By Andrew Penner
In the middle of my week-long trip down the Vancouver Island Golf Trail – just after a white-knuckle rip down one of the fastest and flowiest mountain biking trails I’ve ever experienced – I came to this conclusion: the greatest golf trails in the world are not just golf trails.
Yes, multiple courses spread out along a scenic route are certainly the foundation. The anchor of any good golf trail. But, to make the experience truly great, we need a few outstanding offshoots. Some detours. Rabbit trails. (Mountain biking trails also work.) And this is why, in my eyes, the Vancouver Island Golf Trail can make a strong case for being one of the best golf trails on the planet.
Indeed, what sets the Vancouver Island Golf Trail apart is not the quality of its golf. True, the golf is fantastic. On par with many of the best trails anywhere (and more on those courses later). However, it’s the incredible add-ons, the extra attractions – the remarkable rabbit trails! – that makes Vancouver Island one of the premier golf trail experiences in North America.
From whale watching to wine touring , there are, literally, endless opportunities. Basically, whatever you’re into, you’re going to find a dazzling little detour before or after your round.
Naturally, considering this is an island paradise in the Pacific Northwest, attractions and activities that involve water – beach combing, surfing, whale watching, sea kayaking, salmon fishing, sailing, float-plane tours, and so on – typically top the list. And I’d wager there are a number of things there that pique your interest!
Unquestionably, for many travellers the sport fishing opportunities stand out. And the “fins and skins” theme on Vancouver Island is, for good reason, a popular one. Campbell River – home to a couple of outstanding golf courses – is actually dubbed “the salmon capital of the world.” The waters there are home to some of the largest runs of passing salmon anywhere on the west coast. Private fishing charters, boat rentals, professional guides, and numerous fishing lodges and experiences are readily available in this area and, really, throughout the island.
Personally, I’ve travelled extensively on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail – it encompasses 12 golf courses from Victoria in the south to Quadra Island in the north – and I try to “run” down a different “rabbit trail” on every trip.
A few of these standout side ventures have included: wine touring in the Cowichan Valley , sipping delicious craft beer along the Vancouver Island Ale Trail , sea kayaking in Victoria’s amazing Inner Harbour, wildlife touring via Zodiak in Campbell River, beachcombing on the amazing tidal flats and beaches in Parksville, salmon fishing in Campbell River, surfing in Tofino, and, most recently, mountain biking in various locations along this great and gorgeous not-just-golf trail.
Indeed, for the adventure-focussed tourist, opportunities are everywhere. Bungee jumping in Nanaimo, the brand new Malahat Skywalk (the elevated forest walk and mountain-and-ocean views from the top of the tower are phenomenal!), and racing high-performance sports cars around a professionally-designed racetrack at the Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit in Duncan are just a few other unique options that you just won’t find anywhere else.
And, yes, for some world-class mountain biking madness, Vancouver Island is tough to beat. Meandering through massive old-growth forests and rampaging through rocky corridors, there are numerous trail networks located along the trail. On my last journey – after my morning rounds of golf! – I rode the fabulous old-school trails at Hartland Mountain in Victoria, the challenging cross-country trails at Bear Mountain, and the raw and rugged trails at Mount Tzouhalem in Duncan. The most popular descent there – a trail called Double D – is definitely in my top 5 of all time!
But, in terms of those morning rounds, they are the glue that holds the Vancouver Island Golf Trail experience together. And, no question, regardless of how deep you go into the line-up (playing all 13 courses in one trip is not easy to do!), rest assured, the golf is rock solid. And often off-the-charts spectacular.
If you are including the Victoria region in your trip, Bear Mountain – home to two Nicklaus-designed courses – could easily be considered a flagship facility on the trail. Both courses – the original Mountain Course and the newer Valley Course – feature wild elevation changes, huge rock outcroppings, beautiful bunkering, and an upscale atmosphere that’s second-to-none on the island.
Olympic View, which tumbles and rolls through beautiful arbutus trees, is a personal favourite of mine. The holes are unique, challenging, and the two waterfalls are spectacular! The outdoor patio at the clubhouse, which is perched on the hill overlooking the action, is one of the best you’ll find anywhere. The food is also amazing!
In Victoria, Highland Pacific is another course to put on your list. Like so many courses on the trail, the holes are cut through giant trees and the terrain is raw, rugged, and beautiful. This is golf on Vancouver island!
The courses further up island in the Courtenay and Campbell River area have a similar vibe. The Storey Creek GC in Campbell River, another personal favourite, is a parkland gem that’s routed through a gorgeous, unspoiled forest. Nearly every hole is tucked away in towering trees and wildlife sightings occur regularly. Morningstar , a challenging Les Furber design, and Crown Isle , a Graham Cooke design, are both rock-solid championship courses with beautiful scenery throughout. And The Cowichan Golf Club is a timeless A.V. Macan design that parades through massive cedar and fir. However, for the ultimate away-from-it-all round, the quaint 9-holer on Quadra Island might be the most remote and tranquil “forest” course you’ll ever play. Complete with trip!
If you prefer your golf shorter and sportier with exceptional playing conditions, Fairwinds , Eaglecrest , Arbutus Ridge , and the Campbell River GC are excellent choices. These are all walkable, player-friendly tracks with exceptional value and high fun-factors. They are also incredibly popular with locals and visitors alike!
If you need help in terms of planning where to play, course locations, accommodations, and so on, I’d recommend you visit www.golfvancouverisland.ca . You’ll also find information on special packages, promotions, trip ideas, tips, and much more.
Regardless of where you play, a trip down the Vancouver Island Golf Trail is going to produce some life-long memories. Especially if you go down a few rabbit trails along the way!
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Andrew Penner is a freelance writer based in Calgary, Alberta .