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Golfing in Canada: A Northern Slice of Heaven

Aug. 4 2025 golf courses By Joseph Powell

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If you’ve never teed up in Canada, you're missing out on one of the most underrated golf destinations in North America. Whether you're hacking your way through the Rockies, chasing birdies on Prince Edward Island, or dodging moose in Muskoka, Canada offers a unique golf experience that’s equal parts beauty, challenge, and maple-leaf charm.

Why Golf in Canada?

For starters, the landscape. Canadian golf courses aren’t just cut into the terrain—they become part of it. Think dramatic elevation changes, glacier-fed lakes, pine forests, and fairways carved through mountain valleys. And thanks to long summer daylight hours (especially up north), you can squeeze in an early morning 18 and still have time for a twilight nine before dinner.

Canadian Golf Tips from the Locals

  1. Pack Layers, Not Just Clubs
    Even in July, a sunny morning can turn into a chilly afternoon if you’re playing in Alberta or coastal BC. Dress like an onion—layers are your friend.

  2. Bug Spray Is Not Optional
    Especially if you’re golfing near water in Ontario or Quebec. Black flies and mosquitoes have a thing for golfers. Apparently, DEET pairs well with Titleist.

  3. Watch for Wildlife
    No joke. It’s not uncommon to spot bears, deer, elk, or even foxes wandering across fairways. If you hear rustling in the trees, it's not always your slice—it might be a 700-pound spectator.

  4. Play Ready Golf
    Canadians are polite, sure, but they like to keep the game moving. If you're ready and it's safe, hit it. The group behind you is probably enjoying the scenery but still wants to finish before winter.

Must-Play Courses Across the Great White Fairway

1. Cabot Cliffs – Inverness, Nova Scotia
A showstopper perched high on the cliffs of Cape Breton Island, Cabot Cliffs is ranked among the top 100 courses in the world. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, it’s links-style heaven with ocean views that’ll make you forget your double bogey on 8.





2. Banff Springs Golf Course – Alberta
Designed in 1928 by Stanley Thompson, Banff Springs is a postcard brought to life. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, it’s a course where your biggest challenge might be keeping your eye on the ball instead of the mountains.






3. St. George’s Golf and Country Club – Toronto, Ontario
Consistently ranked as one of Canada’s best courses, St. George’s is a classic parkland layout with tight fairways, quick greens, and a timeless old-school feel. If you get a chance to play it—do not pass it up.





4. The Links at Crowbush Cove – Prince Edward Island
PEI may be Canada’s smallest province, but it punches above its weight in golf. Crowbush Cove is a seaside stunner with dunes, ocean breezes, and enough challenge to make you think twice about that 5-iron.




Final Thoughts

Golfing in Canada is like poutine for your swing—surprisingly satisfying, a little messy, and something you’ll want to experience more than once. The courses are world-class, the air is clean, and the scenery is straight out of a nature doc. Just don’t forget your jacket, bug spray, and maybe a few extra balls—Canada doesn’t just test your game, it tests your sense of adventure too.

Ready to head north? Just make sure you know how to pronounce “Saskatchewan” before you book your tee time.