Golf in the Columbia Valley

The Columbia Valley has been a golfer’s playground for more than 40 years. Because of the great weather here on the sunny side of the Rockies, golfers have nearly a month longer on the course than in many other places and they begin to arrive as early as late March and stay until the last ball is sunk sometime in October.

You can choose from nearly 20 golf courses in the sun-blessed Columbia Valley. Within a 90-minute drive north or south of Invermere alone there are more than a dozen 18-hole championship courses to play, all of them consistently ranked among Canada’s best. There are also several that are more family-oriented, where everyone –- both serious golfers and weekend duffers alike –- can enjoy the experience.

Nearly all the courses boast well-stocked pro shops and most have outdoor patios where you can sip a cool drink with a light lunch while you absorb the incredible scenery.

Because of the natural lay of the land in the valley, most golf courses have been designed to accommodate the gentle curves and dramatic elevation changes, providing a perfect blend of playability and enjoyment for the occasional golfer and challenge for the low handicapper. Imagine your ball soaring amid breathtaking views of the majestic Rocky Mountains to the east and the spectacular Purcell range to the west! Fill your lungs with the pure alpine air as you stroll the miles of tree-lined fairway.

Before a big golf week, why not warm up on a walkable, family-friendly 9-hole course with a driving range? After the game, soak your cares away in one of the natural mineral hot pools in the area.

Many of the valley golf courses run programs for men and women during the season, and junior and after-school programs are extremely popular. One of the resorts even combines their 3-day summer kids’ program with an eco-adventure experience.

So shine up your clubs, pack up the family and come to the valley for a golfing vacation to remember.