part of the fantastic experience on Cape Breton Island.
While the signature hole is the picturesque 16th — a par-3 played right along the edge of the cliffs — there are a number of others that have become crowd favourites. The tee box on the par-4 second hole is positioned high above the fairway. The sixth hole plays through dunes to a blind green. It also features one of the best finishers you’ll find.
Cabot Cliffs is one of the most notable courses in the world, but it’s not exclusive. You’ll be happy to know that this gem is open to the public. Green fees in peak season (July 1-September 11, 2022) range from $270-$440 ($240-$350 if you’re a guest at the course’s resort) for 18 holes.
Greywolf Golf Course, British Columbia
Located in Panorama, B.C., Greywolf is a west-coast stunner that also provides a challenge for golfers. (Photo supplied by Jordan Fuller)
The Greywolf Golf Course is located in a stunning mountain setting, way up in the Purcell Mountains in eastern British Columbia. It’s set at the bottom of a ski slope, with amazing mountain views from any given spot on the course.
As well as lovely, fresh scenery and panoramic views, the golf is spectacular. Exciting elevation changes and a thoughtful design make every hole an experience. Beginners may find it to be tough, as it’s a risk/reward-heavy course with water hazards featuring on 14 of the 18 holes.
Although every hole on the course could be considered a signature in its own right, the sixth gets the official title. The 200-yard “Cliffhanger” features a carry from a yawning canyon to an intimidating island green, with drop-offs on three out of four sides.
You won’t find a better mountain course to play if you’re in Canada, although you’ll need to contact the course in advance and drive for about two hours outside of Banff in Alberta to experience Greywolf. The journey is part of the adventure and the appeal!
Green fees range from $119-$159 weekdays ($139-$179 on weekends).
Whitetail Golf Club, Ontario
While it’s not as spectacularly picturesque as Cabot and Greywolf, Whitetail Golf Club is still a beautiful day out and it offers a fun round of golf. Located in the Ottawa Valley, about 90 minutes by car west of the nation’s capital, it’s laid out on rolling hills, featuring creeks, ponds, woodlands, and lovely vegetation.
Golfers of all levels will enjoy this course, thanks to four sets of tees. Tree-lined fairways require accuracy, so if you’re still a bit wayward, get the training aids out before you land here!
The opening hole is a par-3 featuring a tricky carry-over water, starting the course with a bang. Undulating fairways and large, sloping greens offer a great mix of straightforward and challenging play. There’s water on seven of the 18 holes, tricky, narrow doglegs throughout, and 45 bunkers scattered over the course, many of which guard the greens.
Green fees range from $22-$46, depending on the day and time of season.
