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The 7 Best Golf Resorts in Canada

November 1, 2024
Canada

Canada is home to some of the best golf resorts, featuring impeccable views, luxurious amenities, and world-class courses. These destinations cater to both families and golf enthusiasts alike, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. 

With over 2,000 golf facilities across the country, you can enjoy diverse terrains and stunning landscapes, from the picturesque courses in Quebec to the breathtaking Rocky Mountains and the Pacific coastline. Many feature elegant accommodations, gourmet dining, and rejuvenating spa services, allowing guests to unwind after a day on the greens.

Whether you’re looking to improve your swing or simply unwind, Canada’s golf resorts provide an unforgettable experience for everyone.

1. Fairmont Banff Springs – Alberta

Coined Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies”, the Fairmont Banff Springs is nothing short of spectacular. The resort is home to over 730 varieties of rooms and suites, several world-class dining options, and a 40,000-square-foot spa facility.

It offers a remarkable course, designed by Canadian architect Stanley Thompson. The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course is situated in a narrow Y-shaped valley created by the Bow and Spray Rivers. Banff features some of Thompson’s finest bunkering work, with 150 bunkers arranged in circular clusters, their shapes ebbing and flowing to reflect the nearby mountain peaks.

Opened: 1927
Par: 71
Length: 6938 yards
Designers include: Stanley Thompson (1927), C. E. Robbie Robinson (1927)
Difficulty: Slope 135 / Rating 72.9

Fairmont Banff Springs

2. Silvertip Resort – Canmore

While the golf at the Silvertip Resort is unlike any golf experience, the resort boasts more than rolling fairways and well-manicured greens. The resort is set amongst mountain and valley views, making a meal or drink at Silvertip one to remember.

The resort is home to two renowned restaurants, Rustica and Stoney’s Grill. At Rustica, enjoy a glass of wine by the fireplace before heading to your table and indulging in a delicious steak. Stoney’s Grill is the more laid-back of the two and offers patio seating with custom cocktails and beautiful views.

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

3. Cabot Cliffs – Nova Scotia

Cabot Cliffs is recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the top 100 golf resorts in the world for 2024-2025. The island of Cape Breton was also recognized by Travel + Leisure as Canada’s #1 island, as well as the 8th best island in the world. This goes to show Cabot Cliffs is not a resort in Canada you should overlook. 

With elevated cliffs to hike, a sandy coastline to explore, and the majestic course of Cabot Links to play, this resort has something in store for the whole family.

Opened: 2015
Par: 72 
Length: 6768 yards
Designers include: Ben Crenshaw (2015), Bill Coore (2015), Dave Axland
Difficulty: Slope 144 / Rating 74.3

Cabot Cliffs, Cabot Links

4. The Algonquin Resort – New Brunswick

Located in the quaint town of St Andrews (not that one!), The Algonquin Resort is a Canadian gem with a rich history as the country’s first bayside resort town. From dining on the coast to whale-watching on a boat, The Algonquin Resort has it all.

The Algonquin hosts several holes that are particularly memorable due to their challenging layouts and stunning views. For instance, holes along the coastline offer panoramic views of the Bay of Fundy.

Opened: 1894 
Par: 72 
Length: 7135 yards
Designers include: Thomas McBroom (2000), Rod Whitman (2017), John F. Robinson (1993), Bill Robinson (1993)
Difficulty: Slope 131 / Rating 75.2

5. Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club – Whistler

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a ski-in/ski-out hotel and golf resort. The 5-star hotel offers luxurious rooms, fantastic dining options, and a plethora of outdoor activities for the whole family.

Chateau Whistler, designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Jr., plays a big part in Whistler being a top golfing destination in Canada. The signature hole at Chateau Whistler is the challenging 212-yard par three, 8th. The tee is elevated and the surroundings include a granite outcrop and lake that is separated by a large bunker. 

Opened: 1993
Par: 72 
Length: 6635 yards
Designers include: Robert Trent Jones, Jr. (1993), Donald Knott (1993), Gary Linn (1993)
Difficulty: Slope 136 / Rating 71.9

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

6. Fox Harb’r Resort – Nova Scotia

The Fox Harb’r Resort is one of the only 5-star, 4-diamond resorts in Canada. In addition to golf, Fox Harb’r offers activities like spa services, fine dining, and outdoor adventures such as kayaking and fishing.

The Fox Harb’r course consists of two loops of nine holes. The front nine features a parkland layout, moving away from the shore through sheltered woodlands, wetlands, and lakes. In contrast, the back nine has a more links-style design, with several holes positioned above the steep, rocky coastline of the Northumberland Strait.

Opened: 2001 
Par: 72 
Length: 7253 yards
Designers include: Graham Cooke (2001), Warren Huxham (2001)
Difficulty: Slope 141 / Rating 75.4

7. Bigwin Island Golf Club – Ontario

The Bigwin Island Golf course was designed by renowned golf architect Doug Carrick, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. It features an 18-hole championship layout that is known for its strategic design and variety of challenges.

Set on a beautiful island in Lake of Bays, the course provides breathtaking views of the water and surrounding forest. Bigwin Island Golf Club offers an exclusive stay-and-play package at its on-site cabins to take your golf game to the next level.

Opened: 1921
Par: 72
Length: 7166 yards
Designers include: Doug Carrick (2001), Stanley Thompson (1921), Cam Tyers (2001)
Difficulty: Slope 136 / Rating 74.4

Bigwin Island Golf Club

FAQs

The best time to visit golf resorts in Canada is late spring through early fall (from late May to early September) because it offers the most pleasant weather and optimal playing conditions.

However, if you want year-round golf options, consider heading to Vancouver Island in British Columbia where many courses are open year-round.

Yes, most Canadian golf resorts offer golf lessons and clinics, providing a variety of instructional options for golfers of all skill levels.

Many golf resorts in Canada offer a range of activities for non-golfers, including spa services, hiking, biking, swimming, and diverse dining options. 

Each resort typically provides a unique mix of options, so it’s a good idea to check with specific locations for their offerings.

Yes, most of the golf courses in Canada are family-friendly and offer activities catered to children.

Bill Hogan Golf

Meet the Author: Bill Hogan

Bill Hogan is based in Austin, TX and has over 35 years of experience in the luxury golf travel industry.
He has played golf in 57 different countries to date, is a long- time panelist for GOLF Magazine World & USA Top 100 courses, and on the ranking panel for Platinum Clubs of the World.