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Discover the top park-based golf courses in British Columbia. From oceanfront fairways to mountain greens, explore the most scenic spots, learn what makes them special, and get practical travel tips for your next golfing adventure.
Golfing in Greater Vancouver’s Parkland Courses
Greater Vancouver is home to a selection of public courses that combine easy accessibility with the beauty of green parkland. Each offers a unique playing experience, whether you’re a local or a visitor.
University Golf Club – Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Vancouver
Designed by A. V. Macan and opened in 1929, the University Golf Club is a public 18-hole course set within Pacific Spirit Regional Park, adjacent to UBC Wikipedia. The fairways are narrow and tree-lined, offering both challenge and serenity.
Situated beside the University of British Columbia, this mature course offers tree-lined fairways and a classic layout that challenges every level of golfer. The calm park environment makes it ideal for players who want a peaceful round without leaving the city.
Travel tip: Book well ahead of your visit, as this popular spot fills quickly, especially in peak summer months.
Fraserview and Langara Golf Courses
Managed by the city, both of these public courses are local favorites. Fraserview sits along the Fraser River, offering gentle elevation changes and water views, while Langara is a more compact, walkable layout with smooth greens.
Travel tip: Both are accessible by public transit, making them convenient options for travelers without a car.
Morgan Creek Golf Course – Surrey
Known for its pristine conditions and professional service, Morgan Creek delivers a premium experience without being fully private. Fairways are wide, but strategic bunkering and water hazards keep the game exciting.
Travel tip: Consider enjoying a post-round meal at the clubhouse, which has an excellent reputation for both atmosphere and food.
Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club – Coquitlam
Perched on Eagle Mountain, this course offers panoramic views and a challenging layout with dramatic elevation changes. It’s complemented by a separate executive course that’s perfect for newer players or a quick warm-up round.
Travel tip: Arrive early to take advantage of the practice facilities and enjoy the mountain setting.
These Vancouver-area courses prove you don’t have to travel far from the city to find top-notch golfing surrounded by natural beauty. Next, let’s explore the island courses that bring coastal landscapes into play.
Vancouver Island’s Scenic and Seasonal Must-Plays
With its milder climate, Vancouver Island offers year-round golf opportunities, enhanced by stunning ocean views and lush landscapes.
Olympic View Golf Club – Near Victoria
This course lives up to its name, with distant Olympic Mountain views and dramatic natural features like waterfalls and forested fairways. Wildlife sightings, including deer and eagles, are common.
Travel tip: Keep your camera handy for the signature par-4 hole backed by a cascading waterfall.
Highland Pacific Golf – Victoria
A welcoming, scenic course that combines elevation changes with beautiful views of Thetis Lake and surrounding hills. It’s designed to be enjoyable for both beginners and experienced players.
Travel tip: If you’re short on time, this is a great choice for a quick round without sacrificing scenery.
Cordova Bay Golf Course – Near Victoria
With its wide fairways, immaculate greens, and coastal setting, Cordova Bay feels like a private club but is open to the public. It’s a favorite for wet weather thanks to its excellent drainage.
Travel tip: After your round, relax on the clubhouse patio for sweeping views of the bay.
Bear Mountain Resort – Langford
Home to two championship courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Bear Mountain offers a mix of lush fairways, challenging holes, and incredible mountain and ocean vistas.
Travel tip: Plan a stay-and-play trip to experience both courses without rushing.
These courses highlight the best of Vancouver Island’s golf scene, combining accessibility with breathtaking settings. For a completely different atmosphere, head inland to the mountain and desert courses of BC’s interior.
Interior BC – Kootenays, Okanagan, and Kamloops Gems
The interior of British Columbia offers an entirely different golfing experience, from alpine layouts to desert-style challenges.
Greywolf Golf Course – Panorama, Kootenay Rockies
Often ranked among the top public courses in Canada, Greywolf features striking elevation changes, pristine bentgrass fairways, and a famous cliffside par-3 that’s a must-play.
Travel tip: Combine your round with a resort stay to take full advantage of the area’s outdoor activities.
Eagle Ranch and The Point at Copper Point – Invermere
These neighboring courses offer contrasting experiences—Eagle Ranch is known for its sweeping valley views, while The Point challenges golfers with risk-reward holes and water hazards.
Travel tip: Make time to enjoy the clubhouse dining at Eagle Ranch, which matches the quality of the golf.
Tobiano Golf Course – Kamloops
Set high above Kamloops Lake, Tobiano is defined by dramatic landscapes, canyon carries, and challenging greens. Every hole offers a memorable visual backdrop.
Travel tip: Be prepared for windy conditions, which can make club selection tricky.
Photo by Aleesha Wood on Unsplash
Rivershore Golf Links and Bighorn Golf & Country Club – Kamloops
Rivershore offers a traditional links-style layout with wide fairways and open skies, while Bighorn winds through desert terrain with elevation shifts and rugged scenery.
Travel tip: Play both courses to experience the full range of Kamloops golf.
Sun Peaks Golf Course – Sun Peaks Resort
As the highest elevation course in BC, Sun Peaks delivers cooler summer temperatures, panoramic mountain views, and a challenging layout.
Travel tip: Stay overnight to enjoy both the golf and the alpine village charm.
Okanagan and Other Interior Favorites
The Okanagan Valley’s sunny climate and vineyard-covered hillsides make for a picturesque golf destination.
Predator Ridge – Vernon
Featuring two distinctive 18-hole courses, Predator Ridge blends rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and scenic lake views. Each course offers its own challenges and character.
Travel tip: Pair your round with a wine-tasting tour in the nearby Kelowna area.
Golden Golf Club – Golden
Surrounded by mountains, this course offers a mix of forested and open holes with no out-of-bounds, giving golfers the freedom to play boldly.
Travel tip: Plan for extra time in Golden to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or river rafting.
Bonus Picks and Insider Recommendations
While some are not strictly public, a few notable courses deserve mention for their reputation and location.
Pheasant Glen, Cordova Bay, Highland Pacific – Vancouver Island
Locals often recommend these for their variety of terrain, from wetlands to forested fairways. Each offers a distinct playing style that’s worth trying if time allows.
Victoria Golf Club – Oak Bay
One of the oldest courses in Canada still on its original grounds, Victoria Golf Club is known for its historic charm and oceanfront holes. Access is limited to members and their guests.
Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club – Vancouver
This private course boasts a rich history and a traditional parkland design. While not open to the general public, it’s well-regarded among golf enthusiasts.
Planning Your BC Park Golf Adventure
Here are a few travel considerations to tie it all together:
- Timing matters: Vancouver Island’s climate allows near-year-round play; inland courses like Tobiano and Greywolf shine from late spring through early fall. Financial Times Super Natural BC.
- Book early: Popular courses near cities or resorts fill up fast—reserve tee times as early as allowed (e.g., six months at University Golf Club).
- Mix terrain: Pair coastal forest rounds (e.g., Cordova Bay) with mountain vistas (Greywolf) or desert-style play (Tobiano).
- Combine with local activities: Pair golf with spa visits in Panorama, wine tasting in Okanagan, or hiking in the Rockies.
- Stay flexible: Some private courses are still accessible to guests with member referrals—networking can open doors to exclusive greens.
Finally, keep an open mind. Even private clubs sometimes allow guest play through member connections or special events. With a little planning and flexibility, your BC park golf experience can be both memorable and diverse.
Also read our recent blog – Best Portable Gazebo for Camping and Park Adventures
What are the best public golf courses in British Columbia?
Some of the best public golf courses in British Columbia include University Golf Club, Cordova Bay, Highland Pacific, Greywolf, and Tobiano. Each golf course offers unique scenery and challenges, making them worth the trip for golfers of all levels.
Are there golf courses in BC suitable for beginners?
Yes, many golf courses in British Columbia, such as Langara Golf Course and Highland Pacific, are beginner-friendly. These golf courses offer shorter layouts, wider fairways, and welcoming environments for newcomers to enjoy the game.
Can I play golf courses in BC year-round?
Coastal golf courses, especially those on Vancouver Island like Cordova Bay and Olympic View, are playable nearly year-round. Interior golf courses may be seasonal, generally open from late spring to early fall.
Do BC golf courses require advanced booking?
Popular golf courses, including Greywolf and Bear Mountain, often require early booking. Reserving tee times in advance ensures you can play at the golf courses you plan to visit, especially during peak season.
Are there golf courses with scenic views in British Columbia?
Absolutely. Many golf courses in BC feature stunning landscapes, from oceanfront fairways at Cordova Bay to mountain vistas at Tobiano and Sun Peaks. These golf courses combine challenging play with unforgettable scenery.
Which golf courses are best for a multi-day golf trip?
For a multi-day golf adventure, courses like Bear Mountain, Predator Ridge, and Greywolf provide diverse layouts. Planning a trip around these golf courses allows for variety in terrain and challenge.
Are there private golf courses open to guests in BC?
Some private golf courses, such as Victoria Golf Club and Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, allow guests through member referrals or special events. These golf courses offer exclusive experiences for visitors who plan ahead.
What amenities do BC golf courses provide?
Many golf courses in British Columbia offer clubhouses, dining, practice facilities, and equipment rentals. Courses like Morgan Creek and Westwood Plateau provide full-service amenities to enhance your golfing experience.
Can I combine golf courses with other activities in BC?
Yes, many golf courses are near outdoor attractions like hiking trails, wineries, or ski resorts. Pairing golf courses with other activities can make your trip more memorable and diverse.
How do I choose the right golf courses in BC for my skill level?
Consider the course length, hazards, and elevation. Beginners might prefer wider fairways and shorter layouts, while advanced players can challenge themselves on long, strategically designed golf courses. Checking reviews and course descriptions helps pick the best golf courses for your needs.
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