Serving up the best of the best when it comes to a dream golf vacation, the Vancouver Island Golf Trail has the makings for an unparalleled golf escape. Boasting championship golf courses, luxurious accommodations, and iconic activities, there is no better place to tee it up, breathe in the fresh west-coast air, and make the most of every minute on island time.
The Vancouver Island Golf Trail is fully scalable to your vacation dreams. Whether you’re looking for an upbeat golf getaway or to relax and recharge, you’ll find your golf vacation fix on Vancouver Island!
Top On-Course Experiences
Each Vancouver Island golf course offers a unique experience. From panoramic views and challenging signature holes to rushing waterfalls and daunting carries, the Vancouver Island Golf Trail has it all!
Signature Hole – Bear Mountain – Mountain Course
Bear Mountain Golf Club – Mountain Course, Langford
Bear Mountain Golf & Tennis Resort Community is home to Canada’s only 36 holes of Nickalus Design golf. It also boasts what is, arguably, one of Canada’s most scenic signature holes. Standing on the tee from Hole 14 on the Mountain Course, take a moment to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Mountain range, the city of Victoria, and Mt Baker towering in the distance over the green.
While not necessarily a difficult hole, there’s certainly an added ‘distraction’ challenge with these insane views!
Top 18th Finishing Hole – Arbutus Ridge
Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, Cobble Hill
Nothing beats a challenging finishing hole – one that demands what’s left in the tank to return to the clubhouse with a reputable score. Arbutus Ridges’
final hole requires discipline, accuracy, and even a little luck to walk away with par. Your tee shot must be long and left of centre if you want a shot at hitting the green in two. Placing your approach shot right of the pin gives you your best bet at par. The uphill slope adds to the challenge, but what a rewarding finish to a stunning round.
After your round, perch yourself with a nice view overlooking the green on the patio at the Satellite Bar & Grille to watch other players navigate the final hole.
Top Nine Hole Finish – Quadra Island Golf Club
Quadra Island Golf Club, Quadra Island
A true brute, Quadra Island Golf Club’s ninth hole is one for the books. Don’t get distracted by the picturesque surroundings – the relatively narrow green is protected by a bunker and wetlands to the right and trees to the left – add a bit of wind and a swirling pond to truly put your golf skills to the test.
Fan-Favourite Par Four – Olympic View Golf Club
Olympic View Golf Club, Victoria
The 17th Hole at Olympic View Golf Club in Victoria is an experience you’ll be talking about with your golf buddies years after your trip. It puts up a strong fight for Vancouver Island’s signature hole and is definitely a fan-favourite on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail. Pictures can’t do this hole justice; you need to come putt under the roar of a 40-foot waterfall and experience the rush for yourself.
Après-Golf Social Lounge (With More Golf!) – Velocity Lounge
Velocity Lounge at Campbell River Golf Club and Naturally Pacific Resort, Campbell River
The Velocity Lounge, a state-of-the-art “Top Golf Style” driving range at Campbell River Golf Club, features 30,000 square feet of grass tee deck, an expansive practice area and eight private bays with full table service. Play hundreds of global destination courses, dial in on all your clubs, or relax, grab a beer, and hit some balls!
Finest Golf Facility – Crown Isle Resort
Crown Isle Resort, Courtenay
Crown Isle Resort will stand out in your memory as one of those unique places on the golfing globe. It boasts expansive facilities with a dazzling clubhouse and Pro Shop, earning Facility of the Year recognition from the PGA of BC. Crown Isle continues to impress golfers with meticulous course maintenance and luxurious on-course accommodations, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing golf getaway.
Unparalleled Off-Course Experiences Along the Golf Trail
Vancouver Island’s Best View – The Malahat SkyWalk
Nature in its purest form, the views from the Malahat Skywalk are 250m above sea level. Breathe in the beauty of the Salish Sea, as well as Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, and the islands of two countries. Just 35 minutes north of Victoria, find a deeper connection to nature while learning about the trees, birds, animals, and marine life of this coastal region unique to BC.
Malahat SkyWalk is located on the traditional territory of the Malahat Nation and their Indigenous stories are embedded throughout the experience.
Iconic Sunset Whale Watching – Prince of Whales
Prince of Whales, Victoria
Who doesn’t love a sunset over the ocean? Prince of Whales’ “Sunset Cruise” is the ultimate way to take it all in on a beautiful evening. Cap off your day aboard a luxury catamaran as the sun sets over the Salish Sea, but don’t let the calm waters and great conversation distract you from the opportunity to spot resident and transient orcas, dolphins, gray whales, seals, otters, and more.
Three Cheers for Craft Beers! – The Vancouver Island Ale Trail
Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub, Victoria
Beer on Vancouver Island has its roots in the early 1840’s, and is even home to Canada’s first brewpub, Spinnakers, and some of British Columbia’s most popular breweries. There are three distinctive legs of the Vancouver Island Ale Trail: Victoria, Cowichan to Nanaimo, and Parksville, Qualicum & Comox. No matter where you choose to play, you’re never far from a delicious pint of craft beer!
Wine Country Wonders – Cowichan
Averill Creek Vineyard, Cowichan | Credit: Boomer Jerrit
Enjoy the finer things in life in the Cowichan Valley, home to the second-largest wine region in British Columbia, following the Okanagan. Warm days and crisp nights, gravelly soil rich with minerals, and lush aquifers imbue Cowichan Valley wines with fruit-forward flavours that deliver a crisp, dry finish. Visit one of the numerous coastal wineries after a round of golf, or head out on a wine tour for the perfect afternoon pairing!
The Best of Relaxation and Rejuvenation – Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara
Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara , Parksville | Credit: Jordan Dyck
Unwind at the multiple award-winning Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara and feel your stress melt away. Transition to relaxation and rejuvenation mode at Tigh-Na-Mara’s Grotto Spa with a half or full-day escape package featuring multiple spa treatments, relaxation time in the Grotto Mineral Pool and endless tapas.
Once you’re ready to explore, get back to nature and take a stroll through one of the surrounding old-growth and second-old-growth forests near Parksville and Qualicum Beach. Only five minutes to downtown from Parksville and Qualicum Beach, the Heritage Forest boasts 50 acres of old-growth, varying endangered and rare plants and bird species.
Self-Caught Salmon Suppers – Campbell River
Salmon Fishing in Campbell River
A trip to Campbell River is only complete once you have a fishing rod in hand. Deemed the salmon fishing capital of the world, Campbell River doubles as a fins and skins haven where you can cast a line in the morning, and swing your clubs in the afternoon. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go swimming with the salmon on a snorkel tour during the autumn Salmon Run.
The best of the best is not hard to come by on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail. With spectacular golf plus incredible on and off-course experiences, where will you start? Check out a range of popular golf packages to help you plan your golf vacation and create your own signature experience!
March 11, 2024, by: Golf Vancouver Island