Canada is one of the world's most golf-mad countries, with thousands of courses and some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere: mountain courses beneath the peaks of the Rockies, clifftop holes above the Atlantic, lakeside layouts in the forests of Ontario and vineyard courses in British Columbia. The season is relatively short, but in summer the days are long and the courses at their best. Here is how to plan a golf trip to Canada.
The main golf regions
The Rocky Mountains (Alberta and British Columbia)
Mountain golf in the Rockies is a bucket-list experience. Courses near Banff, Canmore and Jasper, and in the valleys of eastern British Columbia, are surrounded by peaks, rivers and forests.
- Best for: scenery and a golf trip combined with hiking and national parks.
- Good to know: at around 4,000 to 5,000 feet, the ball flies noticeably further. Wildlife, including elk and bears, sometimes appears on courses: keep well away and follow the course's advice. Mornings are cool even in summer.
British Columbia
- Vancouver and Vancouver Island: a mild coastal climate means a longer season, with courses among forests and ocean views around Vancouver and Victoria.
- The Okanagan Valley: around Kelowna, Penticton and Vernon, a warm, dry valley of lakes and vineyards with plenty of courses.
- Whistler: mountain resort golf in summer.
Ontario
- Toronto and the Golden Horseshoe: a large number of public and private courses.
- Cottage country: the Muskoka lakes, the Kawarthas and Georgian Bay offer courses carved through granite rock and forests beside lakes.
- Niagara: golf combined with wine country and the falls.
Quebec
The province combines golf with a distinctive French-speaking culture. Courses around Mont-Tremblant in the Laurentian mountains, the Eastern Townships, and near Montreal and Quebec City are popular, as is the scenic Charlevoix region along the St Lawrence River.
Atlantic Canada
- Prince Edward Island: a compact island with many courses, beaches and seafood, ideal for a golf-focused trip.
- Nova Scotia: clifftop and links-style courses, especially on Cape Breton Island, with dramatic coastal holes.
- New Brunswick and Newfoundland: quieter golf with rugged coastline and friendly towns.
The Prairies
Saskatchewan and Manitoba have good-value courses, long summer evenings and a relaxed pace, though they are less known as golf destinations.
Comparing the regions
| Region | Golf style | Season | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockies | Mountain, altitude | June to September | Scenery and adventure |
| Coastal British Columbia | Forest and ocean | Longest season | Mild climate, city breaks |
| Okanagan | Valley, vineyards | April to October | Golf and wine |
| Ontario cottage country | Lakes, rock and forest | May to October | Lake holidays |
| Quebec | Mountain and river | May to October | Golf and culture |
| Atlantic Canada | Coastal and links-style | June to October | Coastal scenery and seafood |
When to go
- May and early June: courses opening, fewer crowds, cool and possibly wet.
- July and August: warmest, longest days, busiest season.
- September: often the best month, with warm days, cool nights and fewer crowds.
- Early October: autumn colour, especially in Ontario and Quebec, but the season ends earlier in the north and mountains.
Playing tips
- Altitude: in the Rockies, take less club; the ball flies further. Read golf in Arizona for more on playing at altitude.
- Elevation changes: mountain courses have big uphill and downhill shots. Read how to play uneven lies.
- Cool mornings: the ball flies shorter early in the day.
- Coastal wind: on Atlantic and Pacific courses. Read how to play golf in the wind.
- Bentgrass greens: fast and true, with less grain than in warmer climates. Read how to read greens.
Wildlife and safety
- Keep your distance from elk, deer, moose and bears. Never approach or feed wildlife.
- Follow course advice if wildlife is present; some holes may be temporarily closed.
- Insect repellent is useful in forests and near lakes, especially in early summer.
- Lightning: leave the course when storms approach.
Costs and booking
- Exchange rates often make Canada good value for visitors from the USA, the UK and Europe.
- Resort packages in the Rockies, Muskoka and Atlantic Canada offer good value.
- Twilight rates are excellent in midsummer, when daylight lasts late into the evening.
- Book early for summer weekends and the best-known courses.
Read how to play golf on a budget and how to choose a golf resort.
Practical tips
- Distances are large. Pick one or two regions rather than trying to cover the country.
- Rent a car in most regions; some areas have good golf shuttles.
- Pack layers and waterproofs: weather can change quickly. Read our golf rain gear guide.
- Check entry requirements before travelling.
- Learn a few words of French for Quebec.
- Travelling with clubs: read travelling with golf clubs.
Sample trip ideas
- Rockies adventure (one week): golf in the mountains, combined with lakes, hiking and national park drives.
- Okanagan golf and wine (five days): valley courses, vineyards and lake swims.
- Prince Edward Island (five days): a round a day, beaches and seafood dinners.
- Ontario cottage country: a lakeside cabin with golf in the mornings and canoeing in the afternoons.
Frequently asked questions
When is the golf season in Canada?
Mostly May to October, with the best weather from June to September. Coastal British Columbia has a longer season.
Is golf in Canada expensive?
The top resort courses can be expensive, but many courses offer good value, especially with favourable exchange rates and twilight rates.
Does the ball go further in the Rockies?
Yes. At around 4,000 to 5,000 feet, the thinner air means the ball flies noticeably further.
What is the best region for a first golf trip to Canada?
The Rockies for scenery, Prince Edward Island for a compact golf-focused trip, or the Okanagan for golf and wine.
The bottom line
Canada offers some of the most beautiful golf in the world, from the Rockies to the Atlantic. Travel in summer or early autumn, choose one or two regions, respect the wildlife, pack for changeable weather and enjoy long evenings on the course. For nearby destinations, read summer golf in the Great Lakes and how to plan a golf trip.