Destination Guide: Vancouver Island
Destination Guide: Vancouver Island
In Vancouver Island, located in the southwest corner of British Columbia, that's not necessarily the case.
With the warmest climate in Canada, your golf clubs spend more time at the golf course than in the closet here. And with more than 50 golf courses -- from country clubs to public facilities -- Vancouver Island is a top golf vacation destination in Canada. Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, near Victoria, is among the top plays. It boasts three of the best finishing holes on Vancouver Island, highlighted by the par-3 17th, a 213-yard island green.
After going for birdies on the golf course, you can see them -- and plenty of other wildlife -- off the course. More than a million birds migrate on the Pacific Flyway each year, and thousands stop over at Vancouver Island. Whale watching is also big up and down the 3,500-kilometer coastline of Vancouver Island, and no region in British Columbia matches Vancouver Island for easy access to fresh and saltwater fishing (700 lakes, 160 rivers and 890 streams).
The fishing is fantastic here -- and so is the seafood. There are plenty of dining options. And the area boasts so many fine wineries, you could call it California north.
Winery tours are among the many attractions at Vancouver Island. Visitors should also check out the Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan and explore the art of British Columbia's storied First Nations. There are many museums -- including the Royal British Columbia Museum -- that showcase the history of British Columbia.
What about your hockey fix? Well, you can visit the world's largest hockey stick and puck at the Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan.
See also
Special Deals
Area Map
Area Tee Times
Latest reader ratings from this area
Related Articles
Golf course review: Morningstar Championship Golf on the Vancouver Island golf trail
How unique is Morningstar Championship Golf? It has the only palm tree on Vancouver Island near one of its tees. Transported in, the tree's stayed alive in its very unnatural climate. Morningstar sits at right about sea level. It's located just a few turns from Parksville's very natural beaches, which makes it a great spot to stop about halfway through the length of the Vancouver Island Golf Trail.
... full article »Vancouver Island's Bear Mountain: No need for signature holes when they're all memorable by Nicklaus
Bear Mountain Golf & Country Club, in the hills outside of Victoria, Vancouver Island's largest and hippest city, has found a way to render the signature hole obsession satisfyingly mute. When almost all the holes are showy and distinct, when no two golfers can seem to agree on which hole is the best, you get a day of wows rather than one carefully scripted marketing moment.
... full article »University Golf Club stands as an unexpected pleasure in Vancouver
Vancouver's University Golf Club is a calm haven of golf in the middle of a city that's racing breakneck speed ahead with preparations for the 2010 Winter Games. It's hard to believe you're still in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in North America. It feels like you're in some remote hinterland with trees on all sides. Never mind that it really only takes 15 minutes to drive here from the bustling harbor tourist area.
... full article »Tricky treats make Furry Creek golf course a must-play
Imagine stepping onto a basketball court and finding the rims are 12 feet high or getting to a baseball diamond and discovering five bases. That's Furry Creek Golf and Country Club in British Columbia. Calling it unconventional would be like saying Howard Hughes was a little eccentric. Still, as alien as the shots get, as tricked up as this Canadian course sometimes seems, Furry Creek grabs you from the first hole and takes you on a wild ride.
... full article »Furry Creek a mountainous, challenging course
They call Furry Creek the most scenic golf course in British Columbia, and few will argue. This Robert Muir Graves design above Howe Sound halfway between Vancouver and Whistler, has golfers enjoying the sites, as well as some good target golf.
... full article »With more than 50 golf courses, Vancouver Island may be just the ticket
With more moderate temperatures on the West Coast, Vancouver Island is, without a doubt, one of the best places for Canadians to play in all of the "Great White North." With more than 50 golf courses including the Victoria Golf Club, this British Columbia area is a golfer's dream.
... full article »Destination Guide: Vancouver Island
When you think of Canada, hockey comes to mind before golf. On Vancouver Island, located in the southwest corner of British Columbia, that's not necessarily the case. With the warmest climate in Canada, your golf clubs spend more time at the golf course than in the closet here. And with more than 50 golf courses -- from country clubs to public facilities -- Vancouver Island is a top golf vacation destination in Canada.
... full article »Destination Guide: Vancouver
When it's time for a Vancouver golf experience, there are several courses to choose from within a 45-minute drive of the city -- and many are open year round, too. Morgan Creek Golf Course and Fraserview are among the best plays, and they are both open year round. Just make sure to leave plenty of time after your round. There are plenty of other things to do and see in Vancouver.
... full article »
