The Columbia Valley Golf Trail

The Columbia Valley Golf Trail

Traveling three hours west out of Calgary, through Banff and Kootenay National Parks, begins the Columbia Valley Golf Trail.  Bookended by Radium Hot Springs to the north and Fairmont Hot Springs to the south, are eight courses, each one unique for their golf experience.

Located in the mountain village of Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia is the Radium Resort. Set in amongst the vast open spaces are their two 18 holes golf courses. A Columbia Valley favorite since the late 1950’s, the Resort course has seen Phase 1 of a redevelopment plan which included 3 fully redesigned holes, enhancements to 3 other, increased tee decks to 4 per hole and extended the course’s overall length by over 700 yds to 6071. The Springs course, having hosted the 2013 BC Men’s Amateur Championship offers truly exceptional golf, in a setting with naturally beautiful views. With playing distances from 5, 163 to 6,767 yards, and views of the Columbia River below, you’ll see why the Springs is a Canadian Classic.

The towns of Invermere and Windermere are home to Eagle Ranch and the Copper Point Golf Course respectively. The centerpiece of the master planned resort community Eagle Ranch featuring 18 magical golf holes, is the Eagle Ranch Resort golf course. The course plays from the forward tees at 5020 and stretches to 6646 from the Black back tees. New to Eagle Ranch Resort is the inclusion of their Short Course. A par 58, with fourteen par 3’s with a maximum distance of 150 yards, and four par 4’s no longer than 270 yards. Great for anyone who wants to tighten up and practice their money clubs.

Copper Point is another member of the Columbia Valley Golf Trail that offers two golf courses to the appreciative public. The Point, is a challenging layout with exquisite views, lush fairways and undulating greens. Each hole has its own distinct personality. The Ridge at Copper Point is an innovative design, a Masters-style course which features full length Par 3 and Par 4 holes. Its design and playability will certainly appeal to every level of golfer. Matching par will be a challenge. Stay and Play packages utilizing the Copper Point Resort’s upscale hotel is a perfect complement to your Columbia Valley Golf Trail Trip.

The Windermere Valley golf course consistently wins the award for the first course opening each spring. Though the course is shorter than average in length, it certainly makes up for it in character and setting. It is unpretentious, relaxing, family friendly golf in a picturesque valley. A fully stocked proshop and restaurant are available to fulfill your needs.

15 minutes’ drive south down Hwy 95 you’ll find a Canadian family vacation destination favorite, the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. With 2 golf courses – Mountainside and Riverside, golfers will be tested and every club in your bag will come into play. Mountainside is a Doug Carrick designed course which takes advantage of its mountain landscape and is one of the original courses in the valley. The classic tree lined layout was improved upon in 2012 and given a welcomed updating.  Mountains to the left of me, rivers to the right, the Riverside course is all about the water. Wearing its ‘River runs through it’ moniker with pride, the Riverside course is thoroughly enjoyable and walkable !

The Columbia Valley Golf Trail, 35 minutes from end to end, bookended with natural hot springs mineral pools, is truly a fantastic golf destination. Easily enjoyed as a day trip, you’ll want to take a few days to fully appreciate and unwind in the natural beauty of the valley, soak in its many hot pools, enjoy the hospitality of its many resorts and play some fun, relaxing, golf.

Golf Canada’s West is the official golf package provider for the Columbia Valley Golf Trail. Give them a call at 1-877-323-3633 or visit them online at golfcanadaswest.com to book your next visit to the Columbia Valley.