One of the few destinations in Canada to offer year-round golf, the Vancouver Island Golf Trail in fall is the one stop to add to your fall vacation bucket list. Mild temperatures, beautiful scenery, engaging destinations, and fewer crowds all combine to provide a golf holiday to remember. In recognition of the bounty that autumn delivers, we’re counting down our top reasons to plan a fall golf vacation to Vancouver Island.
Mild Sweater Weather
Everyone loves summer golf, but something is refreshing about not perspiring the second you step on the course. Known for its temperate and mild weather, Vancouver Island averages around 15 °C through the fall, meaning you can spend more time on the greens and less time hunting for shade. Although the days are shorter and the mornings can be crisp, a glimpse of the sunrise and sunset plus a cozy sweater will make the autumn breeze well worth it!
Just a 10-minute ferry ride from downtown Campbell River, Quadra Island’s secluded forest landscape makes for the perfect spot to see fall foliage and take in breathtaking views off the Sutil Channel and BC’s coastal mountains while golfing nine holes. Following your round, hop back on the ferry to catch the sunset over the water and breath in the autumn ocean breeze.
Picture Perfect
Grab your camera! Think morning dew, colourful changing leaves, and autumn light; pair this with the Pacific Ocean, and you have the picture-perfect fall golf backdrop.
Home to 36-holes of Nicklaus-designed golf, Bear Mountain’s Mountain and Valley courses boast panoramic views of the mountain, city and ocean, all framed by lush coastal forests.
Only 20 minutes outside of Victoria’s downtown core, Olympic View is known for its tranquillity and nature, accented by 12 lakes, two waterfalls and coupled with soaring eagles and roaming deer; prepare to stop and admire the course’s natural beauty.
Halfway between Victoria and Nanaimo, Cowichan Golf & Country Club’s picturesque mix of meadow and tree-lined holes make a spectacular spot to watch the autumn colours change. Also, the hub for the majority of Vancouver Island’s wineries and the second-largest wine region in British Columbia, a trip to the Cowichan Valley makes for the ultimate wine and golf pairing.
The scenery is pretty amazing in the fall on Vancouver Island!
Fins and Skins
Surrounded by the ocean on all sides, it is no surprise that Vancouver Island is known for its fishing. Deemed the salmon capital of the world, Campbell River is the ultimate place to observe the salmon run during mid-to-late October. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go swimming with the salmon on a snorkel tour!
For the golf and fishing die-hards, there are plenty of Fins and Skins opportunities; that way, you can spend the morning on the water casting a line and hit the fairways a few hours later.
Open Tee Sheets
Another positive of fall golf vacations is the lighter crowds. With fewer people competing for tee times, you’ll have a wider selection on the tee sheets, even with the shorter days. Avoid the crowds and focus on what matters, like enjoying a relaxing round instead of worrying about that fast foursome behind you or keeping pace with the twosome ahead of you.
Recommended Courses
With an entire oceanfront community in tow, Fairwinds Golf Club has established itself as a premier golf destination on Vancouver Island. With a covered and heated driving range, you can practice your swing, even with the cooling weather.
Tucked amidst an old-growth forest, each hole at Storey Creek Golf Club is wrapped in its own grove of trees, making it the ultimate spot to absorb autumn’s beauty. Storey Creek Golf Club is also Audubon Certified in environmental planning and preservation and hosts a coho salmon and cutthroat trout enhancement program with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Fall Road Trip Idea
The map is already laid for your fall golf road trip – simply follow the Vancouver Island Golf Trail! If you need a vehicle during your stay, National Car & Truck Rental makes it easy to get around with unlimited mileage and no return drive should you desire.
Take advantage of shoulder season and the fall weather by spending two weeks exploring Vancouver Island and golfing at some of the island’s top golf courses with the Two Week Golf Trail Package.
Although summer might be coming to an end, that doesn’t mean you have to cut your golf season short! There is no better time than now to start planning your fall golf getaway to Vancouver Island.
August 11, 2022, by: Golf Vancouver Island