One of British Columbia’s Best Golf Destinations: The Columbia Valley Golf Trail

Written by Andrew Penner

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of British Columbia’s Columbia Valley? Beautiful wetlands? Soaring Purcell peaks? Pretty mountain towns? Hot springs? World-class hiking and mountain biking? They all work, of course! But there’s another one that sometimes sneaks under the radar. Great golf. 

Unquestionably, when Canada’s best golf destinations come to mind, the Columbia Valley Golf Trail should be in the conversation. And there are many convincing reasons why.  

For starters, the number of courses (there are 10 in the portfolio) and their close proximity makes for simple logistics and way more time on the links. In fact, all of the courses are clustered around Radium Hot Springs, Invermere, and Fairmont Hot Springs. (All just three hours from Calgary.) Thirty-six hole days, if that’s your speed, are a piece of cake! And, if not, you’ll have way more time after your round to enjoy the beach, hit a heavenly hiking trail, sip a craft beer, or all of the above! 

And, in terms of quality, you won’t find a better collection of stunning mountain courses than on the Columbia Valley Golf Trail. Although the vibe is unpretentious and laidback, the bar is high in terms of the quality of the courses. Postcard-perfect holes are found on every course, such as the awesome 17th at the Radium Springs course. It’s a delicious little par-3 with a slender green on the edge of the bluff high above the Columbia Valley Wetlands. Just one of many “wow” moments you’ll have on the trail.  

Of course, given the mountainous setting, every course serves up stunning views of snow-dipped peaks. Spirited creeks, towering hoodoos, vast wetlands, and unspoiled forests are front and centre everywhere on the trail! 

The warm weather and lengthy playing season (at least two weeks longer on both ends of the season when compared to neighbouring Alberta) is another key characteristic of the Columbia Valley Golf Trail. Spring is warm with many wind-free days and fall is stunning and peaceful. (And, if you’ve spent any time at all in the Columbia Valley, you’ll know that summers are sublime!) 

Indeed, Canada is home to many great golf destinations. And the Columbia Valley Golf Trail is certainly one of them. A trail worth travelling? I say, giddy up!