Banff: majestic scenery, exceptional golf

Imagine this. You're standing at the first tee. The backdrop is almost sheer granite, its embedded crystals sparkling in the early morning sun. Fir and pine lined ridges scour the skyline. An impossibly blue lake shimmers in the distance. Lush green fairways and bent grass greens beckon.

You can golf all day if you like. This far north it's still light at 10 p.m.

You are here in majestic Banff, Alberta, a place that it still a bit of a much-guarded secret. But the secret is about to get out. There are over 275 courses in the province. And Banff boasts some of the best. Six of the country's top courses are found in Alberta.

A golf vacation in Alberta and the Canadian Rockies means mild summer temperatures, world-class golf, and amazing values when compared to the best courses in the USA. There are a wide range of luxury golf packages but you will also find cheap Banff golf when you look around.

Accolades

  • IAGTO's Undiscovered Golf Destination of the World in 2004
  • Best Golf Destination of North America in 2007

Banff offers so much-- stunning mountain vistas and finely crafted golf courses. For years, travellers have recognized the singular beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Now they are discovering impressive golf courses with great values when compared to some of the best in the USA.

Golf Courses in and Around Banff

  • The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course (Banff) is known world wide for its gorgeous vistas set is a challenging, captivating environment. The views are absolutely breath taking and you may even be distracted from your game. But the course will keep you going. Depending on the time of year, green fees for 18 holes range from $149-219.
  • Silvertip Golf Course (Canmore), where you golf on the "roof of the world." Les Furber, the world-renowned architect, designed this course. Is literally carved out of the mountains that surround it. Playing here is magical and you'll wonder how you'll ever golf in an urban setting again. Depending on the time of year, green fees range from $95 to $175.
  • Kananaskis Country Golf Course is located less than an hour away from Banff and from Calgary. The Mount Lorette and Mount Kidd Courses are named for the limestone peaks that tower above. This is a premier golf destination. Fees range from $81-90 with special rates for Alberta residents and also a special "twilight" rate.
  • Brewster's Kananaskis Ranch Golf Course is located near Banff, where the foothills meet the Canadian Rockies. Depending on the time of day, the day of the week and whether you play 9 or18 holes, you'll pay $30-59.
  • Stewart Creek Golf Course (Canmore) has been rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest several times. Considered to be the pinnacle of Canada's mountain golf, few courses parallel its setting, panoramic views and naturally sculpted fairways. From the opening date until May 31 fees range from $125-145. In peak season, fees range from $125-195. There are special "twilight" deals.
  • Canmore Golf and Curling Club (Canmore) is a club that fairly shines with a gorgeous setting and rich history. It was built and funded by residents of Canmore in 1926. Here is a real golf deal-- fees range from $80 for 18 holes and $45 for 9 holes.

You can also golf at Golden Golf or Greywolf Golf, both within a scenic 2-hour drive from Banff.

Are There Banff Condos and Accommodations?

There are no condos in Banff itself but there are nearby. Some of these offer golf packages featuring each of the main golf courses in Banff.

What is the Climate in Banff?

Banff golf weather is quite pleasant. You can golf a full three seasons in and around Banff, keeping in mind that the high mountain altitude and the rugged topography make the weather extremely variable.

  • June is the wettest month.
  • Summer (July - August) enjoys low humidity, mild temperatures and lots of daylight.
  • Fall brings gorgeous color and wool weather.
  • November brings the first snow.

When you golf in Banff you will not be disappointed. Glorious scenery and great golf await you.