What to Expect When Golfing in British Columbia During COVID-19

Updated September 26, 2022

Please check Drive BC for an up-to-date list of the latest restrictions and advisories in relation to BC Highways.

Starting October 1, 2022, all COVID-19 border requirements, including vaccination, mandatory use of ArriveCAN, and any testing and quarantine/isolation requirements will end for all travellers entering Canada whether by land, air or sea.

Wearing masks in public indoor settings is not required by public health. Wearing a mask is a personal choice. Masks are encouraged on public transit and BC Ferries, but not required. Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring masks on their premises. It’s important that we respect the choices of people, businesses and one another.

We have been most fortunate for the opportunity to play golf through the pandemic as golf was recognized as a safe outdoor activity for enjoyment at local golf courses with safety protocols in place. With over 300 golf courses throughout the province, your options for a stay & play vacation in BC’s backyard are plentiful. If you are contemplating a BC golf trip during the current climate, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with current protocols and recommendations prior to your visit:

Provincial Travel Guidelines

British Columbians who wish to travel within BC are advised to plan ahead and be respectful while visiting communities, especially smaller and rural towns.

  • Recreational travel is permitted throughout Canada and from the US;
  • Pre-trip planning and research on available resources at arriving destination;
  • Respecting any local travel advisories to isolated and remote communities;
  • If symptoms develop while travelling – self isolate immediately and contact 811 for guidance and testing;
  • Practising safe physical distancing;
  • Spending time in small groups and open spaces; and
  • Practising good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and cleaning

Golf Course Status & Protocols

  • BC golf courses are open and operating during their normal golf season, with some golf courses open year-round on Vancouver Island and in Vancouver.
  • British Columbia golf courses comply with the requirements of the provincial health officer and WorkSafeBC, and were provided COVID-19 Protection - Best Practices for the Responsible Operation of BC Golf Courses by the Allied Golf Association - BC.
  • Maintaining physical distancing is key upon arrival and departure at British Columbia golf courses, and relatively easy to observe once on the golf course itself.
  • To minimize congestion around the Clubhouses, please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your tee time, or 30 minutes if you would like to use the practice facilities.
  • Current protocols permit members of the same household or social circle to share power carts, which are sanitized between use. Some golf carts have dividers installed between the driver and passenger set for additional safety and sharing possibilities.
  • A number of protocols have been implemented to reduce the number of touchpoints for players on the golf course, including pre-payment of rounds or use of debit/credit cards, cup inserts so balls can be easily removed without having to touch the flag, the removal of rakes, and regular sanitization of common areas including frequent cleaning of washroom facilities.
  • Many golf courses are not yet permitting walk-on players, booking a tee time in advance is strongly recommended.
  • The availability of rental clubs at individual golf courses varies, please inquire before booking.
  • Each golf course will have its own policies in place, kindly familiarize yourself with their protocols prior to arrival and we ask for your understanding as we are all in this together and doing our best to ensure the health and safety of our staff, our communities and our golfing guests.

Hotel Stays

  • In accordance with the Provincial Health Authority, the BC Hotel Association has created a set of Tourism and Hospitality Guidelines for Accommodations operating during COVID-19.
  • Guests are not required to be from the same household to share a room.
  • Please note physical distancing measures in place while checking in, taking the elevator, etc.
  • Common areas such as pools, hot tubs, saunas, restaurants and other amenities are open under the supervision of the Provincial Health Authority, and as such may not be offered currently at the hotel you are considering - check with our golf vacation specialists if you require specific amenities during your stay. Some amenities may require a reservation in order to ensure maximum capacities are not exceeded.
  • Room service deliveries may be left outside the room, and daily housekeeping may only be provided upon request. 

Dining Options

  • Full capacity is permitted and no more limits on table sizes. Customers do not have to remain seated.
  • Proof of vaccination is no longer required for seated dining service. 
  • Barriers may have been added between booths, tables and services areas.
  • Some restaurants are still operating at a reduced capacity – reservations are strongly recommended as a result of these measures.

Aprés-Golf Activities

  • Wine, cidery, and brewery tours are available, reservations are recommended.
  • Spa facilities are open.
  • Museums, gardens and art galleries are open.
  • Parks, beaches, and trails are open.
  • Tours are operating, booking in advance is recommended.
  • Nightclubs and bars are open regular hours. Socializing between tables and dancing is permitted.

Reservation Policies with Golf in British Columbia

  • QUOTES: Everything that we do can be customized so if there is something that you’d like us to change, please don’t hesitate to ask.
  • RESERVATIONS: A credit card is needed to hold your reservation. NOTHING gets charged to your card until all aspects of your trip have been booked, you’ve had a chance to review the confirmed itinerary and you have given us the authorization to go ahead with charges.
  • PAYMENTS: A 20% non-refundable deposit is taken at the time of your approval with the remaining balance taken automatically 30 days prior to arrival. There is no need to contact our office to make the final payment. You’ll receive an email after the transaction has taken place to confirm that your package is complete and that the vouchers will be emailed to the address that you provided us upon booking. If your trip is within 30 days, we will take the full balance
  • INCLUSION, CHANGES, CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: Trips include all the items that are indicated on the trip summary page. Items such as hotel parking, meals, incidental items that you charge to your room, pro-shop purchases etc are not included in the package unless specifically stated. Trips can be changed twice without penalty. Additional changes may be subject to a $25 change fee. With the exception of the 20% deposit and a $2 per person per tee time booking fee for trips in Whistler, your trip is fully refundable up until the date of travel less any credit card fees, cancellation or no-show fees imposed by hotels and golf courses. Your 20% deposit is transferable towards another package of similar value any day in the future. Your credit does not expire. Just contact us and we can apply your deposit for golf or accommodations at a time that works better for you. If courses are rained-out we will fully refund your credit card for the green fee amount. The playability and conditions are at the sole discretion of the pro shop on the day of play.

Getting Around BC

By Car

  • Find current driving information and notices on Drive BC.
  • Rental car companies are also dedicated to ensuring a safe experience for customers, including sanitizing vehicles with a disinfectant that meets leading health authority requirements, with particular attention to more than 20-plus high-touch points.

By Ferry

  • BC Ferries have returned to normal operations
  • Passengers travelling on enclosed vehicle decks are required to leave their vehicles during the sailing to comply with Transport Canada’s regulations.
  • Keep apprised of current BC Ferries policies here.
  • Reservations are recommended.

By Air

  • All major carriers are operating within British Columbia including Air Canada, WestJet, Harbour Air Seaplanes, and Pacific Coastal with enhanced cleaning protocols.
  • Passengers and employees may be required to wear facemasks during the flight.
  • All travellers over the age of 12 are required to provide proof of two vaccinations

Travel Notices

More Information

To help mitigate the spread of any cold, flu or viruses, including COVID-19: Wash your hands regularly, stay home or away from others when not feeling well, if feeling unwell call 1-833-784-4397 or see a doctor, cover your mouth and nose when you cough/sneeze, don't touch your face with uncleaned hands. #staysafe #stopthespread and #explorebclocal when you #golfbc!