Play your best game at these East Kootenay golf courses

The East Kootenay region is home to some of B.C.’s most sublime courses

by Danielle Cameron — March 24, 2023

Majestic mountain view from Fernie Golf Club.

The mountain views from the fairway at Fernie Golf Club are unsurpassed. — Photo courtesy Fernie Golf Club/Facebook

The East Kootenay region is known for having excellent golf courses. Whether you are hoping to practise your putt between business meetings or have some time to play a sprawling 18-hole course, there is something for you here.

These are some of the most appealing courses in the region:

Golf courses in Cranbrook

Cranbrook Golf Club
Location: Cranbrook, B.C.
Par: 72
Yardage: 6,790
What makes it special: Those who play this sunny course enjoy a long playing season, with the course usually open by early April. The spacious and efficient layout makes for minimal waiting and the course can easily be completed within a four-hour timeframe. The terrain allows for you to play an easy round or challenge yourself, depending on the tee boxes you choose.

Mission Hills Golf Course
Location: Cranbrook, B.C.
Par: 54
Yardage: 2,523
What makes it special: Mission Hills offers a full-size three-hole loop known as the "Mini Mission." This deceptively challenging loop is perfect for golfers with time constraints as it takes about 40 minutes to play. Watch for special events throughout the season like charity golf tournaments and comedy evenings.

Dramatic view from Shadow Mountain Golf Course, showing bridge in distance and mountains.

Shadow Mountain Golf Course
Location: Cranbrook, B.C.
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,405
What makes it special: This 18-hole championship course has five tee boxes to accommodate golfers of any skill level, but watch out for the infamous signature Hole 17, dubbed “The Monster.”

St. Eugene Golf Resort
Location: Cranbrook, B.C.
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,007
What makes it special: In honour of the resort’s history and location on First Nations land, St. Eugene Golf Resort has signage in place with Ktunaxa names for all 18 holes. The signs were lovingly crafted from pine beetle–damaged wood and each one displays a Ktunaxa traditional expression along with the phonetic spelling and English translation.

Wildstone Golf Course
Location: Cranbrook, B.C.
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,127
What makes it special: Wildstone Golf Course’s signature Hole 9 and other features have made this course a fan favourite and it’s widely considered a “must-play” course when visiting the region. Wildstone has a practice area with a spacious putting green, separate chipping green and driving range.

Autumn is a beautiful time of year to enjoy a round of golf at the Creston Golf Club. Pond in foreground, fall trees in background.

Golf courses in Creston

Creston Golf Club
Location: Creston, B.C.
Par: 72
Yardage: 6,508
What makes it special: Surrounded by scenic farmland and forests, the Creston Golf Club is professionally-designed and makes a great walking course. With its rolling terrain and tricky elevation changes, this diverse course will have you using every club in your bag.

Golf courses in Fernie

Fernie Golf Club
Location: Fernie, B.C.
Par: 70
Yardage: 6,556
What makes it special: The Fernie Golf Club has a rich history, having opened its doors back in 1918. Beginners and experts alike have been perfecting their game here ever since. The Fernie Golf Club is rated as one of the top 25 golf courses in British Columbia.

Golf courses in Fairmont Hot Springs

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Riverside Golf Course
Location: Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C.
Par: 71
Yardage: 6,347
What makes it special: Bill Newis designed this 18-hole course to be pleasantly walkable, taking golfers across the Columbia River and through a contemporary course layout. When you’re finished at the Riverside course, be sure to try a round at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort’s 18-hole Mountainside and 9-hole Creekside courses as well. After your game, take a dip in the famous hot springs!

Panoramic view of distant mountains, lake, rainbow.

Golf courses in Invermere

Eagle Ranch Resort
Location: Invermere, B.C.
Par: 72
Yardage: 6,646
What makes it special: Perched on a bluff with the sparkling Columbia River below, the Eagle Ranch Resort course is masterfully designed and will impress any golf enthusiast. The course is no piece of cake—ravines and water hazards along the way pose unique challenges.

Golf courses in Jaffray

Will-O-Bend Golf & RV Park
Location: Jaffray, B.C.
Par: 30
Yardage: 2,099
What makes it special: This executive course only has nine holes, but three of them are particularly lengthy and challenging enough to test even seasoned players. The countryside views are unsurpassed and there are even scenic campsites available nearby.

Golf courses in Kimberley

Bootleg Gap Golf
Location: Kimberley, B.C.
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,157
What makes it special: A game of golf at Bootleg Gap means strolling alongside the clear waters of the St. Mary River while you take on an impressive 18-hole championship course. Even in off-season, you can still get a game in by using one of Bootleg’s indoor virtual golf simulators.

Purcell Golf
Location: Kimberley, B.C.
Par: 71
Yardage: 6,413
What makes it special: Purcell Golf is home to the Kimberley Golf Club and offers a variety of membership options for avid players. Signature Hole 12 is a par-4 hole with glorious views of the St. Mary River Valley. The two-tiered green adds challenging elevation changes to keep things interesting.

Aerial view of the Bootleg Gap Golf Course in Kimberley.

Trickle Creek Golf Resort
Location: Kimberley, B.C.
Par: 72
Yardage: 6,896
What makes it special: Trickle Creek Golf Resort was designed by Les Furber and was voted as the number one course in Cranbrook and Kimberley by B.C. Golf Safari survey respondents. Located along the slopes of the North Star Mountain, the course offers majestic views of the surrounding landscape.

Golf courses in Panorama

Greywolf Golf Course
Location: Panorama, B.C.
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,140
What makes it special: This stunning golf course, with a backdrop of the Purcell Mountains, is ranked as 18th best overall course in Canada. The dramatic alpine location and dynamic layout make this Panorama golf course stand out. Test your skills on sculpted fairways with tricky par-3 holes and elevation changes galore.

Golf courses in Radium

The Radium Course
Location: Radium, B.C.
Par: 72
Yardage: 6,269
What makes it special: The Radium Course is a photographer’s dream—especially Hole 2. From the elevated tee box, you can look to the west for a view of the Purcell mountains and the expansive Columbia Valley. The course is challenging for all skill levels, making it a prime choice for an affordable, family-friendly golf outing.

The restaurant and clubhouse at the Springs Course in Radium is located in a picturesque setting.

The Springs Course
Location: Radium, B.C.
Par: 72
Yardage: 6,818
What makes it special: Consistently rated as one of B.C.’s top golf destinations, the Springs Course is set alongside the scenic Columbia River. Wildlife such as bighorn sheep are spotted here regularly.

Golf courses in Revelstoke

Revelstoke Golf Club
Location: Revelstoke, B.C.
Par: 72
Yardage: 6,537
What makes it special: The heritage-rich Revelstoke Golf Club was originally the site of horse races and other equestrian and agricultural activities back in the early 1900s. It became a golf clubhouse in the 1920s. The championship-layout 18-hole course boasts spectacular natural vistas and welcomes golfers of all skill levels.

Golf courses in Sparwood

Sparwood Golf Club
Location: Sparwood, B.C.
Par: 71
Yardage: 6,156
What makes it special: Situated in the heart of the beautiful Elk Valley, this immaculate nine-hole course was established in 1982. There is also a driving range on the property. Make sure to stop in at Crumbs Bar & Grill, where they serve up delicious food and mouth-watering baked goods on-site.

Golf courses in Windermere

The Ridge at Copper Point Golf Club
Location: Windermere, B.C.
Par: 70
Yardage: 6,807
What makes it special: Along with the Point (the other course at Copper Point Golf Club), the Ridge is a sight to behold. It’s an exhilarating, Masters-style course and is conveniently located near the luxurious Copper Point Resort, so you can stay and play.