The 15 Best Golf Courses in Canada
Golf in Canada is a must for any enthusiast. The country’s courses, among the most beautiful globally, are set against breathtaking backdrops of coastlines, mountains, and farmlands.
Whether you’re playing on PGA Tour venues, private clubs, or public courses, the majestic scenery enhances the experience, making each round feel like a fantasy. From coast to coast, each province boasts stunning courses that promise unforgettable golfing adventures.
Explore the best of Canadian golf.
Cabot Cliffs – Mabou, Nova Scotia
Cabot Links quickly soared to near the top of Canada’s Top 100 rankings after its debut, also entering the World Top 100. Just three years later, Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw’s Cliffs course, set on diverse terrain overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence, debuted with high expectations.
St. George’s Golf and Country Club – Toronto, Ontario
Founded in the Roaring Twenties with Canadian Pacific Railway money, the Royal York Golf Club, now St George’s Golf and Country Club, opened in 1929. Designed by Stanley Thompson, this downtown Toronto course was later renovated by Doug Carrick in 1992.
Cabot Links – Inverness, Nova Scotia
In 2012, five years after debuting Sagebrush in British Columbia, Rod Whitman unveiled Cabot Links in Nova Scotia. Set on a former coal mine near Inverness, this course features Canada’s first authentic links layout, overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Banff Springs – Banff, Alberta
Banff Springs Golf Club, set in the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, challenges golfers to stay focused amid stunning scenery. Established in 1911 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the course was later redesigned by Stanley Thompson in 1927, cementing its iconic status.
Jasper Park Lodge – Jasper, Alberta
Jasper Park Lodge, nestled in Alberta’s rugged Canadian Rockies, overlooks Lake Beauvert. Designed by renowned architect Stanley Thompson in 1925, the course features fairways framed by stunning mountain peaks and lakeside views, offering an unparalleled golfing experience.
Highlands Links – Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia
George Knudson dubbed Cape Breton Highlands “The Cypress Point of Canada” for its sheer beauty. Located in Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Highlands Links course, designed by Stanley Thompson in 1939, is his “mountains and ocean course.” Known for its rugged terrain and Audubon certification, this traditional out-and-back layout harmonizes golf with nature. Notably, the par-five 6th hole, Mucklemouth Meg, showcases Thompson’s humor. After severe weather in 2010, Ian Andrew led a two-year project to restore the course, including original bunkers and extensive tree clearing.
Capilano – West Vancouver, British Columbia
Capilano Golf & Country Club, dramatically set against British Columbia’s mountains, offers stunning views of Vancouver Harbour and Mount Baker. Opened in 1937, Stanley Thompson’s design required a monumental engineering effort, blasting the course from a hillside of fir trees and rocks. Known for its tight, narrow fairways and astute bunkering, Capilano remains largely unchanged since its inception. Carrick Design has overseen renovations since 1993, including a recent reconstruction of the 14th green to restore its original Thompson character. Despite weather variability, Capilano’s impressive setting leaves a lasting impression.
Hamilton (West & South) – Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton Golf & Country Club, known locally as Ancaster, sits on the picturesque, wooded grounds of the former Grange Farm. The club features three nine-hole loops: South, West, and East. Designed by Harry S. Colt, the West and South loops opened in 1916, with the East added by Robbie Robinson in 1975. Hamilton has hosted multiple Canadian Opens, most recently won by Rory McIlroy in 2019. Anticipating future tournaments, architects MacKenzie & Ebert began renovating all three nines in 2019, starting with the West, followed by the South, and finally the East.
Toronto Golf Club – Mississauga, Ontario
Toronto Golf Club, North America’s third oldest golf club, was founded by Aberdeen native James Lamond Smith in 1887. Initially playing on farmland, it relocated to Mississauga in 1911 where Harry Colt designed a new course. The construction, costing over $200,000, included an international workforce and Finnish grass seed. Howard Watson added nine holes in 1921. Known for its natural undulations and strong par fours, the club hosted three Canadian Opens between 1914 and 1927. Martin Hawtree renovated the course in 2009-2010, in preparation for its 100th anniversary celebration in 2012.
Memphremagog – Magog, Quebec
In 2007, Paul Desmarais, one of Canada’s wealthiest individuals, and his business associate Jean Monty funded the Memphrémagog golf project. They commissioned esteemed architect Tom McBroom to create a course on rugged terrain in southern Quebec for an exclusive membership of fewer than 50 golfers. Known as “Magog,” the course features dramatic elevation changes and challenging greens. Despite some criticism of its severe undulations, Memphrémagog is considered one of McBroom’s finest designs. With its classical bunkering and scenic clubhouse overlooking Lake Memphrémagog, this private course is poised to be one of the most enchanting in the world.
National Golf Club of Canada – Vaughan, Ontario
The National Golf Club of Canada, an exclusive men-only club, garners attention for being one of the world’s most demanding courses. Designed by George Fazio and his nephew Tom in 1975, it features narrow, undulating, tree-lined fairways and challenging greens. Despite its exclusivity, the course’s formidable reputation endures. Tom Fazio recently updated the course to maintain its original toughness. Known for its tricky, fast greens, The National remains a top challenge, with Lee Trevino’s course record of 67 still standing from the 1979 Canadian PGA Championship.
Sagebrush – Quilchena, British Columbia
Sagebrush Golf and Sporting Club, situated on a remote 389-acre hilltop overlooking Nicola Lake in British Columbia, opened in 2009. Designed by Rod Whitman with developer Dick Zokol and agronomist Armen Suny, the course features 18 unique fairways and minimalist design. Despite initial acclaim, financial troubles forced its closure in 2014. Under new ownership by Andrew Knott, significant investments were made to restore Sagebrush. Reopened in 2021, the club now aims to reclaim its status as a top Canadian course, with restored facilities and luxury accommodations for an exclusive golfing experience.
Royal Montreal (Blue) – Montreal, Quebec
Golf in Canada predates the USA, thanks to early Scottish immigrants. Royal Montreal Golf Club, founded in 1873 by Scots recreating their national sport, is North America’s oldest golf club. Initially a rudimentary 9-hole course in Mount Royal Park, it received royal patronage from Queen Victoria in 1884. The club moved to Dixie in 1896 and finally to Ile Bizard in 1959, where Dick Wilson designed 45 holes, including the renowned Blue Course. Known for its enormous greens and challenging play, Royal Montreal has hosted numerous Canadian Opens and the 2007 Presidents Cup, solidifying its prestigious heritage.
Humber Valley (River) – Little Rapids, Newfoundland and Labrador
Humber Valley Resort, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains in western Newfoundland, opened in 2006. Its 18-hole River Course, a Doug Carrick design, debuted two years later, featuring a par 72 layout over forested, gently rolling terrain. Notable holes include the par-three 5th, crossing a lake inlet, and the short par-four 8th with a raised green. The back nine highlights include the challenging 10th hole, often played into the wind, and the driveable 15th, surrounded by water hazards.
Victoria Golf Club – Cheltenham, Victoria
Victoria Golf Club, established in 1893 by British expats on Vancouver Island’s southern coast, remains the oldest club on its original site in Canada. Evolving from a 14-hole layout to 18 holes, it has hosted numerous Canadian Amateur and Ladies Amateur Championships. Known for its stunning seaside and ocean-view holes, it’s often dubbed the “Pebble Beach of Canada.” Despite its relatively short length of just over 6,100 yards, Victoria offers a challenging and picturesque round. With its inviting microclimate, golf is playable year-round, welcoming visitors with prior arrangements.
