When thinking about hot golf destinations, Canada’s westernmost province of British Columbia is typically not the first location world-travelling golfers think of. Often fairways enveloped by the majestic Coast and Rocky Mountain ranges, or lush greens butted against the Pacific Ocean flash in the mind's eye. While there are plenty of courses with that breathtaking scenery, the interior of the BC is a showcase of the high-benchland pine forests that border the northern end of North America’s desert regions.
BC's Golf Courses Bring The Heat
Tobiano Golf Course, Kamloops
Surprising to those who do not call this spectacular region home, BC’s arid interior offers a taste of the south with a warm, dry heat enveloping you as you play lush fairways, surrounded by sage bushes and Ponderosa pines. You’ll pinch yourself when you realize that this hot golf destination is nestled in the heartland of British Columbia and so easy to get to. The variety of golf experiences surrounding the BC communities of Kamloops, Vernon, and Kelowna are staggering. An incredible range of championship calibre golf courses are easily accessible from the Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and Kamloops Airport (YKA) making the direct jump from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Seattle, or Los Angeles a simple flight away. Luxury accommodations are available around nearly every corner, and combined with the incredible culinary tourism opportunities, it’s clear why the Thompson Okanagan region is a very hot golf destination for more than just the weather.
Destination: Kamloops
Starting in Kamloops, the striking landscape around the GCC Tobiano Golf Club will have you double-checking the golf bag to make sure your camera is accessible. The awards are too many to list at this point! Built on the site of the historic Six Mile Ranch, fairways and greens have been carved into the rugged benchlands, creating a one-of-a-kind golf destination complete with picturesque views of Kamloops Lake.
The Dunes at Kamloops | New Parallel Productions
To the East, wild fescue and wheat grass line the meticulously maintained greens and fairways of the Graham Cooke designed course - The Dunes at Kamloops. While along the shores of Little Shuswap Lake, Talking Rock meanders through a sandy forest, providing you with incredible views throughout your round. Several more delightful tracks await exploration, including Rivershore for a riverside round or Sun Peaks should you wish to find relief from the summer heat in the mountains plus picturesque Eaglepoint and Bighorn. Regardless of your chosen golf course, Kamloops golf courses will treat you to an excellent experience that will have you coming back time and again.
And if you're up for a short road trip, head south on Highway 5 to the incomparable Sagebrush Golf Club, located just outside of Merritt, perched above Nicola Lake.
Destination: Kelowna & Vernon
Heading southeast from Kamloops into Vernon and Kelowna, many of the golf clubs are situated on benchlands overlooking crystal clear lakes and in some cases, bordering on vineyards. In a region known for its award-winning wineries, this could only mean that after your round, it’s time to go on a tasting tour. Just be sure to plan some extra time on your trip to enjoy the abundance.
Predator Ridge Resort, Vernon | Colin Jewell
As one of the premier golf resorts in Canada, Predator Ridge Resort’s 36 holes of golf will entertain and leave you awestruck. After golfing the stellar Furber and Carrick-designed golf courses and relaxing in your guestroom overlooking the course, the luxury amenities of the nearby Swarovski-studded Sparkling Hill Resort’s KurSpa (winner of Best Mountain Resort Spa by Senses Wellness Awards) will have you planning your return trip before you even leave.
And for more scenic golf combined with incredible dining, head over to The Rise for a round of golf on the Fred Couple's course perched 1000 feet above Okanagan Lake. The recently completed, 10,000 sqft clubhouse features an exemplary restaurant, The Edge, that not only takes full advantage of the scenery but also offers an exceptional dining experience.
Gallagher's Canyon Golf & CC, Kelowna
The courses of Tower Ranch, Gallagher’s Canyon and Harvest cover a wide range of terrain with views of Kelowna, Lake Okanagan or the rolling grass-covered hills. With simple and quick access from downtown hotels and a nightlife to keep you active in the evenings, choosing to golf in Kelowna is an easy decision for the perfect golf vacation. No matter how you look at it, when planning your next golf trip, the Canadian golf hot spots of Kamloops and Kelowna will have you eager for more.
Destination: South Okanagan
Further south from Kelowna, golfers can delve deeper into desert golf along with the heart of British Columbia's wine country into the South Okanagan. The Okanagan wine region stretching north from Kelowna to Lake Country south to the US border features 222 wineries and numerous tasting routes along with myriad lakes, trails, and places to stop and shop.
The golf courses here skirt panoramic hillsides with lake views and wind through valleys dotted with orchards and wineries. Stop off at local favourites, including NK'mip Canyon Desert, Fairview Mountain and Osoyoos Golf Club's Desert Gold and Park Meadows courses, to take in the desert atmosphere, dry heat, and extended summer days before retiring to your accommodations or embarking on new adventures.
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