Canada

From windswept coastal links in Nova Scotia to the rugged beauty of the boreal forest in Saskatchewan, or the mountains of Alberta and British Columbia, Canadian golf offers an embarrassment of riches. With more than 200 courses covered in our provincial guides, this national list takes on a tougher challenge: distilling the very best of the best from coast to coast. This is your passport to the essentials of Canadian golf.

Our criteria haven’t changed — thoughtful course design, strategic interest, and unforgettable settings still lead the way. However, in this list the spotlight shines brighter and narrower. A course that’s a “must play” within its province might not make the cut nationally. Take The Links at Crowbush Cove, for instance; a gem in PEI’s lineup, but when viewed against the country’s finest, it falls short of this elite list due to its meandering routing away from the idyllic setting, lack of strong architectural attributes, and proximity to other great golf courses.

Must Plays are the crown jewels of Canadian golf.

They include Stanley Thompson’s five masterpieces, modern oceanside links in Cape Breton, a mountainside Rod Whitman adventure, a pair of Harry Colt golden-age designs, and a beautifully preserved C.H. Alison/Walter Travis collaboration in rural Quebec. These are the 11 absolute must play golf courses in Canada that anyone dedicated enough should travel across the country to play. Do whatever you can to play them.

Medium Recommendations highlight exceptional courses you’d never be upset to play.

Places worth making a high level of effort to visit if you’re nearby or looking to round out a trip. We factor in proximity to population hubs and other top-tier courses. Although farther outlying courses such as The Algonquin - a coastal retreat in scenic St. Andrews-By-The-Sea, New Brunswick and Waskesiu with its bold fairway contours rivalling those at Cape Breton Highlands Links, earn their places here.

Light Recommendations are the delightful supporting cast.

Courses that bring charm, challenge, and a little wow-factor. Think of this list as inspiration for quality golf experiences with a little emphasis put on location relative to the above listings and a focus on unique golf experiences unlikely to be found elsewhere in Canada.