Pulse Reviews and Analysis
The 10 Best Golf Courses in Canada to Play in 2027
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateDirect Answer
For 2027, the best golf course to play in Canada is Cabot Cliffs in Inverness, Nova Scotia, which offers a breathtaking seaside layout that consistently ranks among the world’s top courses. The runner-up is Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course in Alberta, a mountain masterpiece perfect for those seeking dramatic scenery and a historic experience.
Cabot Cliffs is ideal for serious golfers chasing a bucket-list round, while Banff Springs suits travelers wanting a luxury resort stay with iconic views.
How We Ranked These
We evaluated Canada’s golf courses for 2027 based on five key criteria: course design and architecture (originality, routing, and shot values), conditioning and maintenance (quality of greens, fairways, and bunkers), scenery and setting (natural beauty and integration with the market), playability and accessibility (difficulty balance and tee-time availability), and overall experience (service, amenities, and value for the price).
Rankings also considered recent renovations, public access, and expert consensus from sources like *ScoreGolf*’s Top 100 and *Golf Digest*’s World rankings. We prioritized courses that are open to the public (not private clubs) and offer a distinct Canadian identity.
1. Cabot Cliffs 🏆 BEST OVERALL
What it is: Cabot Cliffs, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, opened in 2015 and has become Canada’s highest-ranked public course. It sits on the rugged coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, with holes carved into the cliffs above the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The course measures 6,790 yards from the back tees with a par of 72, and its signature 16th hole—a par-3 over the ocean—is one of the most photographed in golf.
Who it’s best for: This is the ultimate bucket-list course for golfers willing to travel. The setting is pure drama: every hole offers ocean views, and the wind can shift strategy daily. Green fees for 2027 are expected around $400–$500 CAD per round (peak season), including a cart.
The course is part of the Cabot Cape Breton resort, which also has the Cabot Links course, a 10-room lodge, and a new par-3 course. Book well in advance—2027 tee times will likely sell out by early spring.
Concrete details: The course features fescue grasses on fairways and greens, giving it a true links feel. The 18th hole is a 440-yard par-4 that plays back toward the clubhouse with the ocean on the left. In 2024, *Golf Digest* ranked it the #1 public course in Canada and #12 in the world.
For 2027, expect continued top conditioning, with the resort adding more lodging to handle demand.
2. Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course
What it is: This Stanley Thompson-designed course, originally built in 1928, is set in Banff National Park, Alberta, with the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel as its backdrop. The course is a par-71, 6,938 yards from the tips, with tight fairways lined by pine and spruce trees.
The "Devil’s Cauldron" par-3 4th hole is a standout, requiring a carry over a glacial pond.
Who it’s best for: Ideal for travelers combining golf with a Rocky Mountain vacation. The scenery is unmatched—mountains, rivers, and wildlife (elk, deer, bears) are common sights. Green fees in 2027 are projected at $250–$350 CAD for resort guests, with non-guests paying slightly more.
The course is walkable but carts are recommended due to elevation changes. It’s a bucket-list round for its history and views, though it can be crowded in July and August.
Concrete details: The course underwent a major renovation in 2020 to restore Thompson’s original bunkering and improve drainage. The Stanley Thompson design philosophy emphasizes natural contours, with no two holes alike. The 14th hole, a 500-yard par-5, plays downhill with Mount Rundle in the background.
Tee times for 2027 open 18 months in advance for hotel guests.
3. Cabot Links
What it is: The sister course to Cabot Cliffs, Cabot Links opened in 2012 and was Canada’s first true links course. Designed by Rod Whitman, it runs along the coast of Inverness, Nova Scotia, with six holes directly on the water. It’s a par-70, 6,800 yards from the back tees, with rolling fairways and deep pot bunkers.
Who it’s best for: Golfers who prefer a more traditional links experience with less elevation change than Cabot Cliffs. It’s also more affordable—2027 rates are expected around $300–$400 CAD per round. The course is walkable and encourages a caddie (available for $60–$80).
It’s part of the same resort, so you can play both courses in one trip.
Concrete details: The course features fescue grasses and firm, fast conditions. The 9th hole is a 190-yard par-3 that plays into the prevailing wind, often requiring a club or two extra. *ScoreGolf* ranked it #4 in Canada for 2025. For 2027, the resort plans to expand its practice facility and add a short-game area.
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4. Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course
What it is: Another Stanley Thompson masterpiece, this course opened in 1925 in Jasper, Alberta, within Jasper National Park. It’s a par-71, 6,663 yards from the back tees, with a layout that winds through forests, along lakes, and past mountain peaks. The signature 14th hole, "The Beast," is a 610-yard par-5 with a creek crossing the fairway.
Who it’s best for: Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a quieter alternative to Banff. Jasper is less crowded, and the course is part of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge resort. Green fees in 2027 are estimated at $200–$300 CAD for guests. The course is walkable, but carts are available. The setting is serene—moose and elk are common.
Concrete details: The course has been renovated to restore Thompson’s bunkers and improve turf drainage. The 18th hole is a 440-yard par-4 that finishes in front of the lodge. In 2023, *Golf Digest* ranked it #5 in Canada. Tee times for 2027 should be booked 6–8 months in advance, especially for summer.
5. St. George’s Golf and Country Club
What it is: Located in Toronto, Ontario, St. George’s is a private club but occasionally opens to the public through charity events or corporate days. Designed by Stanley Thompson in 1929, it’s a par-71, 6,700 yards from the back tees, with a parkland layout featuring rolling hills, mature trees, and the Humber River winding through the property.
Who it’s best for: Serious golfers seeking a top-10 Canadian course without traveling to the coasts. It’s a classic design that hosted the 2022 Canadian Open. Access is limited—public play is rare, but charity events in 2027 may offer tee times for $500+ CAD. The conditioning is immaculate, with bentgrass greens and fairways.
Concrete details: The course has a Stanley Thompson routing that uses natural elevation changes. The 6th hole is a 180-yard par-3 over a ravine. *ScoreGolf* ranks it #2 in Canada for 2025. For 2027, the club is planning a bunker renovation. It’s a must-play if you can get on.
6. Tobiano Golf Course
What it is: A desert-style course in Kamloops, British Columbia, designed by Thomas McBroom and opened in 2007. It’s a par-72, 7,200 yards from the back tees, set on a plateau overlooking Kamloops Lake. The course features wide fairways, large bunkers, and dramatic elevation changes.
Who it’s best for: Golfers who enjoy wide-open, windy conditions and a links-like feel in a dry climate. It’s a public course with 2027 rates around $150–$200 CAD for 18 holes with a cart. The course is walkable but challenging due to hills. It’s a great value for the quality.
Concrete details: The course uses Kentucky bluegrass fairways and bentgrass greens. The 15th hole is a 560-yard par-5 that plays downhill to the lake. *ScoreGolf* ranks it #10 in Canada. For 2027, the course plans to add a new clubhouse and practice range.
7. Stewart Creek Golf Club
What it is: A mountain course in Canmore, Alberta, just outside Banff, designed by Gary Browning and opened in 2000. It’s a par-72, 7,000 yards from the back tees, with views of the Three Sisters peaks. The course winds through pine forests and along Stewart Creek.
Who it’s best for: A more affordable alternative to Banff Springs, with similar mountain scenery. Green fees in 2027 are expected at $180–$250 CAD for 18 holes with a cart. It’s a public course with a relaxed atmosphere. The conditioning is excellent, with bentgrass greens.
Concrete details: The course features risk-reward holes like the 320-yard par-4 10th, which is drivable but guarded by water. The 18th is a 520-yard par-5 that plays uphill to the clubhouse. *ScoreGolf* ranks it #15 in Canada. Tee times for 2027 open 12 months in advance.
8. Highlands Links 💎 BEST VALUE
What it is: A Stanley Thompson design in Ingonish, Nova Scotia, within the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Opened in 1939, it’s a par-72, 6,600 yards from the back tees, with a layout that combines ocean views, forest, and mountain terrain. It’s a public course with a rustic feel.
Who it’s best for: Budget-conscious golfers seeking a top-tier experience. Green fees in 2027 are projected at $100–$150 CAD for 18 holes with a cart—a fraction of Cabot’s prices. It’s walkable and offers a caddie program. The course is less manicured than top private clubs but has immense character.
Concrete details: The course uses native grasses and has small, undulating greens. The 7th hole is a 400-yard par-4 that plays along the coast. *Golf Digest* ranks it #50 in Canada. For 2027, Parks Canada plans to improve the clubhouse and pro shop. It’s the best value in Canadian golf.
9. The Links at Crowbush Cove
What it is: A seaside links course in Morell, Prince Edward Island, designed by Thomas McBroom and opened in 1994. It’s a par-72, 6,900 yards from the back tees, with dunes, fescue grasses, and views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The course is part of the Crowbush Cove resort.
Who it’s best for: Golfers looking for a true links experience on the East Coast without the Cabot price tag. Green fees in 2027 are expected at $150–$200 CAD for 18 holes with a cart. The course is walkable, with a caddie option. It’s a public course with a relaxed vibe.
Concrete details: The course features pot bunkers and firm, fast conditions. The 17th hole is a 180-yard par-3 over water. *ScoreGolf* ranks it #8 in Canada. For 2027, the resort plans to renovate the greens and add a new restaurant.
10. Nicklaus North Golf Course
What it is: A Jack Nicklaus-designed course in Whistler, British Columbia, opened in 1994. It’s a par-71, 6,900 yards from the back tees, set in a valley with mountain views and the Fitzsimmons Creek running through the property. The course is public and part of the Whistler resort area.
Who it’s best for: Golfers combining a Whistler ski or summer vacation with golf. Green fees in 2027 are projected at $200–$300 CAD for 18 holes with a cart. The course is walkable, but carts are common. It’s a scenic round with excellent conditioning.
Concrete details: The course uses bentgrass greens and fairways. The 10th hole is a 420-yard par-4 that plays along the creek. *ScoreGolf* ranks it #12 in Canada. For 2027, the course plans to add a new practice facility and expand the clubhouse.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to play golf in Canada in 2027? The peak season is June to September for most regions, with July and August offering the warmest weather and longest daylight hours. Coastal courses like Cabot Cliffs are best in late June through early September to avoid fog.
Are these courses open to the public? Yes, all courses listed are public or semi-public. St. George’s is private but offers limited public access through charity events. Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links are resort courses open to anyone booking a tee time.
How far in advance should I book tee times for 2027? For top courses like Cabot Cliffs and Banff Springs, book 12–18 months in advance. For others like Highlands Links or Crowbush Cove, 6–8 months is sufficient. Many courses open booking in early 2026 for 2027.
What is the average green fee for a top Canadian course in 2027? Expect $200–$500 CAD per round for the top 10, with Cabot Cliffs at the high end and Highlands Links at the low end. Rates may increase 5–10% from 2026 due to inflation.
Do I need a handicap to play these courses? Most public courses do not require a handicap, but some like St. George’s may ask for one for charity events. Cabot Cliffs and Banff Springs welcome all skill levels, though the difficulty is high from the back tees.
Can I walk these courses, or are carts mandatory? Walking is allowed at most courses, including Cabot Cliffs, Cabot Links, and Highlands Links. Carts are optional but recommended at Banff Springs and Stewart Creek due to hills. Caddies are available at several courses.
Sources
- ScoreGolf Top 100 Courses in Canada 2025
- Golf Digest World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses 2024
- Cabot Cliffs official website
- Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course page
- Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course page
- Highlands Links official site
- Tobiano Golf Course official site
- Stewart Creek Golf Club official site
Bottom Line
For 2027, Canada’s best golf experiences range from the coastal drama of Cabot Cliffs to the mountain majesty of Banff Springs and the value of Highlands Links. Each course offers a unique slice of Canadian terrain, from Atlantic links to Rocky Mountain parkland. Book early, pack for variable weather, and prepare for unforgettable rounds.
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