To ensure your getaway to BC’s year-round golfing paradise is nothing short of extraordinary, let’s dive into the top five booking and planning tips for an unparalleled getaway to the Vancouver Island Golf Trail.
Without a doubt, a well-planned trip to Vancouver Island is a seamless fusion of golfing bliss and island exploration. But where do you start? Whether you’re planning to escape to the historic charm of Victoria, sip wine and swing through Cowichan, stroll the beaches in Parksville, or unlock your wild side in Campbell River, our trip-planning experts have you covered with these essential planning tips.
Campbell River Golf Club, Campbell River
Advance Tee Time Reservations
We can’t stress this one enough: make tee-time reservations well in advance to secure your coveted spot on the fairways of your desired courses. The allure of Vancouver Island’s renowned golf courses draws golf enthusiasts from near and far, so planning ahead is a must! Planning ahead guarantees prime tee times and ensures you have time to explore “on island time” after your round.
If you’re booking directly for a golf trip during peak season, reach out to the golf courses well in advance. But remember that there are often booking windows to consider. If you choose to book with the team at Golf Vancouver Island, we can reach out when the window opens to help you secure the optimal tee times for your golf vacation. Plus, our team considers your entire trip when booking times to make sure you enjoy a seamless golf experience without any last-minute hiccups.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning a summer trip to the Vancouver Island Golf Trail and want prime tee times, try to book them two to three months in advance.
Plan Your Travel Times Strategically
The Vancouver Island Golf Trail spans over 250 km from Victoria to Campbell River, so plan your itinerary strategically. Some golfers spend two weeks on the Island and play every course from one end of the trail to the other. Others spend a week golfing through two regions, and some come for a weekend escape to a single destination. However long you choose to golf on Vancouver Island, consider the proximity of the courses to one another and factor in travel time. For example, it isn’t advised to play Saturday in Victoria and Sunday in Campbell River, but a round in Cowichan complements a round in Victoria and opens opportunities for wine tastings or a trip to the awe-inspiring Malahat SkyWalk.
You’ll get the most out of your time on Vancouver Island if you create a balanced schedule that allows time for leisurely rounds, relaxation, and exploring the Island’s many attractions.
Pro Tip: Flying in? Get the most golf out of a short trip by booking your flight to the Island to arrive early in the day, allowing for a twilight round. Often, you can even sneak in a morning round before your flight home, too! FYI, there are three airports along the Vancouver Island Golf Trail. Playing in Campbell River or Comox? Check out Comox Valley Airport.
Weather-Ready Packing
Keep an eye on the weather forecast as your travel dates approach and use it to pack with precision. Being weather-ready ensures you can make the most of every round, regardless of what the Pacific skies deliver. And when in doubt, keeping a light rain jacket in your bag ensures you can focus on your swing rather than worrying about unexpected weather changes.
While Vancouver Island is known for its mild climate where golfers can play almost any day of the year, the climate is as varied as its landscapes, influenced by coastal winds and rugged topography. Summer offers the most reliable weather, while spring and fall provide a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds. Ensure you’re well-prepared for all conditions by packing layers, waterproof gear, and appropriate golf attire.
Pro Tip: If the forecast shows inclement weather, pack an extra hat or two, a towel for your grips, rain gloves, rain gear, and two extra pairs of socks right in your golf bag. This saves space in your suitcase and guarantees you everything you need on the course.
The Valley Course at Bear Mountain Golf Club, Langford
Select Diverse Golf Courses
You’ll soak in stunning views and find top-notch course conditions no matter where you play on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail, but you’ll make the most of your trip if you plan to include courses that offer different playstyles and experiences. Simply put, it takes a few rounds at different courses to get the full Vancouver Island Golf Trail experience.
Fortunately, the Vancouver Island Golf Trail is a tapestry of diversity, offering a spectrum of experiences for golf enthusiasts. Each region and course along the Golf Trail offers breathtaking landscapes and world-class golf. Courses like Bear Mountain, Olympic View, and Storey Creek are known to test your physical and mental game. In contrast, courses like Campbell River, Cowichan, and Highland Pacific offer a relaxed round with a few more balls in your bag going home.
Read about our courses or call our trip-planning experts before you decide exactly where you want to go on the Island. You might be thinking Victoria sounds great before you learn fully what Campbell River golf courses have to offer or vice versa!
Pro Tip: If you’re near Campbell River, playing a round at Quadra Island will have your group saying, “Remember that time we walked onto a ferry to play golf?” for years to come.
Malahat SkyWalk, Malahat
Don’t Miss Out on Island Exploration!
While golf takes center stage, seize the opportunity to explore the richness of Vancouver Island beyond the fairways. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Victoria and Langford, visit local markets, and savour the Island’s culinary delights. Whether you prefer brewery tours, whale watching, fishing, hiking, or strolling through historical sites, incorporating off-course activities enriches your overall experience. No matter what you choose to do, Vancouver Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural charm that extends far beyond the golf course, making your journey an exploration of the senses.
Each community along the Vancouver Island Golf Trail has its own unique and distinctive charm. Our golf travel experts are excited to help you plan your trip and learn what you want to explore off the course. There is so much history to uncover on the Island that you’ll be planning your next trip back before the wheels hit the tarmac in your hometown.
Pro Tip: Looking for unique and meaningful experiences? Explore Indigenous experiences on Vancouver Island and learn about the Island’s history and culture from communities who have long pre-dated colonial settlers.
Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community, Courtenay
Bonus Tip: Make it Easy!
The tips above pave the way for a journey marked by exceptional rounds and lasting memories. And we know how much fun it can be to curate the perfect trip, but we also know that life is busy. One way to spend more time daydreaming about your trip and less time coordinating the nitty-gritty details is to let us handle the booking and planning. Our Golf Vancouver Island travel experts know the ins and outs of each region and take the hassle out of planning your trip, at no additional cost to you! Booking with Golf Vancouver Island means you can tee off with confidence, knowing that your journey to Vancouver Island will be an exploration of the senses, where every swing is met with the symphony of nature and the thrill of the game. From diverse course selections to budgeting travel time, our team knows how important the little things are when crafting a seamless golfing experience in this Pacific paradise.
Are you ready to play on island time? Let’s start planning together.
December 12, 2023, by: Golf Vancouver Island