British Columbia is home to more than 300 golf courses, including picture-perfect gems on Vancouver Island, picturesque pastures in the Cariboo, Okanagan desert greens, and mountaintop tees in the Kootenay Rockies.

Wherever you swing your golf club you will also find a great local craft brewery nearby, perfect for comparing birdies and eagles (and bogies, too!) with your finest fairway friends. Many of BC’s golf courses also have clubhouses that serve craft beer so be sure to ask for something local when you are relaxing at the 19th hole.

Here is a compilation of some of the best places to golf in BC along with nearby breweries, sorted regionally.

Drinking beer on Cast Iron Grill Patio at Fernie Golf Club

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Lillooet Sheep Pasture Golf Course (Photo: Brad at Kasselman Creative)

Lillooet

The community of Lillooet is located in one of BC’s most picturesque valleys, which boasts spectacular scenery and a semi-desert climate. It also offers the unrivalled experience of golfing at the Lillooet Sheep Pasture Golf Course, a unique set of links that is maintained by a local herd of sheep rather than lawnmowers.

This small but challenging nine-hole course — with its short straight fairways, minor doglegs, unforgiving small greens, newly added bunkers, tricky water holes and hazards — promises a fun and challenging golfing experience for all levels of players.

The town got its own craft brewery in 2022, Lillooet Brewing, which is located in a renovated, historic feed store. Lillooet’s wildlife is showcased front and centre, literally: every beer made here celebrates Lillooet’s at-risk species and other keystone species that keep the delicate local ecosystems alive.

You can sample the beers in the bright, airy taproom or on the dog-friendly patio with panoramic views that seem to go on forever.


Quesnel

Richbar Golf & Gardens is a nine-hole executive course that plays as a par 33 at about 2400 yards from the blue tees. Most holes are separated by native timber and landscape plantings, giving the golfer a more intimate experience. Water comes into play on three holes, and some greens are slightly protected by the occasional mature 100-foot fir tree adding character and challenge to the course.

​​Barkerville Brewing takes its name from the nearby ghost town/tourist attraction. The gold rush theme is evident throughout the welcoming tasting room with pioneer relics and a rustic wooden communal table dominating the room. In addition to beer names steeped in local history — like the Hurdy Gurdy Hibiscus or the Wandering Camel IPA — Barkerville’s brews often use local ingredients, too, like birch syrup or chaga mushroom. The beers are worth the trip; Barkerville won two golds and a bronze at the 2016 B.C. Beer Awards, sending the message that northern beer is not to be ignored.

Barkerville Brewing can be found on the Northeast BC Ale Trail.


Williams Lake

Williams Lake Golf & Tennis Club — Founded in 1946, this course is highly regarded as one of the top golf courses in the BC Interior. Nestled among evergreens under the ever-watchful presence of the Chilcotin Hills, the golf course offers gently sloped fairways and undulating greens that will provide ample challenge and enjoyment for golfers from the beginner to the accomplished player. This par 71 course follows the contours of the landscape overlooking Williams Lake, the valley and the city. 

Founded by a biologist who studied brewing in England, Fox Mountain Brewing is based in Williams Lake’s old Greyhound Station, which was extensively renovated to accommodate the brewing equipment and taproom. In addition to a wide range of beers, Fox Mountain serves up delicious food, including burgers, nachos, sandwiches, wings, and smoked ribs.

Fox Mountain Brewing can be found on the Northeast BC Ale Trail.


Kootenay Rockies

Radium

The Springs Course is set high along the banks of the mighty Columbia River. The wide-open spaces of the Columbia Valley, the snow-capped Purcell Mountains to the west, and the imposing Rockies to the east create a stunning backdrop. Playing between 4,944 and 6,818 yards, this meticulously maintained par 72 course unfolds along the Columbia River and blends seamlessly into the landscape. You’ll love the par threes on the back nine and hitting your ball over the gullies and ravines.

Radium Brewing was founded in 2021 by two paramedics with a shared passion for craft beer. The brewery is part of a group of local small businesses that are working hard to make the touristy village of Radium Hot Springs a year-round destination. It is also an environmentally progressive business that is based in a net-zero building with solar panels on the roof and a brewing system that stores and reuses heat from one batch to the next.

Radium Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail.

The Columbia Valley Golf Trail is the group of 10 golf courses in the Columbia Valley of BC, nestled between the beautiful Rocky and Purcell Mountain ranges and is home to the communities of Spur Valley, Radium Hot Springs, Invermere, Windermere, and Fairmont Hot Springs.


Fernie Golf Club. (Photo: Tourism Fernie)

Fernie

Founded in 1918, Fernie Golf Club is noted for its majestic mountain setting and playability. With luscious greens, silica sand bunkers, varied terrain and a stunning view of the Rocky Mountains, the golf course is a player’s dream. This par 70 course plays 6,556 yards long from the back tees.

Fernie Brewing is BC’s easternmost brewery. It is a family-run operation with a strong connection to its local community dating back from than 20 years.

Fernie Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail.


Other golf courses and breweries to visit in the Kootenay Rockies:

Cranbrook:
Wildstone Golf Course.  Find Fisher Peak Brewing  Soggy Otter Brown Ale and Wildberry Wit on tap in the Clubhouse.
Breweries – Fisher Peak Brewing (at the Hideout Restaurant) and Encore Brewing on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail.

Golden:

Golden Golf Club.  Find Whitetooth Brewing on tap and Fernie Brewing Co in cans in their Clubhouse.

Breweries – Whitetooth Brewing on Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail.

Revelstoke:

Revelstoke Golf Club
Breweries – Mt. Begbie Brewing and Rumpus Beer Co on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail.

Castlegar:
Castlegar Golf Club and Little Bear Golf Course
Breweries – Tailout Brewing on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail.

Golden Golf Club. (Photo: Dave Best/Tourism Golden)

 


Northern BC

Smithers Golf & Country Club
Smithers Golf & Country Club in Smithers, BC (photo: Marty Clemens/Northern BC Tourism).

Smithers

The Smithers Golf and Country Club is a picturesque 18-hole championship golf course. The banquet hall and dining room have an outdoor wraparound deck with a spectacular view of Hudson Bay Mountain. Huge supporters of BC craft beer, they stock a variety of local Smithers beer in cans and have dedicated 3 of their 4 taps to Smithers Brewing Co, Wheelhouse Brewing Co (Prince Rupert) and Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse (Terrace).

The course is rated as par 72 with a total of 6,539 playing yards. 

You can visit two craft breweries in Smithers: Bulkley Valley Brewing and Smithers Brewing. Both opened in 2018 and have developed a strong following in the local community.

Bulkley Valley Brewing and Smithers Brewing can be found on the Northwest BC Ale Trail.


Prince George

There are several golf courses to visit in Prince George:

ALL of these golf courses support their local craft breweries with dedicated taps and/or cans in their clubhouses.

Prince George is home to three craft breweries: CrossRoads Brewing & Distillery, Deadfall Brewing, and Trench Brewing & Distilling.

Prince George is part of the Northwest BC Ale Trail.

 


Thompson Okanagan

Tobiano Golf Course - Kamloops
The Tobiano Golf Course in Kamloops, BC (photo: Mary Putnam)

 

Kamloops

The Tobiano Golf Course is arguably one of the most acclaimed public golf courses in Canada created in this generation. It has won numerous awards since it opened in 2008, including “Canada’s Best Golf Course” in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Few settings in Canada are better than Tobiano’s rugged, lakeside terrain with views of Kamloops Lake from every hole, dramatic elevation changes, ravines, natural grasses, welcoming fairways, and smooth undulating greens that make it one of the finest, most picturesque golf courses anywhere.

All that plus you can enjoy local beer from Iron Road Brewing on tap in their on-site restaurant, the Black Iron Club & Grill.

Kamloops is home to a thriving craft beer community, including four great breweries:

Kamloops is part of the Southern Interior Ale Trail.


Valemount

The Valemount Pines Golf Course is a well-maintained course perfect for a quick nine holes or a full casual round with golfers of all skill levels. This Gordon McKay-designed course is built in a forested area and features tree-lined fairways and perfectly manicured greens with views of the beautiful mountains. 

Three Ranges Brewing is located in the picturesque town of Valemount. Despite only having a population of 1,000, the community has embraced the brewery in a big way. The cosy tasting room and sunny patio have become a gathering place for the entire community, making it a great excuse to pull off the highway and take a break.

Three Ranges Brewing can be found on the Northeast BC Ale Trail.


Penticton Golf & Country Club
Penticton Golf & Country Club

Penticton

The origins of the Penticton Golf & Country Club date back to 1922. Over the years, the club grew and changed locations several times, continuing to improve with each move. In 1961, the Penticton Golf & Country Club opened the first 18-hole golf course in the British Columbia Interior. In 1965, the present site became available and the course became championship-sized for the first time.

The on-site restaurant, the Blue Heron, serves local craft beer along with great food.

 When it comes to breweries, visitors to Penticton are spoiled for options. There are eight breweries in this small city located between two lakes, Lake Okanagan and Skaha Lake, and you are even allowed to drink beer on the beach. The Okanagan Fest-of-Ale takes place annually in April — a great opportunity to get some golf in during the morning before attending the festival later in the day.

Check out the Penticton Ale Trail for all the details.

The Penticton Ale Trail breweries.

Other golf courses and breweries to visit in the Thompson Okanagan:

Oliver

The Fairview Mountain Golf Club in Oliver is another great spot to golf in the South Okanagan. It is a beautiful course located in the heart of wine country just north of Osoyoos. Fairways plunge down valleys as vineyards beckon in the distance.

Oliver’s own Firehall Brewery is nearby, as is the new Neighbourhood Outpost location, which will be opening in Oliver’s District Wine Village. North Basin Brewing in Osoyoos is also quite close.

Vernon

Golf courses:

Vernon is home to Marten Brewing, a big brewpub located right at the heart of downtown that serves great craft beer along with delicious food.

Marten Brewing can be found on the Southern Interior Ale Trail.

Kelowna:

West Kelowna:

Check out the Kelowna & West Kelowna Ale Trail for more information about the 17 amazing local craft breweries. 


Vancouver Island

 

The Vancouver Island Golf Trail covers “250km of pacific paradise stretching from Victoria, BC to Campbell River,” and spotlights 12 golf courses and multiple accommodation and activity options. Golf Vancouver Island also partnered with Vancouver Island Brewing in the past to create the Vancouver Island Golf Trail Ale. You could only find this tasty craft beer at select golf courses along the Vancouver Island Golf Trail – a true collectable.

Limited edition, Vancouver Island Golf Trail Ale was brewed by Vancouver Island Brewing. (Photo: Golf Vancouver Island)

 

Parksville Qualicum Beach

Not only is Parksville Qualicum Beach a food, craft beer, and culture hub, but there is also a robust golf community. The mild Vancouver Island climate means most courses are open year-round, and there are options for every skill level (and budget) within close driving distance. Even better, each of the Parksville Qualicum Beach courses is near a local brewery.

The stunning Mount Arrowsmith backdrop at Pheasant Glen Golf Resort, set in a meadow and pine forest at its base, make it a “walk through nature” for golfers of all abilities. Each tee boasts 5 levels, so whether you are a championship, competitive player or casual golfer, you will be able to reach the green in regulation. Nearby Eaglecrest Golf Club is one of the oldest clubs in the area, but still one of its best kept secrets. A more challenging 9-hole course, Eaglecrest boasts impeccably maintained fairways and greens, and affordable green fees. These two course are both within easy reach of Qualicum Beach brewery Fern +Cedar, which reflects the coast landscape of the island in both ambiance and approach to their beer and food menu.

Fairwinds Golf Club, in nearby Nanoose Bay, sits among the water-front community of the same name. However, you don’t need to be a resident (or member) to enjoy the club’s amenities. The 19th Hole Café, situated to have a perfect view of the 9th green, is a great spot to stop for a bite and post game refreshment. But if you’re looking to get even more local, Rusted Rake Brewing is close by with a menu and tap list that focuses on farm-to-table and farm-to-pint offerings.

In Parksville, you will find Morningstar Golf Club and Mount Arrowsmith Brewing.  A championship-length course boasting 3 PGA events to its name, Morningstar will challenge golfers of all abilities. Meanwhile, the nearby brewery will challenge your appetite with mouth-watering pizzas and perfectly paired craft beers.

And finally, you will want to plan your round at Arrowsmith Golf & Country Club to coincide with the openings at LoveShack Libations. If that doesn’t work out, golfers at Arrowsmith can enjoy the full service clubhouse, where the patio has amazing views of Mount Arrowsmith, and overlooks the 18th green and a lake with water feature.

LoveShack Libations, Qualicum Beach
LoveShack Libations in Qualicum Beach, BC

Greater Victoria

British Columba’s capital city is a haven for year-round golfing with several excellent courses in and around the city — most no more than 20 minutes from a local brewery.

 

Highland Pacific Golf prides themselves on being Victoria’s friendliest public golf course, built for golfers looking for scenic views paired with a challenging championship course. Playable year-round, the course overlooks the Olympic Mountains, Strait of Juan de Fuca and Thetis Lake Park. The Range Café serves a variety of local beer.

Another course with amazing views is Olympic View Golf Club, aptly names for their views of the Olympic Mountains just across the border in Washington State. Rated Top 10 Best Public Golf Facility in British Columbia by ScoreGolf Magazine, and previously ranked within the Top 50 Golf Courses in Canada by the Golf Course Ranking and ScoreGolf Magazines, Olympic View is worth stopping in for a round or two.

A short drive outside of the city, and you’ll find Arbutus Ridge Golf Course nestled in the seaside farm community of Cobble Hill. The 18-hole course is rated four stars by Golf Digest, Best Destination Golf Course in British Columbia by Golf Nerve Magazine and One of Canada’s Ten Best Courses for Your Money by Westjet Magazine. The facility has played host to numerous provincial and national championships and achieved a Sustainability Award from Tourism Vancouver Island.

Bear Mountain Golf & Tennis Resort boasts two full courses, with the option of choosing the challenging Mountain Course, or the more relaxed Valley Course. Sip a handcrafted cocktail or pint of local craft beer with a light snack in the Masters Lounge.

For something more friendly to casual players, Cedar Hill Golf Course is a great option. With affordable green fees and great views, Cedar Hill is accessible and enjoyable for players of all abilities.

The Greater Victoria Ale Trail boasts 22 breweries and many more community partners specializing in local craft beverages.


Other golf courses and breweries to visit on Vancouver Island:

Cowichan:

Local breweries include Bayview Brewing, Riot Brewing Co, Craig Street Brewing, Red Arrow Brewing, and Small Block Brewing, all of which can be found on the Vancouver Island Part I Ale Trail.

Comox Valley:

Land and Sea Brewing is located in Comox, and in Courtenay are Gladstone Brewing, and Ace Brewing, all of which can be found on the Vancouver Island Part II Ale Trail.


Vancouver Coast & Mountains

Chilliwack

The Chilliwack Golf Club, established in 1958, features magnificent tree-lined fairways, a creek that meanders through the back nine, and breathtaking mountain vistas in every direction. With a reputation for world class conditioning (year round), Chilliwack has played host to every major Provincial Championship—and always to rave reviews.

Nearby you can visit Farmhouse Brewing, a brewery that is based on an 11.5-acre farm where they grows barley and other ingredients that are used in the beer. Also in the neighbourhood is Old Yale Brewing, which has a strong connection to the local community dating back to 1999.

With narrow fairways that are bordered by large fir and cedar trees, the Cultus Lake Golf Club is nicknamed “Beaty & the Beast” for good reason. You must be a thinker off the tee because those undulating greens make pars well earned on this exciting, fun layout. Cultus Lake also offers excellent practice and educational facilities, including a practice hole, a large practice area, and a covered driving range.

After a round at Cultus Lake, pop into Chilliwack’s newest brewery, Sidekick Brewing, for a flight of beers and some great food. Perched on the banks of the Chilliwack River and so close you could almost cast your fishing rod from their outdoor patio, you’ll find this bustling brewery with a true community spirit and a love for the great outdoors.

All of the Chilliwack breweries can be found on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail.


Coquitlam

The Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club’s two locations are truly unique, nestled on the Plateau of Eagle Mountain in Coquitlam BC where it enjoys panoramic views and natural wildlife settings only 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Find an 18-hole championship golf course and a 9-hole executive course, driving range, Après Kitchen & Bar, Fairways Grill & Patio and more. It’s also the location of the Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival.

Coquitlam’s Mariner Brewing is close by as is Port Moody’s six Brewers Row breweries.

Explore the North of the Fraser Ale Trail and the Port Moody Ale Trail to find breweries nearby.


Other golf courses and breweries to visit in the Vancouver Coast & Mountains region:

Abbotsford:

Ledgeview Golf Club – find bc craft beer in their newly opened Clubhouse, Tavern on the Green.

Explore the Fraser Valley Ale Trail to discover the five breweries that call Abbotsford home.

Port Coquitlam:

Carnoustie Golf Club

Explore the North of the Fraser Ale Trail to find breweries in Port Coquitlam.

Richmond:

Mylora Executive Golf Course – Unwind on Harrison’s patio overlooking the 18th hole with a round of local craft beer.

Fuggles Beer and Monkey 9 Brewing can be found in Richmond, on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

Vancouver’s North Shore:

Explore Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail to discover their 10 amazing local craft breweries.

Squamish:

Squamish is located on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail and is home to A-FRAME Brewing, Backcountry Brewing and Howe Sound Brewing.


Check out Golf in British Columbia for more information.

 


 

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