Golfer Mike Weir
Expect big names such as Mike Weir (pictured), Luke Donald and Anthony Kim when the RBC Canadian Open takes over Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club from Jul. 18 to 24. In its 107-year history, this tournament has hosted many of golf’s greatest talents, from Tiger Woods to Arnold Palmer.—Sheri Radford
Founders Club golf bag and clubs
With more than 100 high-quality golf courses within a reasonable drive from downtown Toronto, it’s easy to hit the links this summer. Before you go for the green, however, make a trip to Golf Town, which offers everything from clubs to apparel and high-tech gadgets to improve your game. Featured this season are ladies’ Swarovski hat clips that double as ball markers, plus Founders Club “Believe” club sets—each purchase helps support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Gentlemen ball strikers can pick up a TaylorMade R11 driver or Nike Method Core putter. Golf Town’s indoor simulators allow everyone to test new clubs for the right feel and fit before you buy.
Summer activities are still burning bright this far into August. Take in the sights, do some shopping, and be sure to get in a round of golf!
Take a swing at the Ridge at Manitou golf club
Friday, August 27
Rifle through antiques for treasure at the annual Bracebridge Antique Show & Sale, on today through Sunday. Great finds amongst the jewellery, furniture and quilts!
Kick back, relax and enjoy pizzas, pasta, steak and fish on the dockside patio at the Cottage Waterfront Grill in Huntsville.
Saturday, August 28
They say Marty Curtis is the Michelangelo of butter tarts. Find out for yourself by ordering the Canadian staple at Marty’s World Famous Café. Other filling options abound, from grilled cheese sandwiches to tempting Muskoka apple pies.
Discover some of the country’s best ales, lagers and stouts at the Muskoka Beer Festival. The 19+ event presents an opportunity to sample more than 75 different craft brews, see a wakeboarding show, and participate in a number of other activities.
Sunday, August 29
Whether you’re a seasoned duffer or a relative newcomer to the game, the Ridge at Manitou offers an excellent Muskoka golf experience. Following your round, enjoy the hospitality in the clubhouse lounge and its breathtaking view of Manitouwabing Lake.
Stay young at heart with a trip to Applause! Toy Store. (Or just treat your children.) This toy heaven in Bracebridge is filled with games, toys, puzzles, art supplies, and an interactive kids play area.
Quagmire stocks stylish apparel for the young golfer
Head to one of the city’s many golf courses decked out in gear fit for the fairways. Newbie Canadian company Quagmire brings its A game with fresh, young designs that are perfect both on and off the green. Available at Sport Chek.—Jennifer Patterson
Satisfy your sweet tooth with the treats at Cupcakes. Photo courtesy Cupcakes
1 Zimsculpt, an exhibition of impressive stone sculpture from Zimbabwe, at VanDusen Botanical Garden (Aug. 13 to Sep. 26).
2 Cheering on the BC Lions football team.
3 A “voyage” on False Creek Ferries or Aquabus Ferries to the Public Market on Granville Island for early-morning coffee and fresh baked goods beside the water.
4 Soaking up the sunshine along the seawall.
5 Sweet treats from Cupcakes and other tasty spots along Denman Street.
6 Riding the Canada Line SkyTrain right up front, with an unobstructed view of the tracks all the way to—or from—Vancouver International Airport.
7 Leisurely afternoons strolling through the Vancouver Art Gallery.
8 Douglas Coupland’s Digital Orca art installation, near the new Vancouver Convention Centre. The local author/artist also has an eye-popping clothing line in Roots stores this summer.
Flowers at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Photo by Kristina Urquhart
9 Blasts from the past such as Melissa Etheridge (Aug. 20) and Van Morrison (Aug. 7).
10 Meeting for dim sum at big and bustling Chinese rooms such as Floata, Kirin or Sun Sui Wah.
11 The hundreds of stores (not to mention the air conditioning) in Park Royal.
12 The world’s most spectacular golf. Don’t forget your camera.
13 Walking across Granville or Burrard bridge for the best free city views with an ocean and mountain backdrop.
14 All the restaurants with fantastic patios, ideal for summer dining.
15 Exploring local gardens.
Stunning scenery sets the stage for a round of golf
By Jeff Angus and Jennifer Patterson
With all the focus West Coasters put on the great outdoors, it’s no surprise Metro Vancouver is a golfing destination. So whether you putt, drive, swing or chip your way to the eighteenth, there’s never a shortage of stellar courses to aim for that elusive hole-in-one or, even better, that perfect game.
A golfer attempts a birdie on the 14th hole at Furry Creek. Photo by KK Law
Furry Creek Golf & Country Club
If you enjoy sprawling mountain ranges and panoramic ocean views, head 40 minutes north of Vancouver to Furry Creek. The first hole prepares you for what’s ahead: a 165-ft (50-m) drop from tee to green on the 352-yd (322-m) par four. But the 14th hole is the most memorable—and most photographed—as it sits almost level with the ocean and the green is surrounded by the pristine Pacific. Don’t let the view throw you off your game; the 211-yd (193-m) hole demands accuracy off the tee.
Fun fact The famous fight scene between Adam Sandler and former The Price is Right host Bob Barker from the comedy Happy Gilmore was filmed at Furry Creek.
Tip If you’re a beginner, stock up on balls before your round, as a few wayward tee shots on this unforgiving course may have you feeling surly.
University Golf Club
In a city celebrated for its private courses such as Marine Drive, Point Grey and Shaughnessy—home of the 2005 and 2011 PGA Tour Canadian Opens—the University Golf Club has taken a different route by celebrating its public status with the slogan “non-members only.” Situated on the grounds of the University of British Columbia, the tree-lined course is a serene escape from downtown’s bustling metropolis.
Tip The wide, forgiving fairways allow for a few flubs during the round, but they narrow as you get closer to the green, so make sure your short game is in order.
Lush greens on the University Golf Club. Photo courtesy University Golf Club
Kings Links by the Sea
Bordering the Strait of Georgia, Kings Links by the Sea has uneven fairways lined with thick rough and fescue, very few trees and lots of wind. All in all, it’s a links course in the truest sense. Using natural terrain to create a playing field, the links-style course originated and was made famous in Scotland.
Tip If too much wind hinders your game, start early as the breeze picks up in the afternoon.
Fraserview Golf Course
City-owned Fraserview is known for numerous elevation changes and tricky greens. It’s one of only three public courses in the city—McCleery and Langara are the other two—certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. Of an estimated 32,000 courses in the world, only 677 are certified. The goal is to help golf courses preserve and protect wildlife and natural resources.
Tip The ball always breaks towards the Fraser River.
McCleery Golf Course
City-owned McCleery offers relatively flat fairways and large, welcoming greens. But don’t get too comfortable: a dozen water hazards keep you on your toes. Local duck and geese enjoy this course thanks to the ample swimming spots.
Tip To score well, keep the ball on the fairway.
Langara Golf Course
The shortest city-owned course is Langara, playing at only 6,261 yd (5,725 m) from the tips. It’s accommodating to players of all skill levels, but keep an eye out for sand traps that line the course.
Tip Precision off the tee makes navigating the rolling green less of a challenge.
Sprawling views at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course. Photo courtesy Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Whistler
Golf legends Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus recognized Whistler’s idyllic setting as the perfect spot to build their award-winning courses. It’s fitting that they set up championship courses a stone’s throw from one another, as their on-course rivalry is legendary, beginning in the early ’60s. Jack Nicklaus lent his expertise to the crafting of Nicklaus North, which sits nestled in a lush valley and has played host to big names such as Fred Couples, Vijay Singh and John Daly. It was ranked one of the top 10 public golf courses in British Columbia in 2009 by SCOREGolf Magazine. Arnold Palmer left his mark on the West Coast with his design of the Whistler Golf Club. His philosophy was to create a course that is not only fun to play but also respects nature; it incorporates crystal-clear streams and lakes. Opened in the mid-’80s, it continues to be voted one of the top spots to play in the country.
Only two Canadian courses landed a spot on Golf Digest’s prestigious list of the 75 best golf resorts in North America. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler was one of them, snagging position #23 with its winning combination of golf, lodging, food and service. The course is carved into the side of Blackcomb Mountain, with natural features including an exposed rock face, ravines and waterfalls.
Famous Names
We don’t just produce great courses, we also produce some heavyweight talent.
Mike Weir The first Canadian to win the Masters Tournament, back in 2003.
Sandra Post Won eight LPGA titles, and two were back-to-back.
Al Balding The first Canadian to win on the PGA Tour, back in 1955.
Stephen Ames Currently ranked one of the top 25 golfers in the world.
Nick Taylor Young up-and-comer is first on the world amateur golf ranking.
For more info on these and other local golf courses, click here.
July is not going down without a party first. Take particular note of numerous jazz concerts as you celebrate this Civic Holiday long weekend!
North Restaurant chef Alain Irvine serves up the flavours of the Muskoka region
Friday, July 30
Don’t miss the Huntsville Jazz Festival, running this weekend only! Juno award–winner Alex Cuba opens tonight at the Algonquin Theatre.
Prepare for an evening packed with family fun, shopping and entertainment at the Bracebridge BIA Midnight Madness event.
Saturday, July 31
Indulge in one of Muskoka’s best meals at Gravenhurst’s North Restaurant. Chef Alain Irvine’s fresh, seasonal cuisine is sure to please.
Continue the jazz extravaganza tonight at the Festival of the Sound. The 16-piece Dave Young Big Band performs the renowned bassist’s original compositions and breathes new life into old standards.
Sunday, August 1
Find swing of a different kind by booking a tee time at the exceptional Ridge at Manitou golf course.
Dash into the 1950s tonight as the Lincolnaires offer a nostalgic set of early rock ‘n’ roll classics for Music on the Barge.
Monday, August 2
If the greens are still calling, tee off at the Muskoka Bay Club‘s naturally beautiful 18-hole course. On site, the newly renovated Clifftop Clubhouse boasts a pro shop plus indoor-outdoor bistro with tantalizing dining options.
Step aboard the Island Queen for its Sunset on the Bay Musical Cruise. Watch as the sun dips under the water while vocals and instruments provide a musical lullaby.
Golf cleats by Ecco
With Father’s Day (Jun. 20) just around the corner, here are some great gift ideas for Dad.
1 Support his golf obsession with a pair of turf-loving shoes from Ecco (pictured).
2 Iconic Canadian menswear shop Harry Rosen doesn’t just carry suits; find ties, socks, tees and more, straight from the pages of GQ.
3 Perfect for the outdoorsman: a fleece vest, pocketknife or much-needed compass from Mountain Equipment Co-op.—Jennifer Patterson
Tee off at the signature holes—and courses—of Canada’s hottest golf destination.
By Brian Kendall
Muskoka Bay Golf Club
GOOD TO GO Stunningly beautiful, but not crazily long
or difficult, Muskoka Bay Golf Club’s 441-yard first hole—launched from a rocky perch high above the fairway—is an ideal opener.
CANADIAN CLASSIC Affording panoramic vistas of the surrounding Lake of Bays, the par-four sixth at Bigwin Island Golf Club is renowned as one of Canada’s most scenic holes.
ROCKY RIDE The par-three seventh at Taboo Golf Course is chiseled through a long and craggy chute of striated pink and grey granite. Miss left or right and your ball bounces into orbit.
INTO THE ABYSS From the dizzying heights of the eighth tee at Lake Joseph Club, golfers must hit a precision iron shot to a valley green dwarfed by a giant wall of pink granite.
NINE TO GO A thrilling conclusion to a roller-coaster-ride front nine, The Rock Golf Club’s dogleg par-five ninth challenges golfers to bite off they dare.
Deerhurst Highlands
DOGLEG RIGHT Muskoka’s golf boom began with the 1990 opening of Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course, where the par-four 10th launches from a towering granite-slab tee box before twisting right toward a multi-tiered green.
BOGEY HOLE Perhaps Muskoka’s most feared hole is the 16th at South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club, a par four demanding a pinpoint approach over a ball-hungry gully to an undulating green.
HERCULEAN EFFORT High-handicappers beware: the carry over bedrock and water from the back tees at North Granite Ridge Golf Club’s par-five 17th hole is a knee-buckling 220 yards.
GRAND FINALE With a green at the par-five 18th that appears suspended like an emerald infinity pool above Manitouwabing Lake, The Ridge at Manitou Golf Club offers a magical ending to every round.
The Muskoka region melds the glory of nature with modern convenience and amenities. Experience it all this weekend!
Saturday: Spend time at Muskoka Wharf
Friday, May 28
On your way north, stop in at Bayfield Mall to stock up on necessities. More than 70 stores—including Winners, Canadian Tire, Price Chopper and Pharma Plus—help ensure you’re prepared for any situation.
Take in stunning greens, tall trees and expansive Muskokan vistas while challenging yourself to a round of golf at North Granite Ridge.
Saturday, May 29
Head to Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst to stroll along the boardwalk, investigate the the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre or indulge in dining and shopping. Kids can frolic in the playground and water-play area.
Enjoy modern artists’ interpretations of works by the Group of Seven and Tom Thompson—more than 40 pieces are displayed at Huntsville’s Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery.
Sunday, May 30
View Ontario wildlife at indoor facilities and while venturing across 50 acres of walking trails. The Muskoka Wildlife Centre is an interactive learning park for all ages where furry woodland creatures make for a memorable trip.
Browse the shelves of The Bookcase, an independent bookstore housed in a Huntsville historic building, and pick up a new tome or an old favourite to read on a quiet cottage-country evening.
The Victoria Day long weekend marks summer’s unofficial start in the picturesque Muskoka region. Take your pick amongst concerts, shopping, spas and dining events that are sure to make your stay memorable!
Friday: Jim Cuddy and his Blue Rodeo bandmates hit the Kee to Bala stage (photo by Alison Cathrae)
Friday, May 21
Fulfill your lifestyle goals while perusing the many health, food, fashion and home decorating products and services at the Muskoka Lifestyle Show, running all weekend long. Door prizes and free gifts for the first 50 visitors are offered every day.
Rush out to catch Blue Rodeo at the Kee to Bala concert hall and discover for yourself why they’re one of Canada’s most beloved bands.
Saturday, May 22
Breathe in the fragrance of fresh produce at the Bracebridge Farmers Market. Browse the various stands, speak with the local vendors and choose from a wide variety of tantalizing fruits, vegetables and local delights.
Make a return trip to the Kee to Bala as Xavier Rudd & Izintaba top off the Victoria Day weekend with a concert hosted by Jesse Penwright, and featuring special-guest opener Justin Nozuka.
Sunday: Relax on Lake Rosseau
Sunday, May 23
Re-create the cottage experience at the Cottage Waterfront Grill. Bask on the dockside patio while indulging in your choice of pizzas, pastas, steaks and fish dishes.
Feel like a queen at the Spa at the Rosseau. Enjoy a view of Lake Rosseau while indulging in a massage, manicure, pedicure, facial or hair treatment.
Monday, May 24
Celebrate Victoria Day with a plethora of activities at Deerhurst Resort: rent a fishing boat, participate in a family scavenger hunt, stroll a scenic trail, or play a round on one of two excellent golf courses. To end the day, several dining options offer sustenance, including upscale Eclipse with a view of Sunset Bay and the lobby bar with extensive martini options, wines and light entrées.
Enjoy the cozy cottage feel of Spencer’s Tall Trees. The restaurant offers a lovely view of Hunter’s Bay, plus regional delicacies and an award-winning wine list.
Summer continues in Muskoka’s laid-back cottage country. There’s lots to see and do!
The Kee to Bala is Muskoka's famed concert hall (photo by Reegmo).
Friday, July 10
Revere the reggae sound of Toots and the Maytals, as they reign over the Kee to Bala tonight.
Saturday, July 11
Admire the charm and history behind venerable vessels at the Antique and Classic Boat Show.
Coddle the kids with carnival buskers and crafts during Muskoka Summerfest at Bracebridge Bay Park.
See puppet shows plus dance and music performances at The Edge of Woods Theatre Festival in Huntsville.
Sunday, July 12
Marvel at Bracebridge’s downtown milieu as the Art in the Heart outdoor art market covers the town with colour.
Experience the rolling terrain of a traditional Scottish golf course by playing a round at Muskoka Highlands.
Cottage country welcomes friends from the big city this weekend as musical guests and international chefs reign over the Canadian Shield.
Friday, July 3
Spend a night with prominent international record producer and DJ Steve Aoki. He exudes an electric groove tonight at the Kee to Bala.
Sample savoury smoked meats, farm-fresh fruit and baked goods to boot at the Rosseau Market. There are handmade soaps, arts and crafts to take home, too!
Saturday, July 4
Witness the fervent fire of Latin guitarist Johannes Linstead—he takes to the Algonquin Theatre stage as part of the Hunstiville Festival of the Arts.
Dine at Deerhust Resort’s Thrill to Grill gala with barbecue guru Rob Rainford. Expert wine pairings and beer tastings compliment this culinary carousal.
Sunday, July 5
Refine your backswing and appreciation for nature by teeing off amidst 300 acres of pristine meadowlands at the Ridge at Manitou.
Nourish your body with the healing minerals found in the leaves and lakes of northern Ontario at Touchtone on Lake Muskoka’s Touch Spa.
Spa treatments, golf courses and gourmet dining—Muskoka has all you could ask for in a relaxing summer vacation!
Friday, June 26
Greet summer with a shimmer at Taboo Resort by indulging in the royal treatment of a glistening gold body wrap.
Admire Muskoka’s natural charms amidst an award-winning 18-hole design by Nick Faldo at one of Ontario’s premier golf courses, The Rock.
Saturday, June 27
Brush up on your brush strokes at the Group of Seven Mural Festival in Huntsville and contribute to the colour covering the town.
Treat your taste buds to traditional English high tea accompanied by select sandwiches, scones and sweets at Gravenhurst’s Blue Willow Tea Shop.
Sunday, June 28
Awaken the artist in your youngster at the Kaleidoscope Children’s Festival, which includes theatre, games, music and fun for the whole family.
Wend your way through Georgian Bay on a guided kayak tour from White Squall Paddling Centre, and marvel at Muskoka’s majestic milieu.
Entertainment, fine dining, outdoor adventures and the rejuvenation of body and spirit—it’s all in a day’s (or weekend’s) play in Muskoka!
Friday, June 12
Book some seats at the Algonquin Theatre for music and dance as Muskoka Dance Academy’s year-end performance of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland amuses the entire family.
Luxuriate in the comforting confines of the Spa at Deerhurst Resort and savour the sweet and healthy minerals of its Muskoka Maple Sugar Body Polish.
Saturday, June 13
Discover the hidden heritage and cultural charm of 19th-century cabins and farms featured as part of Doors Open Lake of Bays.
Appreciate the woodcarvings and watercolours of wildlife, home and country on the annual Muskoka Lakes Spring Art Tour.
Sunday, June 14
Behold the breathtaking woodland vistas and elevated tee decks as you seek to tame the challenging, 18-hole golf course at North Granite Ridge.
Nosh on local specialties—like Ontario rainbow trout served with baby potatoes, zucchini, eggplant and summer squash—amidst the verdant backdrop of Algonquin Park at Arowhon Pines restaurant.
From greens known for their scenic beauty to holes that are challenging even for a low-handicap golfer, these golf courses were chosen as Canada’s best by Where editors from coast to coast.
One of Alberta’s finest courses, Heritage Pointe, is set in the pristine Pine Creek Valley. This upscale, public golf course was ranked #3 for service in Canada by Score Golf Magazine, and is known for its three distinct nines, slick greens, world-class practice facilities, and a beautiful, full-service clubhouse.
Located just outside Halifax in Bayside, Granite Springs is one of Nova Scotia’s finest and most picturesque golf courses, as rolling hills contrast with scenic seaside vistas. Challenging bunkers and water features force golfers to bring their best game. (902) 852-4653, 4441 Prospect Rd.
Metro Vancouver boasts a plethora of scenic courses, ranging from Westwood Plateau in Coquitlam to Peace Portal Golf Course in Surrey to Newlands Golf and Country Club in Langley to University Golf Club in Vancouver. And because it’s Vancouver, after a round of golf you can go sailing or running on the seawall or skiing—yes, even in the summer, at nearby Whistler.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, The Marshes Golf Club at the Brookstreet Hotel is both challenging and breathtakingly beautiful. Less experienced or time-restricted golfers can tee off at the attached MarchWood—a European par three that’s a perfect small-scale version of The Marshes.
Whistler is known for its stunningly beautiful courses that incorporate mountains and water, including Nicklaus North Golf Course, Big Sky Golf and Country Club, Furry Creek Golf and Country Club, and Whistler Golf Club. Even non-golfers are happy, as long as they have a camera in hand.
One of Edmonton’s premier golf destinations, The Royal Mayfair Golf Club runs along the scenic North Saskatchewan River in the heart of the city, mere minutes from downtown hotels. Ringed by river valley greenery and popular Hawrelak Park, the Mayfair caters to golfers—pros and duffers alike—who appreciate a classy 18.
9450 Groat Rd, 780-432-0066.
Head north to hit a round at the picturesque Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course in Huntsville. This 7,011-yard tour de force is a playable but demanding favourite of professionals and amateurs alike—don’t miss the signature 10th hole, where elevated tee areas perch 30-feet above a natural rock wall.
There are many incredible golf courses in the Canadian Rockies, including classic Stanley Thompson layouts at the Fairmont Banff Springs and Jasper Park Lodge. But our pick for “best value” is the 36-hole Kananaskis Country Golf Course, known for its Robert Trent Jones, Sr design, scenic Kananaskis River Valley location, exceptional dedication to customer service and $90 green fee. For more info, check out our Mountains of Golf article.
Victoria’s prestigious Bear Mountain Resort has just opened its second offering, the 18-hole Valley Course. Like the original Mountain Course, the new course offers gorgeous views of dramatic West Course landscape, challenging play adapted to a range of skill levels and a wide array of related amenities. Together, the two courses form Canada’s only Nicklaus-designed 36-hole golf resort.
The Victoria Day long weekend marks Canada’s unofficial start of summer, and where better to celebrate than in the Muskoka region?
Friday, May 15
Take home a piece of Canadian country charm at the Muskoka Lifestyle Show in picturesque Port Carling.
Support local art at the Silver Bridge Gallery as it presents Metal Petals, featuring one-of-a-kind hand-sculpted garden art.
Enjoy French Cuisine and lakeside scenery in the charming Twigs dining room at the Inn at Christie’s Mill.
Saturday, May 16
Enjoy a tuneful day with the family at the annual spring concert presented by the Muskoka Children’s Choir and Inspiring Sounds Music Studio.
Relive the vivacious performances of Elton John circa 1970 at a tribute concert, the Goodbye Yellow Brick Roadshow, by Ronnie and the Jets.
Celebrate the season at Deerhurst Resort’s Eclipse restaurant with local gourmet flavours including Milford Bay smoked trout, spring lamb and fiddleheads.
Sunday, May 17
Revel in the spectacular vistas as you swing for the fairways at pristine Taboo Resort. Its challenging golf course is the home course of 2003 masters champion Mike Weir.
Sip cocktails and breath in the crisp cottage-country air aboard a Lady Muskoka Cruise.
Take a stroll through downtown Hunstville and marvel at the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, featuring replicated murals created by Canadian artists.
Monday, May 18
Venture back to the turn of the century at Muskoka Heritage Place, where costumed interpreters teach everything from pioneer baking to candle dipping.
Treat yourself like Queen Victoria and pursue handcrafted natural soap bars from Huntsville boutique Soapstones. Fragrances like Algonquin Morning and Muskoka Blueberry stimulate the senses.
10 MUST-PLAY GOLF COURSES
Hit the links at one of Canada’s hottest destinations.
Prototype Course In 1990, Muskoka’s golf boom began with the launch of Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course, a superb Tom McBroom–Robert Cupp co-design at Huntsville’s Deerhurst Resort.
Par Three to Remember From the wildly elevated eighth tee at Lake Joseph Club near Port Carling, golfers hit to a valley green dwarfed by a giant striated wall of pink granite.
Celebrity Endorsed The official home course of 2003 Masters champion Mike Weir, Gravenhurst’s Taboo Golf Course offers a roller-coaster ride through wetlands, rock shelves and a forest of birch, pine and balsam.
Blindingly Beautiful The Mark O’Meara Course at Huntsville’s Grandview Golf Club frequently forces golfers to blast blind shots over menacing rock faces. Daunting at first, the gorgeous forest layout grows friendlier with each playing.
Memories of Scotland Muskoka Highlands Golf Course, an appealing Scottish links-style layout in Bracebridge, meanders over 150 rolling acres on a routing that forces golfers to whack tee shots into the wind.
Fantasy Island Elevated tees—notably at the sixth and 18th holes—present glorious vistas of the surrounding Lake of Bays at Bigwin Island Golf Club, a design by Doug Carrick that numbers among Canada’s most picturesque courses.
Bogey Hole Perhaps Muskoka’s most feared hole is the 16th at Bracebridge’s recently restored South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club. The par four features a long approach over a ball-hungry gully to an undulating green.
Most Anticipated Re-Launch Closed last season for the refinement of several holes, The Rock Golf Club, an award-winning Nick Faldo design in Minett, is a tight and twisting layout that demands precision.
Golden Oldie An older, classically designed course not to be missed is Huntsville Downs Golf and Country Club. A local favourite since 1925, the tract was carved through dense forest and Canadian Shield granite.
Best Bargain North Granite Ridge, midway between Huntsville and Bracebridge, offers many of the thrills, challenges and rugged scenery of Muskoka’s best-known courses at about half the cost.
Tip! In Muskoka, green fees have climbed as steeply as the popularity of its golf courses. Many clubs offer twilight fees that allow you to play at a discount late in the day.
Brian Kendall is the author of Northern Links: Canada From Tee to Tee.
—Brian Kendall
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