While most people might associate Canada with hockey, Canadians indeed love golf! This was especially true last year. According to the latest Golf Canada data, almost 15,000 Canadians played more than 100 rounds in 2020, a 50% increase over regular seasons.
For avid golfers, knowing the difference between a great course and one that’s subpar is key. For that reason, Canadians are willing to plan an entire vacation to be near their favourite spots.
After comparing the cost of real estate and rental properties (known as the price-to-rent ratio) near Canadian golf courses, Zolo generated this list of the top 10 places for a golf vacation.
10. Wildstone, Cranbrook, B.C.
- SCOREGolf rating: 7.60
- The average cost of five days of golf: $360
- Average weekly Airbnb cost: $749
As the name suggests, it doesn’t get any wilder than this. Towering evergreens surround the course, which offers gorgeous views of the Canadian Rockies and Fisher Peak. Make sure to check out Wildstone’s signature 9th hole. For those novice golfers, the course’s practise area is a great place to start before moving on to the main event.
9. Wolf Creek – Links course, Ponoka, Alberta
- SCOREGolf rating: 7.62
- The average cost of five days of golf: $400
- Average weekly Airbnb cost: $224
Wolf Creek is Alberta‘s course for golfers who love nailing that precision shot. The Old Course has a traditional design that is tried and true. Best of all, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for an enjoyable golf vacation because rentals in Ponoka are among the most reasonable on this list!
8. Black Bear Ridge, Belleville, Ontario
- SCOREGolf rating: 7.63
- The average cost for five days of golf: $315
- Average weekly Airbnb cost: $462
Black Bear Ridge promises an enjoyable time for any golfer who chooses the fitting tee with six sets of tees at varying skill levels. In addition, the course’s parkland layout uses natural water features, including one that is home to migratory birds for part of the year.
7. The Ridge at Manitou Golf Club, McKeller, Ontario
- SCOREGolf rating: 7.69
- The average cost for five days of golf: $400
- Average weekly Airbnb cost: $508
Not every golf course can be reached by boats or float planes like The Ridge can, thanks to its location at Parry Sound on Lake Manitouwabing. But, of course, you can just as quickly drive to this course, and many golfers make it a stop in their Muskoka golf tour. You can also rest assured that The Ridge’s natural beauty doesn’t make it an overly challenging course.
6. Osprey Valley – Toot course, Caledon, Ontario
- SCOREGolf rating: 7.71
- The average cost of five days of golf: $507.50
- Average weekly Airbnb cost: $357
Once known as the Toot course, Osprey Valley’s renamed North Course is the yearly Osprey Valley Open site and often hosts rising stars in the sport. As long as you stay out of the bunkers, you’ll have a great time. Renting in Caledon is affordable enough for an extended golf trip for those who cannot choose between the three Osprey Valley courses!
5. Osprey Valley – Heathlands course, Caledon, Ontario
- SCOREGolf rating: 7.75
- The average cost for five days of golf: $507.50
- Weekly vacation home rental rate: $357
Heathlands are the second of three courses at Osprey Valley, offering a memorable experience and reasonably priced rentals. At Heathlands, golfers can test their ability and creativity amid a backdrop that pays homage to traditional Scottish golf links. It’s adorned with pot bunkers and natural grasses.
4. Osprey Valley – Hoot course in Caledon, Ontario
- SCOREGolf rating: 7.89
- The average cost for five days of golf: $507.50
- Weekly vacation home rental rate: $357
Hoot doesn’t just offer scenery—although there’s no denying the rolling dunes and woods are beautiful. This course manages the perfect balance between challenge and respite. Every hole is fun. Best of all, nearby rental homes are exceptionally affordable!
3. Tobiano in Kamloops, B.C.
- SCOREGolf rating: 8.09
- The average cost for five days of golf: $600
- Average weekly Airbnb cost: $574
Tobiano has been described as one of the most discussed courses to open in Canada. It stands out from the very first hole, and the sights along the way are breathtaking. Despite this, the average weekly rental cost is quite reasonable.
2. Humber Valley in Deer Lake, Newfoundland & Labrador
- SCOREGolf rating: 8.15
- The average cost for five days of golf: $378.25
- Average weekly Airbnb cost: $1,351
It is no surprise that this course offers a pleasant golf experience: architect Doug Carrick used his magic touch to create a course so fun and beautiful that it’s won several awards after its debut in 2007. Nestled against the Humber River and Deer Lake and with 105 uniquely designed bunkers, Humber Valley’s river golf course is as beautiful as it is relaxing, and nearby rentals offer access to it all.
1. Cape Breton Highlands Links, Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia
- SCOREGolf rating: 8.59
- The average cost for five days of golf: $650
- Average weekly Airbnb cost: $770
For 75 years, the mountainous backdrop and rolling hills of Highlands Links have attracted golfers. The area first attracted course designer architect Stanley Thompson because it resembles Scotland, and athletes still enjoy the challenge of shots that don’t turn out the way they expect at this course.
Wherever you choose to plan your next golf adventure, you should know that most Canadian courses come with beautiful land, exciting courses and plenty of relaxation.
