It’s one of the most used cliches about retirement that you’ll spend most of your time on the golf course. Why is that? Is it that golf is a time-consuming hobby which helps fill the hours during retirement life? Or is it that it’s a relaxing activity to enjoy at your leisure? Or is it just that golf is fun?
Whatever the reasons, golf need not be saved until retirement and now that summer is upon us, it’s a wonderful time to hit the links. Luckily, we have quite a few beautiful courses in our country and if you’re itching to seek out the best of the best, here are the top 10 golf courses in Canada.
10. Tobiano
Located: Kamloops, BC
The newest course on the list, it opened in 2008 and has since been named one of best courses in the country by numerous golf publications. It’s certainly an unique location, with lush fairways surrounded by barren hills, all placed beside a long winding river. There’s plenty of sand traps to drive you crazy and they have an excellent on-site restaurant to enjoy after you 18-holes.
9. The Links at Crowbush Cove
Located: Morell, PEI
There’s plenty of golf courses to like on the Island, but this may very well be the best of the bunch. The course opened in 1993 and overlooks the dune on the North shore of the island and offers golfers a fairly challenging course to try their luck at. Half of the holes on the course run along the water, making it unique in terms of Island courses.
8. Predator Ridge
Located: Vernon, BC
This BC course has undergone a few changes since it opened in 1991. The resort featured 27 holes of golf, consisting of three 9-hole courses. Through further renovations, a fourth 9-hole was opened and the other three were given makeovers. Then in 2010, the resort finally opened its own 18-hole course which became the crowning jewel.
7. Greywolf
Panorama, BC
This 18-hole resort golf course is a blend between enjoyable par-3s and a couple truly challenging holes. It’s signature hole has been dubbed the Cliffhanger and has been ranked among the best golf holes in the world. The view is quite amazing as it’s high elevation has you looking down on the flowing hills. The right shot off the tee will make you feel like a million bucks.
6. Muskoka Bay
Located: Gravenhurst, ONT
Designed by acclaimed architect Doug Carrick, Muskoka Bay’s secluded beauty combines mammoth rock ridges and wetlands to create a stunning golf course that can be enjoyed by golfers of various levels of expertise. The elevation of the course provides players with some amazing views of the breathtaking surroundings while they search for that perfect shot.
5. Humber Valley
Located: Deer Lake, NFLD
Humber Valley Resort’s 18-Hole, par 72 has some amazing lookout views such as Deer Lake and the Humber River. Also designed by Doug Carrick, the layout, with gently rolling terrain, generous fairways and undulating greens. Several holes play along the surrounding lake and river and the 18th features the highest elevation point to end you game.
4. Fairmont Banff Springs
Located: Banff, ALB
Golfers of all kind have praised the panoramic views of this picturesque course. Each hole has a fairly unique design that gives players something new each time while offering a nice balance between challenging and playable. It’s an especially fascinating experiences to be surrounded by towering Alberta mountains. Not too many like this one.
3. Highland Links
Located: Ingonish Beach, N.S.
No wonder this 18-hole gem is such a beauty to behold since it’s so close to the even more beautiful Cape Breton Highlands. The course looks out along the Atlantic coastline while the mountains sit in the backdrop. You won’t find too many courses with such astounding vistas to enjoy while trying to stay under par.
2. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Located: Jasper, ALB
Another mountain course which seems dug out of the rocks and debris of the environment. This is no new player to the game having opened in 1925 and having become one of the great courses and popular thanks to the tourist destination of Jasper.
1. Cabot Links
Located: Inverness, NS
Designed to lure and motivate you at each and every turn. Incorporating all the in the amazing colours of a Cape Breton, from the sunset to the beautiful views while you play. Nova Scotia seems to have an advantage in terms of courses as the landscaped seem made for the best-looking courses around. The course itself is a favorite of even the most serious and professional golfers out there. And yet, you too can have a whirl on the 18 which would be an experience you won’t soon forget.