Never fear—spring is near! At least, it is on Vancouver Island. While much of Canada is still thawing out in the spring, the island enjoys average February temperatures around 9°C, and by March, it will climb to a mild 12°C. Compare that to Alberta or Ontario, where 5°C would be considered a great day. And the Prairies? Let’s say winter hangs on a little longer there. Vancouver Island is the destination if you’re craving an early taste of spring.
Of course, with all this bounty of beautiful, snow-free weather comes something else to smile about: spring golf.
As one of the few destinations in Canada where golf courses open this early in the year, Vancouver Island is a must for golfers itching to get back on the green. Picture lush fairways, sunny skies, and even short-sleeve weather. With nearly all courses open year-round, you’re looking at near-summer playing conditions as early as March. It’s the ultimate spring activity for anyone who trades snow shovels for sand wedges.
So here’s a thought: skip the January blahs and start dreaming about your Spring golf trip to Vancouver Island instead. You don’t even have to plan a thing, we’ve done it all for you…
Woods and whales
Play golf: Head for the Parksville Qualicum Beach region if it’s an oceanside spring escape you’re after. Here you’ll find three wonderful oceanside golf courses in Fairwinds Golf Club and Morningstar Golf Club. We’ve even set up a really great Parksville Spring Beach & Golf Special for you – three rounds of golf (one at each of the above courses) and a two night stay. All you have to do is show up!
Play tourist: Just two and a half hours northwest of Parksville lies Tofino where, come spring, whale watching is the sport of choice. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see grey whales at play.
If you’re after an exhaustive list of things to do after golfing, look no further than this list of 47 Things To Do in Parksville Qualicum Beach.
Fairways and flowers
Play tourist: While most of Canada is still shivering under a blanket of snow, Vancouver Island is already awash with blossoms – Greater Victoria boasts an annual bloom count of over 26 billion! So get out and smell the cherry blossoms…
Play golf: While you’re at it, why not take in a round or five at the four fantastic golf courses no more than half an hour’s drive from the city centre. Highland Pacific, Bear Mountain (Mountain Course and Valley Course), and Olympic View all boast challenging, invigorating golf guaranteed to get you back into the swing of things. Take advantage of packages like the shoulder season Golf Fever Getaway if you can’t decide which course to play – play them all.
Putting greens and pinot grigio
Play tourist: The majority of Vancouver Island’s wineries and some of the best cideries are located in the Cowichan Valley. It’s also possibly the only place in Canada where you can enjoy a wine tour right now without a winter jacket. Only the Cowichan Valley can give you this unforgettable combination of golf, restaurants, wine, and water at a pace that will have the stresses of winter gone by the first sunset. Check out our other post on 3 Experiences To Discover on a Cowichan Golf Vacation.
Play golf: Treat yourself to the finer things in life with the Cowichan Golf and Wine Getaway—one of the most memorable golf packages BC has to offer. Tee off on the scenic, tree-lined fairways of Cowichan Golf Club and soak up the coastal views at Arbutus Ridge. In between rounds, unwind with a private five-hour winery tour through the lush Cowichan Valley. It’s the perfect blend of play and pleasure.
Balls and bikes (and birdies, hopefully!)
Play golf: One venue, two spectacular courses… Bear Mountain Resort offers 36 holes of Jack Nicklaus designed golf. (It is the only 36 holes of Nicklaus Design golf in Canada, by the way.) It is also two of Canada’s top golf courses, named to the PGA of Canada’s Top 100 on their Top 50 Public/Semi-Private golf courses list. So, if the pros think it’s the place to place, then it must be good enough for a spring golf vacation. Plus in the summer…and winter…(you see where we’re going with this).
Play tourist: Rent a mountain bike and kick up some dust on Vancouver Island’s most familiar bike park and home to the Canadian National Mountain Bike Team at the Bear Mountain Bike Park.
Looking for more ideas? Check out the Things To Do in Langford resource list
Scorecards and skis
Play tourist: Spring skiing at Mount Washington on Vancouver Island is one of those things people add to their bucket lists, with March apparently their best month of the year. But the very best part? It’s just a 40-minute drive from four of the Island’s most-loved golf courses: Crown Isle, Storey Creek, and Campbell River.
Visit Destination Campbell River for a detailed resource of things to do, places to see and restaurants to eat at.
Play golf: At Crown Isle Golf Resort, you’ll play beneath the towering presence of the Comox Glacier. At the same time, your round at Storey Creek might be joined by eagles overhead, curious deer, or even the occasional black bear. It’s golf in perfect harmony with nature. Ready to take it up a notch? Head to Campbell River’s high-tech Velocity Range and sharpen your swing. There’s no better season to make the most of it.
Yep, Vancouver Island really is the perfect place to cure golf fever – with the added bonus of plenty to do off the tee. It’s time to flip winter the birdie and hit the fairways on Vancouver Island with a spring golf vacation. You know you want to.
Spring Image Credit: Deanne Gillespie
This article was originally published in January 2016, it has since been updated.
March 12, 2025, by: Golf Vancouver Island