Vancouver Island is one of the top golf destinations in Canada, offering an unbeatable mix of ocean views, forested fairways, and championship-level design. With a mild climate that supports year-round play, golfers travelling through British Columbia can build an unforgettable golf vacation without the crowds found in other parts of western Canada.
From resort courses designed by legendary architects to relaxed public golf options near charming towns and wineries, Vancouver Island golf courses deliver great golf for every style of player! Whether you are planning a long weekend getaway or a full golf trip, this guide highlights the must play golf courses across the island!
Ready to start planning your Vancouver Island getaway? Start by finding your ideal home base!
Quick Look: Golfing on Vancouver Island
Best for: Golfers planning a scenic golf vacation with championship courses and an easygoing coastal vibe
Public golf: Widely available across the island
Resort golf: Strong options in Victoria, Nanaimo, and the Comox Valley
Season: Year-round golfing thanks to mild coastal weather
Perfect for: Golf trips, golf travel itineraries, and extended golf vacations
South Island and Victoria Golf Courses
Bear Mountain Golf Club
1999 Country Club Way, Victoria, BC | 250-744-2327
Location: Langford, near Victoria
Best for: Championship resort golf
Course style: Mountain and valley layouts
Public access: Resort course open to the public
Scenery: Elevated fairways with sweeping views
Bear Mountain is one of the most iconic golf resorts in British Columbia and a must for serious golfers. Featuring both a Mountain Course and Valley Course designed by Nicklaus North, this resort delivers dramatic elevation changes, immaculate fairways, and a refined clubhouse experience.
As one of the premier championship courses on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail, Bear Mountain is ideal for golfers seeking a polished golf vacation complete with on site accommodations, golf packages, and resort dining.
Olympic View Golf Club
643 Latoria Rd, Victoria, BC | 250-474-3673
Location: Colwood, west of Victoria
Best for: Scenic public golf near the coast
Course style: Parkland with seaside influences
Public access: Public golf course
Scenery: Ocean views and coastal landscapes
Olympic View Golf Club is a favourite among local golfers and visiting players! This public golf course is an excellent choice for golfers who want challenging play without a resort setting, and it pairs perfectly with a stunning Victoria rental! With a seamless blend of seaside scenery, rolling fairways and consistent course conditions, it is one of the best golf experiences near Victoria.
Highland Pacific Golf
450 Creed Rd, Victoria, BC | 250-478-4653
Location: Highlands area, Victoria
Best for: Relaxed public golf for all skill levels
Course style: Forested parkland course
Public access: Public golf course
Scenery: Wooded fairways and rolling terrain
Highland Pacific Golf offers a welcoming golf club experience that appeals to golfers of all skill levels! If you’re looking for great golf without the formality of a country club, Highland offers wide fairways, forested surroundings, and a laid back clubhouse, making it is a strong public golf option for travellers staying near Victoria.
Cowichan Valley Golf Courses
Arbutus Ridge Golf Club
3515 Telegraph Rd, Cobble Hill, BC | 250-743-5000
Location: Cobble Hill, Cowichan Valley
Best for: Golf paired with wineries and countryside
Course style: Parkland course with elevation changes
Public access: Public golf course
Scenery: Valley views and rural landscapes
Arbutus Ridge is a beautifully maintained golf club nestled on the edge of the ocean in the Cowichan Valley. Known for its smooth fairways and valley views, it offers a more relaxed pace that suits golfers looking to combine their golf experience with wine touring and dining. Plus, its proximity to local wineries makes it a standout stop on a golf getaway!
Cowichan Golf Club
4955 Trans – Canada Hwy, Duncan, BC | 250-746-5333
Location: Duncan, Cowichan Valley
Best for: Traditional golf with a strong local feel
Course style: Classic parkland layout
Public access: Public golf course
Scenery: Tree-lined fairways and valley surroundings
Cowichan Golf Club is one of the Cowichan Valley’s most established and well-loved golf courses, offering a traditional parkland experience that appeals to golfers who appreciate straightforward design and walkable fairways. The course is known for its mature Arbutus trees, gentle elevation changes, and consistent playing conditions throughout the season.
Nanaimo and Central Island Golf
Fairwinds Golf Club
3730 Fairwinds Dr, Nanoose Bay, BC | 250-468-7666
Location: Near Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay
Best for: Resort-style golf with coastal access
Course style: Resort parkland layout
Public access: Public golf course
Scenery: Forested fairways with glimpses of the coast
Fairwinds Golf Club is a polished golf resort experience close to Nanaimo. With forested fairways, ocean glimpses, and a welcoming clubhouse, it is ideal for golfers planning a structured golf vacation with comfortable amenities. Its central location makes it an excellent base for golf travel across the island.
Morningstar Golf Club
525 Lowrys Rd, Parksville, BC | 250-248-2244
Location: Near Parksville and the Comox Valley
Best for: Approachable golf for mixed skill levels
Course style: Open parkland layout
Public access: Public golf course
Scenery: Open fairways with mountain views
Morningstar Golf Club offers an open, welcoming golf experience defined by wide fairways, gentle elevation changes, and consistently good playing conditions. The course strikes a comfortable balance between challenge and playability, making it an enjoyable round for both visiting golfers and local regulars.
Set in the Comox Valley, Morningstar is an easy course to add to a multi day golf trip, providing a relaxed contrast to more demanding layouts while still delivering a satisfying round!
Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course
469 Memorial Ave, Qualicum Beach, BC | 250-752-6312
Location: Qualicum Beach, near Parksville
Best for: Affordable public golf with a classic community feel
Course style: Traditional parkland course
Public access: Public golf course
Scenery: Tree-lined fairways with a relaxed coastal setting
Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course’s is especially appealing for beginners, casual golfers, and anyone looking for relaxed public golf close to town amenities. It is a well-loved public golf course that offers a straightforward, enjoyable round in the heart of Qualicum Beach. Known for its walkable layout and welcoming atmosphere, it is a great option for golfers who value simplicity, consistency, and a strong sense of local character.
Comox Valley Golf Courses
Crown Isle Golf Resort
399 Club house Dr, Courtenay, BC | 250-703-5000
Location: Courtenay, Comox Valley
Best for: Championship resort golf in the north island
Course style: Traditional championship layout
Public access: Resort course open to the public
Scenery: Mountain backdrops and manicured fairways
Crown Isle serves as the anchor golf resort of the Comox Valley and is widely regarded as one of the standout golf courses on Vancouver Island. The course is known for its tournament pedigree, thoughtful design, and consistently strong playing conditions, creating a polished yet approachable golf experience.
For golfers staying in Courtenay or exploring the wider Comox Valley, Crown Isle is an excellent base for a multi day golf trip, offering both challenge and convenience in one setting!
Saratoga Beach Golf Course
2084 Saratoga Rd, Black Creek, BC | 250-337-2208
Location: Black Creek, between Courtenay and Campbell River
Best for: Relaxed seaside golf with an easygoing pace
Course style: Traditional parkland course with coastal influences
Public access: Public golf course
Scenery: Open fairways with ocean air and coastal surroundings
Located between the Comox Valley and Campbell River, Saratoga Beach Golf Course offers a laid-back golf experience just steps from the shoreline on Vancouver Island’s east coast. Known for its friendly atmosphere and approachable layout, this public golf course is ideal for golfers who value enjoyment and scenery over championship difficulty. It is especially appealing for casual golfers, couples, and travellers looking to balance golf with beach time, dining, and nearby outdoor adventures.
Campbell River Golf Club
700 Petersen Rd, Campbell River, BC | 1-866-910-4567
Location: Campbell River, North Island
Best for: Golf combined with outdoor adventure travel
Course style: Traditional parkland course
Public access: Public golf course
Scenery: Forested setting with a classic feel
Campbell River Golf Club offers a classic golf club experience for travellers exploring northern Vancouver Island! The course features a traditional parkland layout with mature trees, well maintained fairways, and a steady rhythm of play that appeals to golfers who enjoy straightforward design and a relaxed pace. Its central location makes it easy to add a round of golf to a broader North Island itinerary while still enjoying the charm and authenticity of a community focused golf club.
Storey Creek Golf Club
300 McGimpsey Rd, Campbell River, BC | 250-923-3673
Location: South Nanaimo
Best for: Peaceful public golf away from crowds
Course style: Forest parkland course
Public access: Public golf course
Scenery: Mature trees and natural surroundings
Storey Creek is a local favourite offering relaxed public golf in a forested setting, with a layout designed by Les Furber that emphasizes playability and flow. Well maintained and approachable, the course appeals to golfers who enjoy a calm, unrushed round away from resort crowds, making it an easy fit for a ferry accessible golf trip or a broader central Vancouver Island itinerary.
Following the Vancouver Island Golf Trail
The Vancouver Island Golf Trail connects many of these golf courses into a cohesive golf travel route making it easy for golfers to plan a multi-course golf trip without backtracking or long drives. Stretching from Victoria through the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, and into the Comox Valley and North Island, the trail highlights the depth and variety of golf available across Vancouver Island.
What makes the Vancouver Island Golf Trail especially appealing is its flexibility. Golfers can build a customized itinerary based on pace, skill level, and interests, whether that means playing championship resort courses, relaxed public golf, or a mix of both. Because the island’s regions are well connected by highways and ferry access, golfers can enjoy multiple courses over several days while staying in one home base or moving between regions.
The trail also makes it easy to combine golf with other Vancouver Island experiences. Many golfers pair rounds with Cowichan Valley wineries, oceanfront dining near Victoria, fishing trips in Campbell River, or scenic coastal walks in Parksville and Qualicum Beach. This balance of great golf and off-course activities is what sets Vancouver Island apart from more traditional golf destinations in British Columbia and western Canada.
For travellers planning a longer golf vacation, following the Vancouver Island Golf Trail allows for a relaxed, well paced journey that feels intentional rather than rushed. It is an ideal way to experience the island’s diverse landscapes while enjoying some of the best golf courses in Canada.
Vancouver Island Golf: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vancouver Island good for a golf vacation?
Yes, Vancouver Island is one of the top golf vacation destinations in Canada. Golfers are drawn to the island for its mild climate, scenic fairways, and variety of golf courses, from championship resorts to relaxed public golf. With easy access from mainland British Columbia and year-round play, it is an ideal destination for both short getaways and extended golf trips.
Can you golf year-round on Vancouver Island?
Golfing on Vancouver Island is possible year-round thanks to the island’s temperate coastal climate. While winter conditions can be wetter, many Vancouver Island golf courses remain open, especially around Victoria, Nanaimo, and the Cowichan Valley. Spring and fall are particularly popular with golfers looking for fewer crowds and excellent course conditions.
Are Vancouver Island golf courses public or private?
Most Vancouver Island golf courses are open to the public. Golfers will find a strong mix of public golf, resort courses, and a few country club style options. This makes it easy for visitors to book tee times without a membership while still enjoying high quality golf experiences across British Columbia.
What is the best area to stay for a Vancouver Island golf trip?
The best area to stay depends on your golf itinerary.
Victoria and Langford are ideal for golfers playing Bear Mountain, Olympic View, and Highland Pacific.
Cowichan Valley is perfect for pairing golf with wineries and scenic countryside.
Nanaimo and Parksville offer central access for golf travel across the island.
Comox Valley and Courtenay are well suited for resort based golf vacations at Crown Isle.
Staying close to your chosen courses helps maximize tee times and minimize driving.
How many golf courses should I plan to play on a golf trip?
Most golfers plan to play between two and four golf courses on a Vancouver Island golf trip. The Vancouver Island Golf Trail makes it easy to link courses by region, allowing golfers to enjoy variety without feeling rushed. Longer stays allow for rest days, winery visits, or coastal sightseeing between rounds.
Are there golf resorts on Vancouver Island?
Yes, Vancouver Island is home to several well known golf resorts, including Bear Mountain and Crown Isle. These resorts offer championship courses, on site amenities, and golf packages that appeal to travellers seeking a full service golf experience. Resort golf pairs especially well with longer stays and group golf vacations.
Is Vancouver Island suitable for beginner golfers?
Absolutely. Vancouver Island golf courses range from championship level layouts to more forgiving public golf courses. Many courses feature wider fairways, approachable greens, and multiple tee options, making them suitable for beginners and casual golfers while still engaging experienced players.
Can I combine golf with other activities on Vancouver Island?
One of the biggest draws of a Vancouver Island golf vacation is the ability to combine golf with other experiences. Many golfers pair their rounds with winery visits in the Cowichan Valley, coastal walks near Victoria, dining in Nanaimo, or outdoor adventures in the Comox Valley. This flexibility makes the island ideal for couples, families, and mixed-interest groups.
When should I book tee times for Vancouver Island golf?
Tee times are easiest to secure during shoulder seasons in spring and fall. Summer is popular with visiting golfers, so booking tee times in advance is recommended, especially for resort courses and championship golf clubs. Early morning tee times are often the most reliable for smooth play.
Why stay in a vacation rental for a golf trip?
Vacation rentals offer golfers more space, flexibility, and comfort compared to traditional hotels. Staying in a vacation rental makes it easier to store clubs, prepare meals, relax between rounds, and travel as a group. Choosing a professionally managed home near your preferred golf courses can elevate your entire golf experience.
Plan Your Vancouver Island Golf Getaway
Whether you are booking early morning tee times or planning a relaxed afternoon round, Vancouver Island offers a golf experience that feels both elevated and unhurried. With public golf, resort golf, and country club style courses spread across the island, it is easy to tailor your trip to match your pace and preferences.
Choose a region, book your tee times, and enjoy year-round golfing in one of Canada’s most scenic destinations!