When planning your next golf getaway, don’t overlook beautiful British Columbia as a destination! In the spring, this Canadian province becomes a golfer’s haven for enthusiasts of all levels. With lush greens and fairways set against jaw-dropping backdrops of the Vancouver coastline or Kootenay Rockies, be sure to put these courses at the top of your list.
This popular tourist destination has courses to challenge and inspire every level of golfer. Though many courses dot the landscape in this coastal city, the popular Capilano is a must when visiting the region. This course features beautiful views across Vancouver Harbor and was designed by Stanley Thompson. It is widely considered to be the best golfing layout in the province. Another notable, classic course near Vancouver is Shaughnessy, and though you will need to be accompanied by a member, this course is worth it. Shaughnessy features many strong holes, and many of the bunkers have recently been renovated by Les Furber. Vancouver also hosts the BC Golf Museum, a must-see experience for any fan of the sport.
If you’ve made the trek via ferry to lush Vancouver Island, sneak in some time for 18 holes of fun with your travel companions. The Victoria Golf Club is a must-see, and the oldest golf club in Canada which still plays on its original site. This par 70 club with 13 ocean view holes and eight seaside holes is often referred to as the “Pebble Beach of Canada.” Also in Victoria, Royal Colwood Golf Club was designed by Arthur Vernon Macan. True to Macan’s design philosophies, the course features more than its fair share of strong par fours and contoured greens. At Bear Mountain Golf Resort, both the Valley and Mountain courses will challenge any golfer. This resort is the only 36-hole Nicklaus facility in Canada. Eager to try them all? Stay a few days on the island at one of many Best Western Hotels & Resorts.
Central BC is a golfer’s paradise. Numerous cities, including Kelowna, Revelstoke and Penticton, are home to golf courses with breathtaking landscapes. Weekend getaways to this region are the perfect opportunity to explore each and every course, but even business travelers will find reasons to carve out a little time for 18 holes. The award-winning Tobiano Golf Course in Kamloops hosts a number of tournaments and was designed by golf course architect Thomas McBroom. This course is intimidating to many golfers, and described once as a “moonscape with turf” but it truly is a must-see. Kamloops also boasts Sagebrush, a 389-acre site that pairs a big, enjoyable course and big views of the surrounding area. This course was a collaboration between designer Rod Whitman, developer Dick Zokol and agronomist Armen Suny, and opened to great critical acclaim in 2009. There are no distance markers on the fairways nor rakes in any of the bunkers, taking the course back to golfing’s roots. Just south of Vernon, Predator Ridge Resort features 36 holes boasting championship standards of play. The Ridge course is the principal layout of the resort and features nine holes designed by Doug Carrick in 2010. The course is known for its elevation changes but has minimal tough, uphill holes.
The Kootenay Rockies are a sight to behold any time of year, but in spring, they become a golfer’s paradise. Just 11 miles west of Invermere lies the Greywolf Golf Course, at Panorama Mountain Village. This course is another must-see, and is noted as one of the top 100 courses outside the U.S. by Golf Digest. Designed by Doug Carrick, Greywolf features excellent changes in elevation, beautiful views and remarkable turf: bentgrass was used to construct holes from tee through fairway to green, lending the course its manicured appearance. Invermere also boasts Eagle Ranch, designed by William G. Robinson. This course expertly weaves through the Columbia Valley landscape and presents breathtaking, natural views. In addition, the Springs course at Radium Resort should top any golfer’s list, designed by Les Furber and a true test for golfers of all abilities, with four tees at every hole. The Rocky Mountains also encircle this beautiful course.
Quesnel Golf Club is certainly worth the travel to northern BC. This 18-hole, par-72 course is noted as one of the best in the region and features gorgeous, scenic views. Dawson Creek Golf & Country Club and Terrace’s Skeena Valley Golf Course are also fine courses for those in the region. Looking for a more laid-back golf experience? Try Valemount’s Melsview Golf Course, which allows denim clothing. Whatever corner of the province your itinerary takes you to, you are sure to find 18 holes to pass the time.
Why not explore a bit of history during your golfing adventures? The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is rich with Gold Rush history, and offers three 18-hole golf courses just off Highway 97, following the route of the historic Gold Rush Trail. This gorgeous part of the country offers golfers of all skill levels with long, open fairways. Try the Williams Lake Golf & Tennis Club if you’re in the area.
For a one-of-a-kind golf experience, travel to the extreme north to try 18-holes in the Yukon Territory. The Mountain View Golf Club and Meadow Lake Golf Club in Whitehorse are fine choices to spend a day in this rugged and breathtaking region.
With postcard-worthy landscapes at every turn and courses to challenge every level of player, make British Columbia the destination of your next golfer’s getaway. Best Western Rewards members get the lowest rates guaranteed when they book at bestwestern.com. With many Best Western locations across British Columbia, travelers are sure to find one that fits their needs!
