7 Best Golf Courses in Banff, Canada

Discover the best golf courses in Banff, Canada, where breathtaking views and rugged terrains create an unforgettable golfing experience. Set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff offers a unique blend of natural beauty and challenging courses crafted by world-renowned designers that will delight golfers of all skill levels. 

Join us as we explore the top courses that make this stunning destination a must-visit for any golf enthusiast.

1. Stanley Thompson 18  – Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course

Canadian native, Stanley Thompson, had quite the vision when designing the Stanley Thompson 18. This course meanders alongside the Bow River, nestled beneath the breathtaking Canadian Rockies.

As expected on a course like this – solid drives are rewarded, while errant shots can be punishing. 

Expert Tip: Accurate approach shots are essential for lower scores, but even less experienced golfers can succeed by rolling the ball onto most greens.

Opened: 1927
Par: 71 
Length: 6938 yards
Designers include: Stanley Thompson (1927),  C. E. Robbie Robinson (1927)
Difficulty: Slope 131 / Rating 72.6

2. Tunnel Mountain 9 – Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course

In 1989, the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course expanded by introducing the Tunnel Mountain 9 – a vibrant 9-hole course designed by Cornish and Robinson. This addition complemented the original Stanley Thompson 18, bringing the total to 27 championship holes. 

The Tunnel Mountain 9 features stunning scenery and challenging layouts, enhancing the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course’s reputation as a premier golfing destination in Alberta.

Opened: 1989
Par: 36
Length: 3287 yards
Designers include: Geoffrey Cornish (1989), Bill Robinson (1989), John F. Robinson (1989)
Difficulty: Slope 129 / Rating 35.2

3. Canmore Golf and Curling Club

The Canmore Golf & Curling Club was founded in June 1926 and has deep roots in the community. The club features a vibrant and active facility, offering golf in the summer and curling in the winter.

The 18-hole course spans 6,307 yards and is a par 71 layout. It includes several natural water hazards, the Bow River, and strategically placed bunkers, creating a series of impressive golf holes. Each hole is thoughtfully designed to provide golfers with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and natural landscape.

Opened: 1926
Par: 71 
Length: 6470 yards
Designers include: Les Furber Design
Difficulty: Slope 121 / Rating 70.8

4. Silvertip Golf Course

This is mountain golf at its most exhilarating, showcasing dramatic elevation changes. Set within 600 acres of pristine Canadian Rockies terrain, the course designed by master architect Les Furber from Canmore boasts over 600 feet of elevation variation.

Many regard the 454-yard 4th hole, featuring the stunning backdrop of the Three Sisters Mountains, as the course’s signature hole. From an elevated tee that stands 100 feet above the fairway, golfers must hit their tee shot straight down the middle to steer clear of the bunkers on the right and the trees on the left.

Opened: 1997
Par: 72 
Length: 7140 yards
Designers include: Les Furber Design (1997)
Difficulty: Slope 146 / Rating 74.6

5. Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club

Stewart Creek Golf Club is located in Canmore, Alberta, amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies. Opened in 2000, it is celebrated for its remarkable natural beauty and challenging layout, making it a favorite among golfers. The course winds through a picturesque landscape, showcasing views of iconic mountain ranges.

Beyond its physical attributes, Stewart Creek is consistently recognized for its exceptional course conditions and friendly atmosphere, making it a premier destination for both local and visiting golfers.

Opened: 2000
Par: 71
Length: 7009 yards 
Designers include: Scott Miller, Gary Browning (2000)
Difficulty: Slope 128 / Rating 73.0

6. Mount Kidd – Kananaskis Country Golf Course

Mount Kidd is much more welcoming and accessible than its counterpart, Mount Lorette, which is why it sits a place above on this list. The most impressive holes line the river, with the par three 16th hole featuring an unparalleled mountain backdrop. 

While Banff Springs and Jasper Springs often steal the spotlight in Alberta, Kananaskis Country’s Mount Kidd course holds its own amongst the best courses in Canada. 

Opened: 1983
Par: 72
Length: 7136 yards
Designers include: Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (1983), Roger Rulewich (1983)
Difficulty: Slope 140 / Rating 73.7

7. Mount Lorette – Kananaskis Country Golf Course

Nestled in the Kananaskis Valley, the course features a rugged landscape filled with dense boreal forests and glacier-fed creeks and ponds. The course was originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. but was impacted by flooding in 2013. Architect Gary Browning rebuilt both Mount Lorrette and Mount Kidd with a $23 million renovation. 

Kananaskis Country Golf Course offers complimentary valet parking at the Summit restaurant and a cozy fireside lounge for all guests to enjoy.

Opened: 1983
Par: 72
Length: 7232 yards
Designers include: Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (1983), Roger Rulewich (1983)
Difficulty: Slope 139 / Rating 74.6

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