22 minute read
SOUTH ISLAND
1 Highland Pacific Golf 2 Olympic View Golf 3 Bear Mountain Resort:
The Mountain Course 4 Bear Mountain Resort:
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The Valley Course
TIP OF THE GOLF TRAIL
Duncan
➋ ➊➌➍
Victoria
VICTORIA AND THE SOUTH ISLAND
LANGFORD HIGHLIGHTS
platform and travel through remote areas and wildlife habitat.
Go for a hike in Goldstream Provincial Park: Within Goldstream Park, an extensive trail network includes everything from easy walks along the river bank to more challenging hikes that can take several Take in the sunrise on Mt Finlayson: If you can make it out of bed early enough to get to the Mount Finlayson summit for sunrise, you will not be disappointed. After a steep, vigorous, one-hour hike, take in unobstructed views of much of Greater Victoria, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Mountain range and Mount Baker. hours to complete. While you’re there, you’ll want to visit Little Niagara Falls. At 47.5 metres high, it’s almost as tall as its famous namesake. The park’s busiest season is between October and December, when thousands of salmon can be seen swimming upstream to spawn. Enjoy the Sunny Season at Langford Lake: In the summertime especially, beautiful Langford Lake bustles with people enjoying swimming, boating, fishing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. You can also grab a history. Langford, one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, features an array of shops, galleries, and restaurants in its cycle-friendly downtown, as well as three lakes, a provincial park, and spectacular views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains The South Island has long been known for exceptional dining choices. Some of Famous for cherry blossoms in the early spring, the South Island’s mild climate means any season is perfect for a golf trip. Take a stroll downtown through Goldstream Village: Walking through Downtown Langford is an experience in itself, with lofty palm trees and seasonal foliage lining the streets as you make your way towards the Goldstream Fountain. In the spring, blossoming cherry trees take over and downtown becomes an Instagramworthy hotspot. While you’re here, explore some of the small local businesses and unique eateries with niche cuisines. Travel here on foot, or by bike, transit, or car. If you choose to drive, parking is always free and plentiful. the country’s best chefs live here, where they select from a dizzying abundance of ingredients from the land and sea to create coffee and join a friend for a walk along the Ed Nixon Boardwalk, which runs along the edge of the lake. Go for a ride at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park: The City of Langford is excited to announce that the Jordie Lunn Bike Park’s what can only be considered culinary art. And the best match for local cuisine are wines made from Island grapes and ciders made from apples grown in Island orchards. Shopping has also gone local with many independent boutiques and galleries Dine Around Langford: Langford is quickly becoming an emerging culinary hotspot. With award-winning eateries and local favourites to choose from, there is always something new to experience. grand opening is taking place in Spring 2021. The bike park features a variety of trails, a pump track, skills area, and other amenities to suit everyone of all ages and biking abilities. Langford has an intricate network of biking and cycling trails throughout the featuring the unique creations of Island Check out Langford’s suspension bridge: city for you to explore. designers and artists alongside international About three kilometres names you would expect to find only in big along the Sooke Hills cities. The spas have also given the world’s Wilderness Trail, part of finest esthetic products and spa services a the Great Trail, you’ll distinctive Island twist with salt scrubs and find Langford’s very seaweed wraps. own suspension bridge.
The scenery? It’s breathtaking, with lush As you make your way green forests and jagged, rocky shorelines. there, enjoy a unique The air has a wonderfully salty freshness and wilderness experience for more details, visit the sun sparkles off ocean waves. As for the as you pass the Waugh www.langford.ca golf, you’re going to love it. Creek Falls viewing
HIGHLAND PACIFIC GOLF
Highland Pacific Highlights
Jeff Palmer, PGA, is General Manager of this championship golf course, which features a covered, heated, lit practice facility plus a licensed café, golf academy, extensive golf shop, GPSequipped power carts, pull carts, and rental clubs.
COURSE DETAILS
TEE
YARDAGE
SLOPE RATING PAR 6,603 6,329 5,861 5,358 5,051 131 129 123 115 113 72.6 70.9 69.1 66.8 64,7 71 - - - -
COURSE ARCHITECT CHRIS YOUNG
250-478-4653 www.highlandpacificgolf.com
adding new tee boxes to make some holes more enjoyable and improving greens to make them more receptive. “And we offer the Island’s best hot dog on course,” he says. This is in addition to the great dining in the clubhouse, which has a superb patio and a mouthwatering list of chef’s daily specials. encounters,” says Palmer. “You can often The golf itself is outstanding, get so caught up by all the beautiful scenery too, with Palmer commenting that all 18 Highland Pacific has to offer that you forget holes are signatures. His advice? you’re on a golf course.” “When playing Highland Pacific, But more than just the views are beautiful remember to breathe, because we generally at Highland Pacific. take our customers’ breath away with what “We boast that even our winter conditions our course has to offer.” will blow you away, leaving you feeling like It starts right at the entrance with the HIGHLAND PACIFIC GOLF you just played a round in June, even though “Everyone Welcome” sign. It’s in Victoria but it feels like the wilderness. Highland Pacific Golf’s lush fairways thread through a majestic landscape of West Coast forest, rock, fescue, and natural water features, boasting panoramic views of it’s January,” says Palmer. “We’re well known for having the best drainage on Vancouver Island.” Palmer adds that Highland Pacific continues to improve course conditions, “We take pride in being known as ‘Victoria’s Friendliest Place to Play,’ from having exceptional customer service to six different sets of tee boxes to accommodate any level of player,” says Palmer. “We’re Victoria, the Olympic Mountains, the Strait layout, and facility amenities, including proud to be a public golf course because that of Juan de Fuca, Bear Mountain, is who we care about.” and Thetis Lake Park. He recommends visiting
Since opening 18 holes in golfers take advantage of some 2010, Highland Pacific, with of the activities Victoria offers, its wide, sweeping fairways, like whale watching and fishing bent-grass greens, and dramatic charters. elevation changes, has become an “Victoria is surrounded by Island jewel. some of the best salmon fishing
Jeff Palmer, General Manager in the world,” he says. at Highland Pacific, says people The dining is top rated, too. love the tranquility. “The restaurant scene in
“Highland Pacific is surrounded Victoria is incredible,” he says. by West Coast wilderness “Ask the locals where their and borders parkland, making favourite place is to eat, and the experience peaceful, you’ll generally never hear the breathtaking, and full of wildlife Deer and many other wildlife species are a very common sight on golf courses. same place twice.”
OLYMPIC VIEW GOLF CLUB
Close proximity to Victoria is a benefit Randy Frank, General Manager at Olympic View, enjoys.
“We’re close to town — about 20 minutes outside of Victoria — so having the ability to leave the city and be on the first tee in less than a half hour is the best of both worlds. I think just hanging out and relaxing in downtown Victoria is really nice,” he says. “Great restaurants. Great pubs. You can go whale watching. There’s a plethora of things you can do.”
If you can tear yourself away from the course, that is. Island wine is the perfect complement to Island cuisine. Many wineries in the area offer tours, tasting, and dining.
“It’s called Olympic View for a reason,” says Frank, referring to the panoramic mountain views. “It’s quite a unique course the forest with deer grazing 10 feet away, in that it’s really West Coast-style, cutting and it makes for a very peaceful experience,” through the rock he says, also pointing ★★★★ Four-Star Rating Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play outcroppings in the forest.” Frank adds that OLYMPIC VIEW, WITH ITS AWARD-WINNING out that there are no houses around the golf course, which is quite COURSE DETAILS their tagline — An GOLF ACADEMY, IS unusual in this day and TEE YARDAGE SLOPE 6,600 133 6,165 130 5,384 117 Experience with Nature — really fits. “You’ll spot ALSO WELL KNOWN FOR GOLF INSTRUCTION. age of golf courses. Olympic View consistently rates RATING 72.7 70.9 67.5 lots of wildlife out among the top golf PAR 72 72 72 there, and because the holes are set off by themselves, you find yourself surrounded by courses on Vancouver Island, including a four-star rating in Golf Digest’s Best Places COURSE ARCHITECT BILL ROBINSON to Play. “It’s a risk-reward golf 250-474-3673 or 1-800-i-GOLFBC www.olympicviewgolf.com www.tablenineteen.com course,” says Frank. “You can be aggressive or play strategic. It’s up to you.” “If you want to take on the risk, it’s possible to get the ball down close to the green on some of the par fours, but if you want to play it strategically and make sure you stay in play, you can shoot a good score as well.”
OLYMPIC VIEW GOLF CLUB Olympic View Highlights
From the golf shop, restaurant, snack bar, lounge, meeting rooms, and banquet facilities to the teaching academy and practice facility with natural grass tees, target greens, and 25,000 square feet of putting and chipping greens, this course has it all.
BEAR MOUNTAIN RESORT The Mountain Course BEAR MOUNTAIN RESORT The Mountain Course Bear Mountain –The Mountain Course Highlights
The 18-hole Mountain Course is Bear Mountain’s premier golf offering. Features include a Golf Performance Centre, putting greens, PGA of Canada instructors, GPS power carts, and club valet services. Additional amenities on property include Canada’s largest indoor/outdoor red clay court tennis facility and the Bear Mountain Activity Centre.
Nestled in demanding terrain on southern Vancouver Island, this stunning course has played host to PGA TOUR Champions events and features some of the best views of the Greater Victoria area.
COURSE DETAILS
TEE
YARDAGE
SLOPE RATING PAR
GOLDEN GRIZZLY BLACK SPIRIT CINNAMON Women's Rating
6,810 6,376 6,008 5,514 4,634 152 145 132 124 120 73.5 71.2 69.3 67 67.7 71 71 71 71 71
COURSE ARCHITECT NICKLAUS DESIGN
250-744-2327 or 1-888-626-3086 www.bearmountain.ca/recreation/golf
The signature hole, the 17th, is likely one of the most photographed holes in the area.
“It has a 40-foot waterfall as its backdrop,” says Frank. “It’s a 455-yard, par four, and the biggest challenge is keeping your mind on your golf shot, because you kind of lose yourself watching the waterfall.”
Olympic View, with its award-winning golf academy, is also well known for golf instruction.
“We’re lucky to have some of the best golf professionals in the province, says Frank. “They’re all highly qualified and experienced, and they all bring their own unique teaching style and expertise to the table.”
Within the clubhouse is the newly renovated restaurant, Table 19 Victoria, with its beautiful wrap-around patio overlooking the 18th green. The cuisine is meant to excite and intrigue and features thoughtfully selected, locally available, and ethically sourced ingredients with clever house-made twists. It is a great place to unwind after your round.
“We pride ourselves on being an easygoing and relaxing place, on and off the golf course,” says Frank. “It’s just a great atmosphere to be around.”
BEAR MOUNTAIN GOLF & TENNIS RESORT COMMUNITY
Located just 20 minutes west of downtown Victoria, Bear Mountain Golf & Tennis Resort Community spans just over 700 acres of supernatural British Columbia. Featuring two distinct courses and considered one of the finest golf offerings in the country, Bear Mountain boasts Canada’s only 36 holes of Nicklaus Design golf. Here you can choose between the rugged, challenging Mountain Course or the more serene, picturesque Valley Course.
“The Mountain Course is our premier 18 holes of golf that has played host to numerous championships, most notably two PGA TOUR Champions events in 2016 and 2017. The combination of playability and outstanding views make it exceptional,” said Bear Mountain’s Director of Golf, Rob Larocque.
Bear Mountain Golf & Tennis Resort
Seeing orcas in their natural environment on a marine tour is a thrilling experience!
“For example, hole number 14 — a wonderful par three with a dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Olympic Mountain range, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and downtown Victoria.”
The Valley Course is an inland links design highlighted by native grasses, lacededge bunker faces, and undulating greens complexes.
“A perfect complement to the Mountain Course, the Valley Course is uniquely ‘Vancouver Island’ in its topography. We encourage guests to enjoy a round on both courses while visiting Bear Mountain because they truly are completely different,” says Larocque.
“Our goal at Bear Mountain is to deliver a remarkable experience in an extraordinary year-round setting with exceptional service. You will leave with great memories and lots of photos to share with your friends.”
Larocque adds that Bear Mountain is more than just great golf.
“We are also home to Canada’s largest indoor/outdoor red clay tennis facility with Tennis Canada-certified professionals to help you work on your game.”
The Bear Mountain community is just minutes away from numerous major attractions and activities like fishing, kayaking, whale watching, and hiking. Recreation is central to Bear Mountain’s way of life and it certainly shows with abundant opportunity to enjoy the outdoors whether you are visiting or looking for a place to settle down.
Larocque says with exceptional service and breathtaking views, Bear Mountain Golf & Tennis Resort Community aims to make everything about your time here truly memorable.
“If you decide that you want to stay permanently, we are an incredible place to live,” says Larocque with a grin.
No question about it: Bear Mountain is the perfect destination for your next golf experience!
BEAR MOUNTAIN RESORT The Valley Course
Carved into the serene mountain valleys, a course that offers a truly distinct design which balances challenge with fun.
COURSE DETAILS
TEE
YARDAGE
SLOPE RATING PAR
GOLDEN GRIZZLY BLACK SPIRIT CINNAMON
Women's Rating
6,807 6,395 6,032 5,517 5,005 140 139 134 123 120 73.5 71.1 69.3 67 66.4 71 71 71 71 71
COURSE ARCHITECT NICKLAUS DESIGN
250-744-2327 or 1-888-626-3086 www.bearmountain.ca/recreation/golf
Bear Mountain – The Valley Course Highlights
Bear Mountain's Valley Course offers 18 holes on uniquely Vancouver Island topography. Features include a Golf Performance Centre, putting greens, PGA of Canada instructors, GPS power carts, and club valet services. Additional amenities on property include Canada’s largest indoor/outdoor red clay court tennis facility and the Bear Mountain Activity Centre.
Wineries • Culinary Experiences Indigenous Culture
The totems in Duncan are world-famous examples of authentic First Nations art.
The drive from Victoria into the Cowichan is a descent from the forests and mountains of the Malahat into rolling farmland. The Cowichan, which gets its name from a First Nations word that roughly means “warm land,” is a destination for uber-talented chefs and culinary explorers. Ultra-fresh fish and seafood, just-picked fruit and vegetables, handcrafted cheese, and award-winning wines play starring roles on Cowichan menus.
Winery and vineyard tours are ravedabout experiences and a wonderful way to see the sights and sample some fine wines and ciders. Distilled beverages have recently been added to the mix at some properties. You can drop in at one or two properties on your own or sign up for a tour of several.
While the Cowichan is a big hit with foodies, there are other draws to this pastoral region. The Cowichan River flows 47 kilometres from Cowichan Lake to Cowichan Bay. It’s a designated BC heritage river and a Canadian heritage river, which means it has been recognized for its outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational value. The river’s most famous
activity is fly-fishing, a sport that has been luring people with their waders and fly rods for well over a century. And whether you fish or not, the pathways along the river are perfect for pleasant afternoon strolls.
For a stroll with cultural significance, take a Totem Walk in downtown Duncan, known as the “City of Totems” and home to some gorgeous art galleries and boutiques. A wander through Chemainus reveals the history of this former logging town depicted in 39 colourful murals. If it is retail therapy you crave, Cowichan Bay’s shops, some of which are perched over the water on stilts, are sure to delight. To bump your stroll up to an easy hike, check out the Kinsol Trestle, one of the world’s tallest timber rail trestles.
Then there’s the ocean. The Cowichan has some of the loveliest marinas on the Island in the pretty little communities of Cowichan Bay, Mill Bay, Maple Bay, and Genoa Bay. Saltwater fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, watching tours, diving, and sailing are all on the activity menu in this outdoor recreation paradise.
For golfers, this means you have plenty of great options before and after your game.
ARBUTUS RIDGE GOLF CLUB
Just 25 minutes from the outskirts of Victoria, Arbutus Ridge Golf Club in Cobble Hill sits above the Satellite Channel and the Southern Gulf Islands and looks out to the snow-capped peak of Mount Baker. Designed by Bill Robinson, the course opened in 1987 and has since become known as one of the most scenic in Canada — and a top pick among golfers.
“Our 4.5 Tripadvisor rating for the golf course and restaurant are among the best in the industry,” says Andrew Hajer, Head Professional at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club.
One of the most notable characteristics of the course is the condition.
“Especially the condition of our greens — we believe we’ve found the right balance of speed and receptiveness and have one of the best superintendents in the country making sure all elements of agronomy are cutting-edge,” says Hajer.
The clubhouse, with its gorgeous views, is raved about, as is the service from the staff.
“What really sets us apart is our team. From the moment you pull onto the property, you will feel welcomed and taken care of.”
In 2017, Arbutus Ridge was the inaugural winner of the Tourism Vancouver Island Employer of the Year Award.
But the top reason Arbutus Ridge is such a favourite is the design of the course.
“The golf course has a great mix of holes. The course is not too difficult off the tee box, but the challenge lies as you get closer to the hole. Our green complexes are simply fantastic,” says Hajer.
“Number 17, our signature hole, features a peninsula green with some elevation drop,” he says. “It’s all carry and dramatic to watch. The set up makes it exciting near the end of the round. You will need to hit some solid shots over the last few holes to take the bragging rights to the clubhouse.”
Something else that makes this course very attractive to visitors is the après golf in the Satellite Bar and Grille. "People love to enjoy the wonderful views from the restaurant or on the patio,” says Hajer. “They love our beer selection and what we think is the best burger in the Cowichan Valley.”
ARBUTUS RIDGE GOLF CLUB
COWICHAN
SIP OF THE GOLF TRAIL
Nanaimo
Ladysmith
Duncan
➏ ➎
5 Arbutus Ridge Golf Club 6 Cowichan Golf Club
Victoria
★★★★ Four-Star Rating Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play
COURSE DETAILS
TEE
YARDAGE SLOPE
RATING
PAR 6,152 5,854 5,508 5,113 123 123 119 120
70.9 69.1 67.1 69.8
70 72 72 72
COURSE ARCHITECT BILL ROBINSON
250-743-5000 www.arbutusridge.com
Arbutus Ridge Highlights
The front nine weaves alongside the seaside community of Cobble Hill and the back nine climbs a ridge to overlook the Satellite Channel. Arbutus Ridge is a picturesque 30-minute drive north from the outskirts of Victoria in the heart of the Cowichan wine region and a 40-minute drive south from Nanaimo. Check out one of BC’s most scenic patios after your round!
COWICHAN GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
Great golf plus a practice range and lessons, power carts, rentals, and club fitting at the pro shop. A favourite for tournaments, dining, banquets, and weddings.
COURSE DETAILS
TEE YARDAGE
SLOPE
RATING PAR 6,189 5,899 5,570 4,865 118 113 110 112 69.0 67.7 65.9 68.2 70 – – –
COURSE ARCHITECT A.V. MACAN
250-746-5333 or 1-877-744-5333 www.cowichangolfclub.ca
COWICHAN GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
Located in Duncan, the area’s largest community, the Cowichan Golf and Country Club has been at this location overlooking the waters of Cowichan Bay since 1947, when legendary architect A.V. Macan designed one of the finest ninehole courses in the province. It expanded to 18 holes in 1985 and meanders through the valley, offering a picturesque mix of meadow and tree-lined holes.
At 6,189 yards, Cowichan isn’t particularly long from the tips, but don’t let that fool you into a sense of complacency, as the tight fairways and fast, undulating greens will come to haunt you.
“It’s a very walkable course but a challenging test of golf, with small, fast greens,” says Head Pro, Norm Jackson, Stormin’ Norm, as he is locally known.
“It’s friendly, affordable golf,” he says, adding that all the competitors in the 2015 Golf British Columbia Women’s Mid-Senior Amateur enjoyed the course immensely.
A good example of Cowichan’s enjoyable challenge is the 10th, a par-four dogleg left. Trees block out the green, so the play is a sensible iron shot off the tee. The approach is downhill into a slick green that is bounded by bunkers front, left, and back. You need to remember to spin it on the green but keep the ball beneath the hole.
That’s just a warm up for the 11th.
“Our signature hole is hole number 11, and it is probably one of the most challenging holes on Vancouver Island,” says Jackson. “It is a long 404-yard, uphill par four with the second shot over water to a narrow sloping green. If you don’t hit the perfect tee shot, it is a gamble to go for the green in two shots.”
“Sometimes laying up your second shot is a smart play,” he adds.
Norm’s tip for playing Cowichan Golf?
“Our greens all break to Cowichan Bay, and when in doubt, hit to the middle of the greens so you don’t short side yourself.”
Jackson’s got one more tip: “The area’s wineries are a must see: award-winning wines and culinary extravaganza.”
Beautiful scenery, challenging holes, excellent service, a great clubhouse, and wineries close by — all the right ingredients for a terrific day of golf.
DELIVERING THE BEST GOLF VACATIONS FOR OVER 20 YEARS
When we cut the ribbon on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail back in 2000, it featured six exceptional courses linked into a vacation package for golfers from nearby: Vancouver, Calgary, and Seattle. And the golfers loved it, calling it a “hidden gem.”
Now, 21 years later, the Vancouver Island Golf Trail isn’t a hidden gem anymore — it’s a confirmed “must play” and has become the repeat destination of choice for golfers from across Canada, California, Texas, the southern U.S., and the Pacific Rim.
Now, 13 of the Island’s very best courses are teed up along the Trail designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Graham Cooke, Les Furber, Ted Robinson, and Canadian golf design legend, A.V. Macan. Combined, our courses have hosted the Canadian PGA Tour Qualifying School 11 times and have been featured in magazines and newspapers around the world and on the Golf Channel’s Ginella’s Journeys. Some of the greatest golfers in the history of the game have played here: Nicklaus, Montgomerie, Faldo, and Langer.
It’s been a fantastic round of 21 years. Join us this year and tee off for some amazing rounds of your own on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail.
Canada’s favourite Golf Trail since 2000
Making Your Vancouver Island Golf Experience the Very Best Since 2000
“We will make sure to recommend Golf Vancouver Island to any of our friends who are travelling to the island. Thanks again for making our trip worry free.
— SHIRLEY J.
Everything you lined up for us was great, the golf rounds, the hotel, and especially the beautiful sunny weather... nice work. We will definitely be coming out again.
— MARTIN M.
We had a fabulous trip. Thank you very much for the great golf, great accommodation, and fabulous weather. We look forward to booking next year with you.
— MICHAEL D.
Share your photos from the Vancouver Island Golf Trail. Tag #GolfVancouverIsland on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.
Glorious beaches • Resort lifestyle Unique attractions
Almost 20 kilometres of sandy beaches make this a destination in any season.
From Nanaimo through Nanoose Bay and Parksville Qualicum Beach all the way to Lighthouse Country, the coastal beauty of this region has been captivating vacationers for over a century.
Miles of golden-sand beaches lure paddlers and dreamers, sparkling waves draw boaters in sailboats and yachts, lush green parks invite walkers and hikers, restaurant patios serve just-caught seafood, and resorts with decadent spas and water views provide the ideal escape from the stresses of modern life.
In the summer, this region is a very popular vacation destination. The four main
