Golf has long been one of Canada’s most beloved sports, drawing in players from all walks of life to enjoy its mix of skill, strategy, and serenity. In fact, golf is the country’s number one participatory sport, with approximately 6 million Canadians hitting the links in 2023. That year saw an all-time high for golf’s popularity, generating an impressive 74 million rounds played.
It’s no surprise, then, that Canada boasts the world’s third-largest number of golf courses, trailing only the United States and Japan. With over 2,530 golf courses scattered across the country’s vast landscapes, Canada offers an extraordinary range of golfing experiences. From coastal cliffside fairways to mountain-framed greens, each course provides its unique challenge, making Canada a prime destination for golfers seeking memorable getaways.
Cabot Cliffs
Perched on the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, Cabot Cliffs Golf Course is one of Canada’s and arguably the world’s most spectacular golfing destinations. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, it opened in 2016 and has quickly risen to fame, regularly ranking among the top courses worldwide.
What sets Cabot Cliffs apart is its dramatic location along the Gulf of St. Lawrence cliffs. Each hole offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the wind plays an integral role in shaping how each round unfolds. The course blends links-style golf with the rugged coastal terrain, challenging players of all levels. The par-3 16th hole is particularly iconic, requiring a nerve-wracking shot over a chasm to a green perched precariously on the cliff’s edge.
This isn’t just a test of golfing skills; it’s a test of nerve and a reminder that golfing at Cabot Cliffs is as much about the experience as it is about the scorecard. Add the onsite resort facilities, and Cabot Cliffs becomes the ideal golfing getaway for those seeking adventure and luxury in equal measure.
St. George’s Golf and Country Club: Urban Elegance in Toronto
For golfers seeking an urban retreat without sacrificing world-class play, St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto is a gem nestled just minutes from the city’s vibrant downtown. Designed by the legendary Canadian architect Stanley Thompson, this course has captivated players since opening in 1929. It remains one of the top-ranked courses in Canada, celebrated for its classic parkland layout and impeccable course maintenance.
However, brute force alone won’t get you far here. St. George’s challenges golfers to prioritize precision, patience, and careful strategy. The undulating greens, rolling terrain, and strategically placed bunkers require thoughtful shot selection at every turn.
The course, a par-71, presents a sterner test than the scorecard might suggest, especially with its narrow, tree-lined fairways that leave little room for error.
One of its most memorable holes is the par-3 6th, a standout for its green surrounded by five bunkers, demanding pinpoint accuracy. Though located in one of Canada’s largest urban areas, St. George’s offers a quiet, almost secluded atmosphere, allowing golfers to immerse themselves in the game without the distractions of city life.
In addition to its beauty and challenge, St. George’s has a rich history of hosting prestigious tournaments. The course has been the stage for the Canadian Open six times, most recently in 2022. That year’s tournament saw Rory McIlroy claim the title, drawing not only golf enthusiasts but also a surge of betting fans.
Platforms like BetMGM saw increased activity during the event, as many wagered on their favorites, spurred by the availability of the sports interaction Canada, adding extra excitement to the championship atmosphere.
Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course
Originally designed by the legendary Canadian golf architect Stanley Thompson in 1928, this 18-hole course remains one of the most visually striking in Canada. It’s hard to focus on the game when you’re surrounded by towering peaks, lush forests, and the sparkling Bow River running alongside the fairways.
The course is a challenging mountain design, with plenty of elevation changes, wide fairways, and strategically placed bunkers. However, what truly makes Banff Springs special is the seamless integration of nature into the golfing experience.
On any given day, you might spot elk or deer wandering near the course, adding a sense of wild beauty to the game.
Thompson’s original vision for the course was to showcase the natural splendor of the Rockies, and he succeeded masterfully. The “Devil’s Cauldron,” the 4th hole, remains one of the most memorable, with a tee shot over a crystal-clear lake and a backdrop that feels more like a postcard than a golf course.
Highlands Links: A Journey Through Nature
Highlands Links Golf Course, located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia, brings golfers face-to-face with some of the country’s most stunning natural landscapes. This course was designed by Stanley Thompson in 1939 and is considered one of his finest works.
Each hole at Highlands Links offers a new perspective, as Thompson carefully crafted the course to take golfers on a journey through the natural environment. The course begins with several holes winding through the forest before opening up to coastal views, with the mountains always looming in the background. Thompson’s use of the terrain is genius, with undulating fairways and natural hazards like rivers and hillsides providing challenges.
The par-5 7th hole, “Killiecrankie,” is especially notable. It requires a well-placed drive over the Clyburn River and a precise approach to avoid the tricky undulations around the green.
Final Thoughts
From the oceanfront cliffs of Cabot Cliffs to the rugged beauty of Highlands Links, Canada’s top golf courses offer an extraordinary range of experiences.
While some destinations like Banff Springs immerse golfers in mountainous terrain, others, like St. George’s, provide an urban sanctuary that marries traditional golf with modern conveniences. Canada is a land of vast, varied landscapes, and its golf courses reflect that diversity beautifully.