With landscapes so vast, tantalizing elevation changes and incredible vistas at every bend, British Columbia's mountainous terrain has truly proven a golf designer's paradise. Many of golf's biggest names have proudly staked a design claim in British Columbia, as described in one of our most popular posts about the top golf course designers in British Columbia. While true that signature designed golf courses are the marquee attraction for many to play golf in British Columbia, what truly makes these mountain golf playgrounds special is the communities, the people, and the plethora of après golf activities and experiences that combine to create memories that will last a lifetime...
Explore the mountain golf playgrounds of British Columbia by sampling these three beautiful destinations.
Whistler - A World Class Resort Playground For All
Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club, Whistler
If there is a resort region in British Columbia known for world-class golf, amazing dining options, shop till you drop stores, plus activities that will keep you entertained for days, then Whistler is just that spot. Not only do you have four absolutely stunning signature golf courses within a 30 minute radius, but you also have two more to sample on your drive up and back from Vancouver. The biggest names in golf have designed courses in Whistler. Nicklaus, Palmer, Trent Jones Jr., and Cupp have all had a hand in creating the Whistler golf experience that is sure to reward and never disappoints.
Golf Courses To Play: Whistler Golf Club, Nicklaus North Golf Club, Chateau Whistler Golf Club, Big Sky Golf Club, Your to-and-from course: Squamish Valley
Restaurants to Dine At: Barefoot Bistro - the coldest vodka tasting room in the world (and the food is pretty good too); The Patio at Table Nineteen at Nicklaus North - a beer on the best patio in Whistler is always a great way to reward yourself after a round.
Where to Stay: Aava Hotel - backdoor to the driving range, walk to the nearest golf course, and you are minutes into the village of Whistler. Or, stay in the middle of the action at the Crystal Lodge and Suites.
Circle Tour Suggestions: The Sea-to-Sky Golf Loop takes you from the city lights of Vancouver, to the rugged mountainous beauty of Whistler, to the magic of Vancouver Island. Or head from coastal mountains to high desert air by tackling Whistler courses then heading northeast to Tobiano, BC's #1 public golf course, then back down Highway 5 to Vancouver.
Regional Tourism Info: Tourism Whistler
Reach To The Sky At Sun Peaks
The Golf Course at Sun Peaks, Kamloops
Fourty-five minutes northeast of Kamloops in BC's Thompson Okanagan region, the resort community of Sun Peaks holds the honour of BC's highest elevation golf course, with golfers teeing off at 1,332 meters (4,371 feet) above sea level. Besides watching your ball fly further, Sun Peaks offers free music events during their Summer Concert Series where you can see big-name bands like Trooper rock out for free! Sun Peaks is a great destination to reconnect with your wilderness-self by hiking in the alpine meadows or even taking part in one of the many Adventure races. If you want to have an active golf vacation, this is your spot. Just make sure to schedule some pre and post time to get a round or two in at one of the many other notable Kamloops golf courses.
Golf Courses To Play: Sun Peaks Golf Course plus all the golf courses in Kamloops.
Restaurants To Dine At: Voyageur Bistro in the Kookaburra Lounge or Mantles at the Sun Peaks Grand for its patio overlooking the base area and driving range.
Where to Stay: If you're bringing the family, check in at Nancy Green's Cahilty Hotel & Suites, Sun Peaks. Or stay in style at the Sun Peaks Grand.
Circle Tour Suggestions: Play Mountain to Mountain - tee up in Whistler for a round or four, then head over to Sun Peaks. This common bucket-list trip for avid snow-seekers and skiers is also a favourite amongst golfers in the know. Be one of them.
Regional Tourism Info: Tourism Kamloops
The Kootenay Rockies Road Trip
Cranbrook Golf Club, Cranbrook
BC's Kootenay Rockies region is surrounded by mountains - lots of mountains - but that doesn't mean this area isn't full of fun and funky towns with some of the best golf in the province. In fact, along the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies lie over 15 golf courses that would make up a very memorable golf road trip. One of the best ways to experience this region is to pack the vehicle and hit the open road to experience the communities of Cranbrook, Kimberley, Invermere & Golden. It's the only way to really find those unique places - especially some of the great natural hot springs in the area - that make the Kootenay Rockies so special.
Golf Courses To Play: The list is long and involved for this region. Some of the top picks for mountain style golf experiences include Shadow Mountain, Trickle Creek, Fairmont Riverside, and Golden Golf Club, but you can't go wrong with any of the golf courses in the Kootenay Rockies.
Restaurants to Dine At: Cranbrook - Allegra, for the atmosphere, local flavour and comfort of home-cooking. Kimberley - Pedal & Tap, for quirky care and delicious food. Invermere - Birchwood, for local fare with flare.
Circle Tour Suggestions: Hit the trail... the Columbia Valley Golf Trail - eight spectacular golf courses offering a unique golf experience by putting more golf in your reach in less time. Just 35 minutes and 24 miles (39 kilometres) from end to end, this trail offers twists and turns aplenty, rugged mountain play, and hot springs along the way to ease golfing muscles.
Regional Tourism Info: KootenayRockies.com
Check out our previous post about how BC's mountain golf courses call to golfers.
