Golfing

Where better to play a round or two or three of golf than on Vancouver Island? Sharing similar terrain to golf’s Scottish home, but enjoying a more temperate climate, Vancouver Island offers many different courses, all set in the splendid natural beauty of B.C.’s west coast. Along the 250km Vancouver Island Golf Trail, ranging from Victoria to Campbell River, golfers can find courses to challenge and inspire, each in a unique setting. Enjoy everything from magnificent ocean views to mountain vistas, along with abundant wildlife. Eagles are aplenty, but these ones are soaring the air! Pack your camera with your clubs!

Victoria alone has nine courses. Arbutus Ridge, surrounded by wineries, is located 20 minutes from downtown Victoria and features a back nine that climbs a ridge providing a view overlooking Satellite Channel. Bear Mountain offers two courses, the first on Vancouver Island designed by Jack and Steve Nicklaus. The Mountain Golf Course offers challenging terrain with panoramic views encompassing mountains, the city, and the ocean. Bear Mountain’s Valley Course also offers stunning scenery, but this time it features rivers, lakes, creeks and lush forest. Highland Pacific Golf Course, near Victoria, offers panoramic views of Victoria, the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Bear Mountain. Olympic View Golf Course’s name says it all. Just 20 minutes from Victoria, this course features waterfalls, lakes, and an abundance of deer and eagles (of both kinds, one hopes!). Cordova Bay Golf Course offers a very walkable course for any level of player, hosting several Provincial and National Championships for Pros and Elite Amateurs. Cedar Hill Golf Course, located minutes from downtown Victoria has panoramic views of the city and the Olympic Mountains. Uplands Golf Course is a parkland-style course providing an enjoyable and challenging experience for all levels. The jewel in the crown must be the oldest course in Canada still on its original site. Victoria Golf Club is a 125-year-old seaside course set against the magnificent backdrop of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Every day is different and dependant on the winds that come in from the sea! Enjoy a round on this spectacular links-style course, then relax in the elegant clubhouse.

North of the Victoria area, the Cowichan Valley has more than just vineyards. Cowichan Golf Club features views of Cowichan Bay and the surrounding mountains. It offers tight, tree-lined fairways, challenging holes, friendly folk, and a great club house to enjoy after a round. A little further north, the Nanaimo, the Parksville Qualicum area has its share of golf courses. Fairwinds Golf Course in Fairwinds Resort offers many other amenities too, including a marina and the award-winning Fairwinds Bar and Grill. The course features dense forest, ocean views and a dramatic elevation change. Pheasant Glen Golf Course is a traditionally designed course with fast, smooth greens suitable for all skill levels. After you play, take in the views of Mt. Arrowsmith from the deck while you dine on great food prepared by Red Seal Chefs. Qualicum Beach sports the high-quality, semi-private Eaglecrest Golf Course in a stunning setting against the ocean.

Further north still, Courtney and Campbell River offer several courses to play. The Campbell River Golf and Country Club is a brand-new course aimed at the less seasoned player. Crown Isle Golf Course is a platinum rated course playable for all levels. This resort-style designed course offers dynamic tees to meet the needs of any guest all set against views of the Beaufort Mountains and the Comox Glacier. Quadra Island has its own course at the Quadra Island Golf Course overlooking the Sutil Channel and B.C.’s mainland’s coastal mountains. Here there is plenty of elevation gain on a professionally designed public course which provides a challenge for beginners and seasoned players. Storey Creek Golf Course is a Les Furber designed course set in the tranquil natural beauty of old and second growth forest. Keep an eye out for deer, hawks, and eagles, along with the occasional black bear or cougar! The Creekside Grill offers a full menu to enjoy after your round.