Best National Parks in Canada with Golf Courses

Discover the best national parks in Canada with golf courses. Explore where nature meets fairways and plan your next scenic golf getaway in Canada’s top parks.

Canada is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, but did you know you can enjoy a round of golf within some of its national parks? Whether you’re a serious golfer or just want to enjoy a casual game surrounded by mountains, lakes, and wildlife, these Canada golf parks offer the perfect blend of sport and scenery. In this guide, we explore the best national parks in Canada where golf lovers can tee off in the heart of nature.

Why Combine Golf with National Park Travel in Canada?

Canada’s national parks are globally recognized for their stunning vistas and pristine environments. For golf enthusiasts, combining a nature getaway with a round of golf is the ultimate travel experience. It allows visitors to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and relax in serene, picturesque settings.

Top National Parks in Canada with Golf Courses

Let’s explore the best national parks that offer both natural beauty and quality golfing experiences.

Banff National Park, Alberta Parks in Canada with Golf Courses

Banff National Park is one of the crown jewels of the Canadian Rockies, attracting millions of visitors each year with its alpine lakes, glacier-capped peaks, and abundant wildlife. While most people come for the scenic hiking, hot springs, and photography, Banff also stands out as one of the best Canada golf parks — offering golfers a unique opportunity to play amid dramatic mountain landscapes.

At the heart of this experience is the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, often referred to as the “Castle in the Rockies.” This iconic golf course is part of the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a world-famous resort that blends luxury with wilderness. The course itself is a masterpiece designed by legendary golf architect Stanley Thompson, whose name appears again and again across Canada’s top golf destinations. Thompson designed the course in the 1920s to complement the rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains, and he succeeded brilliantly. Golfers here play along the Bow River, with views of Mount Rundle and the Spray Valley adding visual drama to every hole.

The course features 27 holes, divided into the 18-hole Stanley Thompson Course and the 9-hole Tunnel Mountain Course. Each hole has its own personality, shaped by natural terrain, elevation changes, and forested surroundings. While the course offers a world-class challenge for skilled players, it’s also accessible enough for casual golfers who want to enjoy a memorable round in a spectacular setting. Whether you’re dealing with bunkers carved into the mountain base or navigating fairways lined with tall spruce trees, it’s a round that’s more about the experience than the score.

Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course

• Set in the heart of the Rockies
• Designed by Stanley Thompson
• 27 holes with iconic mountain views

Why It Stands Out

• Luxury resort experience with hiking, wildlife, and spa access
• Historic layout with elevation challenges and forest-lined fairways

Beyond the course itself, Banff offers a wealth of outdoor activities that make it easy to pair golf with adventure. After a morning on the greens, visitors can spend the afternoon hiking to Johnston Canyon, canoeing on Lake Louise, or relaxing in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Wildlife encounters are also common; it’s not unusual to see elk wandering near the course or spot a black bear from a safe distance while driving between holes.

Travelers staying at the Fairmont can take advantage of golf packages that include tee times, spa treatments, and guided excursions. There are also nearby accommodations in the town of Banff for those seeking more budget-friendly options. The best time to golf in Banff is from mid-May to early October, when the course is open and the weather is most favorable.

Banff National Park isn’t just a golf destination — it’s a place where nature and sport intersect in a way few places can match. For anyone looking to experience the magic of Canada golf parks, Banff delivers unforgettable scenery, challenging play, and a true sense of escape from the ordinary.

Jasper National Park, Alberta Parks in Canada with Golf Courses

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park is known for its untamed wilderness, stunning mountain scenery, and serene lakes. It’s the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it draws visitors year-round for wildlife watching, hiking, and photography, it’s also a hidden gem for golf lovers seeking a peaceful yet world-class playing experience. At the core of this experience is the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course, a course often cited as one of the best in Canada.

A Historic Course in a Natural Wonderland
Designed by the renowned Stanley Thompson in the 1920s, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course remains a benchmark of natural golf design. Thompson’s philosophy was to work with the land, not against it — and nowhere is that more evident than here. The course flows through forested terrain, with each hole designed to frame breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and open skies.

What makes this course exceptional isn’t just its scenic backdrop but the thoughtful integration of natural features into its play. Rolling fairways, elevated tees, and well-placed bunkers challenge players without feeling artificial. The course is 18 holes, par 71, and stretches just over 6,600 yards, making it approachable for a range of skill levels.

Wildlife on the Fairways
Jasper is home to one of Canada’s richest ecosystems, and playing a round of golf here often feels like a guided wildlife tour. Elk are frequent visitors, sometimes even lounging on the greens. Golfers might also spot black bears, deer, or coyotes from a safe distance. The golf staff are trained to ensure these encounters are respectful and non-intrusive, adding to the sense of harmony between sport and nature.

This connection with wildlife adds a uniquely Canadian dimension to the experience. It reminds players that this is not just another resort — it’s part of a protected natural park.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club

• Award-winning course surrounded by mountain scenery
• Designed by Stanley Thompson, one of Canada’s top golf architects
• Open mid-May to early October

Highlights

• Regularly ranked as Canada’s top resort course
• Frequent elk sightings on fairways
• Combines golfing with kayaking, trail walking, and stargazing

A Destination Beyond Golf
What sets Jasper apart from other Parks in Canada with Golf Courses, its all-around experience. After a round of golf, guests can kayak on Lac Beauvert, hike through Maligne Canyon, or take a scenic drive down the Icefields Parkway. In the evening, Jasper’s Dark Sky Preserve status means stargazing is unbeatable — the Milky Way regularly lights up the night.

Guests staying at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge enjoy luxury accommodations, dining, and spa options, all within walking distance of the course. For budget travelers, Jasper townsite offers plenty of comfortable lodging just a short drive away.

When to Visit and What to Expect
The Parks in Canada with Golf Courses operates seasonally, typically from mid-May to early October. Peak season is July and August, when the weather is warmest, but early fall brings brilliant foliage and fewer crowds.

Jasper National Park is more than just a golf getaway — it’s a fully immersive nature experience where the course is only part of the adventure. For golfers looking to connect with the wild while enjoying exceptional play, Jasper remains one of the finest Canada golf parks worth visiting.

Prince Edward Island National Park, PEI

Prince Edward Island National Parks in Canada with Golf Courses offers a unique coastal experience that combines maritime beauty, red-sand beaches, and scenic trails with access to some of Canada’s best golf courses. While there are no golf courses physically located inside the national park itself, its proximity to world-class golfing makes it a prime destination for travelers who want both nature and sport in one relaxing getaway. For those exploring Canada golf parks in a broader sense, this park and its surroundings deliver an unforgettable combination of beachside recreation and golfing excellence.

Located along the island’s north shore, Prince Edward Island National Park stretches across several kilometers of dunes, cliffs, and coastal forests. It’s best known for its natural beauty and as the setting for the beloved Anne of Green Gables series. But for golf lovers, the area around the park is just as appealing. The most notable course nearby is Green Gables Golf Club, which is situated right next to the park boundaries. Designed by legendary Canadian golf architect Stanley Thompson and later modernized by Thomas McBroom, the course offers rolling fairways, ocean breezes, and a relaxing, playable layout for golfers of all levels.

Green Gables Golf Club isn’t just notable for its location — it’s a part of PEI’s broader golfing reputation. The island is considered one of Canada’s top golf destinations, often called the “Golf Capital of Canada” due to the high density of quality courses in such a small area. From Green Gables, players are just a short drive from other top-tier courses like Eagles Glenn, Glasgow Hills, and Andersons Creek. Each course offers something different, from dramatic elevation changes to coastal water views, making it easy to build a multi-course itinerary while staying near the national park.

Parks in Canada with Golf Courses-Nearby Golfing Opportunities

• While the park doesn’t have a course inside, world-class golf courses are just minutes away
• Green Gables Golf Course is directly adjacent and themed around Anne of Green Gables

What Makes It Unique

• Coastal landscapes and red-sand beaches
• Combines beach days with a relaxing golf schedule

The park itself adds to the appeal. After a morning on the course, visitors can walk the beaches at Cavendish, cycle the Gulf Shore Parkway, or explore nature trails that pass through coastal bogs and protected dunes. Interpretive centers and family-friendly activities make it easy to combine a golf vacation with outdoor learning and exploration. Wildlife enthusiasts may also catch glimpses of foxes, seabirds, and even the occasional seal near the shoreline.

For accommodations, the area surrounding Prince Edward Island National Park offers a mix of quaint inns, cottages, and seaside resorts. Many lodgings are within walking distance of both the park and nearby golf courses, making it easy to go from tee time to beach walk without needing a car. The summer months from late June to early September offer the best weather and the full range of park programs, while late spring and early fall provide quieter experiences with beautiful scenery.

While Prince Edward Island National Park may not host its own golf course, its close relationship with the island’s renowned golfing scene makes it a standout among Canada golf parks. The seamless blend of nature, culture, and play makes PEI an ideal destination for golfers looking for something beyond the ordinary fairway.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is where rugged coastal cliffs meet dense forested valleys, offering one of the most dramatic natural landscapes in Canada. Located on the northern tip of Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, the park is not only a haven for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives along the famous Cabot Trail—it also happens to be home to one of the most iconic Parks in Canada with Golf Courses in the country: the Highland Links Golf Course. For those seeking the ultimate combination of outdoor adventure and championship-level golf, Cape Breton Highlands deserves a place high on any list of must-visit Canada golf parks.

Highland Links Golf Course is located within the national park itself, nestled between the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. Designed by the legendary Canadian golf course architect Stanley Thompson in 1939, the course is consistently ranked among the top public golf courses in North America. What makes it special is not just its playability, but how well it integrates into the natural environment. Thompson was known for designing courses that feel like they belong to the landscape rather than altering it, and Highland Links is a perfect example of this philosophy. The course winds through coastal forest, alongside rivers, and near the shoreline, offering a unique challenge on every hole.

Golfers playing Highland Links are treated to more than just the game—they’re immersed in a true maritime experience. The ocean breeze, salt air, and occasional wildlife sightings, including bald eagles and moose, give every round a sense of place that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. The course itself features undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and fast greens that reward accuracy and course management over sheer power. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or simply want to enjoy the scenery from the fairway, Highland Links offers a memorable round in a national park setting.

Highland Links Golf Course – Parks in Canada with Golf Courses

• Located within the national park itself
• Ranked among the top public courses in North America
• Designed by Stanley Thompson

Why It’s a Must-Play

• Ocean views, cliffside holes, and forested fairways
• Connected to Cabot Trail adventures and Acadian heritage sites

Beyond the course, Cape Breton Highlands National Park provides endless opportunities for exploration. Visitors can hike the Skyline Trail for panoramic ocean views, drive the winding Cabot Trail for breathtaking cliffside vistas, or relax on quiet beaches and freshwater lakes. The park is also a cultural touchpoint, located in an area rich in Mi’kmaq and Acadian heritage, with local music, food, and festivals adding depth to any trip.

Accommodations in and around the park range from cozy inns and lodges to vacation rentals and campsites. The town of Ingonish, where the golf course is located, offers convenient access to both the park and local amenities. For golfers, several packages are available that include lodging and tee times, making it easy to plan a full golf-and-nature retreat.

The golf season at Highland Links typically runs from mid-May through October, with peak conditions in the summer months. Early fall is especially beautiful as the surrounding forest bursts into vibrant color. Whether you’re here for the world-class course or the natural wonders that surround it, Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers one of the most unique and rewarding experiences among Canada golf parks.

Planning Tips for Visiting Canada Golf Parks

Taking your clubs into the wild? Here are a few tips to make your golf trip seamless:

Best Time to Visit

• Most golf courses in national parks are open May through October
• Book early for peak season, especially in Banff and Jasper

Packing Suggestions

• Bring waterproof gear and warm layers
• Soft spikes are often required
• Some parks have rental clubs available

Park Access and Fees

• Some parks require daily passes or park permits
• Tee time reservations are separate from park entry
• Check if your golf course is within the park boundaries or adjacent to it

Experience Golf and Nature Like Never Before

Combining a national park visit with a few rounds of golf transforms your trip into something extraordinary. These Canada golf parks offer more than just beautiful views — they provide a chance to unwind, challenge your game, and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re swinging through mountain valleys or along the coast, Canada’s park-based golf courses are ready to impress.

Also read our recent blog – Best Portable Gazebo for Camping and Park Adventures

If you’re planning to explore Canada’s national parks or looking for accurate details about park access, reservations, or activities, we highly recommend visiting the official Parks Canada website.

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