Canadian Rockies Golfing

Canadian Rockies golfing holds special appeal because some of the world’s most scenic courses lie in their midst. All of the best courses are public, in national parks, or on provincial land, so anyone can play at any time. The scenery alone stands the courses of the Canadian Rockies apart from others, but there are many other reasons that the region is a golf destination in itself.

Stanley Thompson, generally regarded as one of the preeminent golf course architects of the early 1900s, designed three courses in the Canadian Rockies, typified by holes aligned with distant mountains, elevated tee boxes, and fairways following the natural contours of the land. (As most of Thompson’s work was in Canada, he is still little known in the United States.)

The golfing season is fairly short, from May to early October, depending on snow cover. (The golf courses at Radium Hot Springs and Golden are the first to open each spring.) But with the long days of summer, there’s plenty of time for golfing. Greens fees range from $25 at the historic nine-hole NORDEGG GOLF COURSE to $330 for 18 holes at the FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS GOLF COURSE. At the resort courses, greens fees include the use of practice facilities and a cart. Golfing’s popularity in the Canadian Rockies is such that tee times need to book well in advance—up to a month for prime times at some courses.

Banff National Park Golfing
Jasper National Park Golfing
Canmore Golfing
Kananaskis Country Golfing