Canada is one of the most beautiful countries on earth, and with incredible scenery comes incredible golf. Join Pin High Inc. as we guide you through the lush fairways, challenging greens, and breathtaking landscapes of Canada’s top public golf courses. These destinations are not just about the game; they’re about the experience – the harmony of design, nature, and the storied history of golf itself. Each course on our list offers something unique, from awe-inspiring vistas to architecturally significant layouts that challenge and delight players of all levels. Prepare to explore the best public golf havens Canada has to offer, where every swing brings a story, and every hole could be an adventure.
1. Cabot Cliffs, Inverness, Nova Scotia
The Course
Cabot Cliffs stands as a jewel in the crown of Canadian golf, a testament to the visionary design of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. This course is sculpted into the dramatic landscape of Nova Scotia’s coast, offering players a mix of dunes, cliffs, and ocean vistas. The 16th hole, a par-3 that seems to float above the Atlantic, is the course’s signature and a global icon of golfing beauty and challenge. Its design requires precision and bravery, with the wind playing a significant factor in each shot.
The Surroundings
Inverness, once a mining town, has transformed into a golfing sanctuary. The town’s Scottish roots are evident in its culture and hospitality, making it a warm, welcoming place for visitors. Beyond golf, Inverness boasts beautiful beaches and a growing arts scene, enriching the visit for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Playing Here
Expect to pay around $150-187.50 USD for the privilege of playing at Cabot Cliffs. While the price reflects the unparalleled golfing experience, it’s the memories and the challenge that are truly invaluable.
2. Banff Springs Golf Course, Banff, Alberta
The Course
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Banff Springs Golf Course is a historic layout crafted by the legendary Stanley Thompson. Its fairways are a green thread through a tapestry of mountain vistas, with the Bow River and wildlife adding to its majesty. The 4th hole, “Devil’s Cauldron,” is an emblematic par-3 that embodies the course’s blend of beauty and strategy, challenging golfers to carry a glacial pond against a mountain backdrop.
The Surroundings
Banff is a resort town that thrives on its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreation. From luxurious spas to hiking trails and ski slopes, it’s a place where adventure meets relaxation. The town’s rich history and vibrant cultural scene provide a delightful contrast to the day’s play on the greens.
Playing Here
With greens fees around $179 – $194 USD, playing at Banff Springs is a journey into golfing history set against one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.
3. Cape Breton Highlands Links, Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia
The Course
Highlands Links, designed by Stanley Thompson, winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, offering a course that’s as much about the surrounding beauty as it is about golf. The 6th hole, “Big Ben,” represents the course’s natural challenges, with a long par-5 that rewards strategic thinking and respect for the natural terrain.
The Surroundings
Ingonish Beach is a serene retreat, where the Atlantic meets lush landscapes. The area is known for its hospitality, seafood, and outdoor activities, making it a perfect complement to a golf trip.
Playing Here
A round at Highlands Links costs between $90 – $112 USD, making it a must-play for those who appreciate the harmony of golf and nature.
4. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course, Jasper, Alberta
The Course
Another gem from Stanley Thompson, this course blends seamlessly into the Jasper National Park landscape, offering wide fairways and strategic hazards. The 9th hole, with Pyramid Mountain in the background, is a standout par-3 that captures the essence of golfing in the Rockies.
The Surroundings
Jasper is an alpine town known for its laid-back vibe and stunning natural attractions, including hot springs, wildlife, and hiking trails. It’s a place where the spirit of adventure is alive, offering a peaceful yet exhilarating escape.
Playing Here
Greens fees range from $126 – $164 USD, providing an opportunity to experience a classic course in an unmatched setting.
5. Tobiano Golf Course, Kamloops, British Columbia
The Course
Tobiano is a testament to modern golf design, set above Kamloops Lake. Thomas McBroom’s layout is both a visual masterpiece and a test of golf, with the 7th hole offering a dramatic example of the course’s strategic play and natural beauty.
The Surroundings
Kamloops blends a vibrant city life with outdoor adventures, offering cultural festivals, wineries, and beautiful landscapes. It’s an ideal base for exploring British Columbia’s interior, making Tobiano a golfing destination with much more to offer.
Playing Here
Playing Tobiano costs between $71 – $112 USD, making it an accessible yet unforgettable experience for golfers seeking beauty and challenge.
Pin High Inc. invites you to discover these bastions of golf in Canada, each offering not just rounds of play but experiences that resonate beyond the fairways. From the Atlantic coasts of Nova Scotia to the towering Rockies and the rolling hills of British Columbia, these courses are a testament to the diversity and richness of golf in Canada.