If you’re looking for a well-rounded golf vacation that doesn't just include a few rounds on nearby courses, but also samples the breadth of British Columbia’s history and cultural experiences, then we encourage you to plan your golf trip around a few of these featured attractions:
Sea-to-Sky Highway
Considered one of the world's most scenic drives, not only will this drive take you to some incredible, award-winning golf, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in cultural pursuits. The interactive Squamish Lil'wat Centre showcases the distinct cultures of the Squamish and Lil'wat Nations with art, textiles, and cedar carvings, as well as samples of traditional food, song, dance, and live demonstrations, and an exploratory outdoor component.
The Audain Art Museum, located in an iconic building in Whistler Village, houses a permanent collection of artworks, plus evolving exhibitions from Canada and beyond. Highlights at the museum include hereditary Haida Chief James Hart’s The Dance Screen (The Scream Too), an exceptional collection of historical and contemporary Indigenous masks, the largest permanent display of paintings by Emily Carr, and key examples of the Vancouver photo conceptualism movement.
Located in the heart of the resort, the Whistler Museum is the place to discover Whistler's history and unique mountain culture, with year-round exhibits, plus seminars, interactive activities and other events. Join a local guide between June and September to take a leisurely stroll through the village and hear the stories of Whistler's dreamseekers.
Browse Whistler & Area Golf Packages
Vernon
Stroll through the historic streets of Vernon and find yourself immersed in a vibrant arts and culture scene, including historic murals, museums, and galleries. Further explorations take visitors to exciting locations including the Kalamalka Indigenous Gardens, Caetani Centre and Historic O’Keefe Ranch and check out the range of local art and other shopping opportunities on Vernon’s Main Street, 30th Avenue.
View Vernon Golf Packages
Kelowna
Less than an hour south of Vernon (perfect for a combo vacation), Kelowna is a hub of bustling activity and home to some terrific cultural experiences - particularly Downtown in the Cultural District, where you’ll discover studios, galleries, theatres, and museums. The Kelowna Art Gallery showcases a variety of local, national and international exhibitions. The Rotary Centre for the Arts hosts two theatres for regularly performing and visual arts experiences. Along the edge of town enjoy indoor and outdoor art by internationally acclaimed artist Geert Maas.
Explore Kelowna Golf
Kamloops
Learn about the history of the region and its first peoples, the Tk'emlúps te Secwépem (‘the people of the confluence’’). Explore Kamloops arts and culture - browse art galleries, and peruse the works of local artisans at shops and markets, or embark on self-guided tours to discover street art and murals, heritage buildings and local flavours. Tour the Kamloops Indian Residential School (1923 – 1977) and learn the truth about the purpose of these schools and what they were really like. Celebrate the resiliency of the Secwepemc people at the annual Kamloopa Powwow or tour traditional waters with Moccasin Trail. Take in live theatre, visit art studios, and keep an eye out for fun cultural events.
Browse Kamloops Golf Packages
The Shuswap
Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort is a tranquil retreat on Little Shuswap Lake owned by members of the Little Shuswap Indian Band. Here, you can play a restorative round a course of natural and rugged character, dine on a delicious and handcrafted menu at Jack Sam’s Restaurant, stroll 1,800 feet of sandy beach, and take in the scenic surroundings of the location within the Skwlax territory.
The Salmon Arm Art Gallery is housed in a beautiful heritage brick building in downtown Salmon Arm, featuring local and touring visual art exhibitions. Check the website for current exhibitions.
Shuswap Artisan Market is a treasure-trove of handmade art and fine craft showcasing over 20 local artisans, run by volunteer artists.
View Shuswap Golf
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
Vancouver Island
The Royal BC Museum is located on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen (Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations) and conveniently in Downtown Victoria and near the Parliament buildings. It offers a full calendar of events and exhibits highlighting natural and human history in Canada and beyond.
Visit the second oldest Chinatown in North America (next to San Francisco). Pass through the Gate of Harmonious Interest, marking the entrance to Chinatown’s centre on Fisgard Street in Victora, as you take in the bold colours of lucky red and gold, distinct architecture, and business names written in Chinese on shop windows.
Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) Marine Provincial Park in Nanaimo Known as Saysutshun by the Snuneymuxw, this family-friendly park is accessible only by foot passenger ferry or boat. With breathtaking views of the Coastal Mountains and the Harbour City, the island offers a unique natural, historical and cultural experience for visitors.
Indigenous-owned and operated, Homalco Tours welcomes visitors to experience a deeper connection with the rich culture of the Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) First Nation through wildlife and cultural excursions.
Courtenay & District Museum & Palaeontology Centre offers fossil tours to view local fossil site, where you can explore the fascinating natural and cultural history of the Comox Valley including First Nations history, pioneer settlement and social history.
Carr House is a National and Provincial Historic Site, as the family home and garden of internationally renowned painter and writer Emily Carr. Book tours in the summer months through the website or take in workshops and programming covering art and environmentalism, feminism, positive relations with Indigenous communities, and mentorship of emerging artists and writers. Heritage preservation and gardening workshops are also offered. Carr House stands on the territories of the Lekwungen-speaking Peoples.
Nanaimo’s fascinating history can be explored in the local museum with the main gallery offering a sense of what life was like for Nanaimo's earliest settlers and the Snuneymuxw First Natio, as well as a replica coal mine exhibit.
View Vancouver Island Golf Packages
Vancouver
Bard on the Beach is an annual summer celebration of Shakespeare in modern theatre tents in the heart of Vancouver, set against the incredible backdrop of mountains, sea and sky. Full details and tickets at bardonthebeach.org.
Paddle with Takaya Tours for interpretive canoe and kayak tours. Experience the culture, tradition and history of the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation in North Vancouver. Groups can participate in walking tours, boat tours or paddle the calm and scenic water of the Indian Arm in a 35 foot traditional style ocean-going canoe.
The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art celebrates the extraordinary diversity of contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art and is the only public Gallery in Canada dedicated to the Northwest Coast. In addition to an esteemed collection of Bill Reid masterworks, browse a series of dynamic exhibitions and learning programs that showcase the remarkable work of contemporary Indigenous artists.
Explore Vancouver Golf
Surrey
Nestled along the Nikomekl River, Historic Stewart Farm tells the story of a hardworking Surrey family in the early 1900s. Experience local farm life as the Stewarts did over 100 years ago and visit Elgin Heritage Park while you are here.
Cheryl’s Trading Post features authentic handmade art, hand-carved goods, jewelry, authentic Cowichans (knitted sweaters), dreamcatchers, and a wide selection of clothing.
The Totest Aleng Indigenous Learning House provides local space to support Indigenous cultural practices, including carving and other creative disciplines. The inaugural year of public programming included cedar weaving, a corn husk doll workshop, a plant walk and a beaded fedora workshop. You can view upcoming programming here.
Explore Surrey Golf
Kootenay Rockies
St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino is a proudly indigenous-owned resort that stands as a tribute to the strength of the Ktunaxa people. Learn about their unique story at the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre, located in the Mission building, which was also once a former residential school. Guests are encouraged to view the historic artifacts, contemporary art, photographs and displays to learn about the everyday life of the Ktunaxa.
Also in Cranbrook, you can find the Cranbrook History Centre for a look at its rich history and historical links to the railway, boasting historical trains, tours and, a completely restored 1906 Royal Alexandra Hall. Fort Steele Heritage Town is also another popular stop for a glimpse into the first years of Cranbrook and the surrounding area.
Downtown Invermere has a selection of galleries and shops featuring art and sculptures from local creators. Stop in at Pynelogs Gallery to view exhibitions from area artists.
Visit the Kimberley Underground Mining Railway and ride the rails through the beautiful Mark Creek Valley, learning the history of Kimberley and the Sullivan Mine and what life as a miner was like at the Underground Interpretive Centre. To learn more about the area, stop in at the Kimberley Heritage Museum to browse galleries and archives of local historical objects and subjects.
The Revelstoke Museum & Archives is a dynamic space celebrating community history is celebrated, filled with exhibits, amazing artifacts and captivating stories. Pair your visit with a stop at The Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre hosting Revelstoke’s only Public Art Gallery, showcasing the work of several different artists. And the Revelstoke Railway Museum showcases the historic construction and operation of the Canadian Pacific Railway in Western Canada's mountain region, playing a pivotal role in the creation of Canada.
The Art Gallery of Golden & Studio Gift Shop exhibits and sells the handmade work of over 150 artists from the Golden and the Columbia River Basin. Browse a selection of fine art and home-grown gifts.
Explore Historic Downtown Fernie, discover public art and stop off at the Fernie Museum. Feel free to download the Fernie & Elk Valley Cultural Guide for more places to visit.
Northern BC
While taking up a relatively modest footprint, Haida Gwaii is packed with cultural activities, including artists, jewellery makers, weavers, carvers and more. You can also stop in at the Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum, Port Clements Museum, and the Haida Heritage Centre to learn more about the area and its rich Indigenous history.
Explore Northern BC Golf Courses
This is just a taste of the cultural activities available throughout British Columbia, and if learning more about cultural activities and events is your idea of a fun addition to your next golf getaway, consider timing your adventure for BC’s Culture Days in the fall.
