Canada’s Best Golf: Rocks, Trees, Lakes & Epic Rounds Just North of Toronto

By jake

April 29, 2024

Breath-taking scenery, top-rated courses, knowledgeable staff, inviting clubhouses, and incredible dining experiences await in Ontario’s cottage country.

There is just something special about a round of golf in Ontario’s cottage country. Whether you’re an avid golfer or just starting out, with more than 30 golf courses to choose from, a golf getaway to the region will turn your enthusiasm for the greatest game up another few levels.

**Muskoka Bay Resort** – ranked as one of the best courses in Canada

Ranked & Ready to be Played

First off, the proof that this region has some of the best golf in Canada. Check out the annually top-ranked courses and make it you goal to try them all in 2024.

Muskoka Bay Resort Gravenhurst – Ranked #22 in Canada*
Bigwin Island Golf Club Lake of Bays – Ranked #33 in Canada*
Rocky Crest Golf Club Mactier – Ranked #36 in Canada*
Port Carling Golf & CC Parry Sound – Ranked #40 in Canada*
Ridge at Manitou Parry Sound – Ranked #57 in Canada*
Taboo Muskoka Gravenhurst – Ranked #95 in Canada*
Deerhurst Highlands Huntsville – Ranked #113 in Canada
Seguin Valley Golf Club Parry Sound – Ranked #123 in Canada

*Noted ratings based on Score Golf’s THE 100 – Best Golf Courses in Canada for 2022. For the full list, click here.

*A private club with public access at certain times: **Bigwin Island Golf Club** on Lake of Bays*

A Hole or Two With a View

The scenery of Ontario’s cottage country is second to none and many of the region’s golf courses carve the landscape into the game experience. Lakeside views, tree-lined holes and lots of granite bluffs makes golfing in this region extra special. A few of the most scenic courses includes:

Bigwin Island Golf Club – A private club on Bigwin Island in Lake of Bays. A round of golf for stay-and-play guests starts with a boat ride. The sweeping fairways drape naturally over the rugged terrain, with glorious lake vistas at every turn creating a sense of timeless beauty and tranquility

Oak Bay – The club is a natural marvel that seamlessly fits with its rugged environment of Georgian Bay. Some holes have rocky outcroppings or are framed by the Georgian Bay shoreline, others are made more intimate by delightful swaths through the dense forest that defines the Muskoka region

Seguin Valley Golf Club – part of a spectacular 1,000 acre northern wilderness property that features several ponds, lakes, rocky ridges, creeks and wetlands

A top-ranked golf course and stellar accommodation awaits at **Taboo** Resort

Stay and Play

Great golf deserves great accommodation. Our resorts have it covered!

Bigwin Island – Stay at a true island resort and play one of Canada’s top-rated golf courses
Deerhurst Resort – Save up to 15% on accommodation and golf at Deerhurst Highlands
Muskoka Bay Resort – Dusk & Dawn package including twilight 9 holes, accommodation and morning 18 holes, or the Friends and Fine Tuning Women’s Weekend Package, May 31-June 2.
Oak Bay – Stay at Christie’s Mill Inn & Spa, Rawley Resort or town homes steps from the clubhouse
The Ridge at Manitou – Wake up to stunning views and spend your days exploring the course
Seguin Valley Golf Club – Three cottages and a converted sugar shack. The largest cottage sleeps 16
Taboo – Modern accommodation and championship golf. Plus a Nine and Dine package

A legend in the golf world, Sir Nick Faldo designed **The Rock** golf course in Minett

A Designer’s Dream

The allure of the region has led top golf course designers to stamp their personality on our landscape. From pioneers Stanley Thompson to modern greats Thomas McBroom or legendary players like Mark O’Meara and Sir Nick Faldo, our region hosts some incredibly designed courses that use the unique landscape to the fullest.

Sir Nick Faldo – The Rock. Opened in 2004, The Rock spreads across the granite-studded landscape of Muskoka’s Lake Rosseau. The course was Sir Nick Faldo’s first design in Canada and became recognized as the best new golfing challenge when it opened.

Mark O’Meara – Grandview Golf Club. Co-designed by PGA Tour veteran Mark O’Meara and renowned course architect Brit Stenson, the course opened in 2001. It is aptly named as it exudes grandness from the moment you arrive.

Doug Carrick – Muskoka Bay Resort, and Bigwin Island Golf Club. Carrick skillfully crafts championship courses, characterized by elevation shifts, undulating fairways, and immaculate greens.

Ron Garl – Taboo. The rugged and vibrant Canadian Shield is a big part of what makes golf here truly special, including graceful white pines, mature red oaks and bold, pink granite outcroppings.

Stanley Thompson – Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club, Huntsville Downs (with John F. Robinson) and Windermere Golf and Country Club. Golf Course architect Stanley Thompson (1893-1953) was a legend who left his mark on the Canadian landscape from coast to coast.

Thomas McBroom – Parry Sound Golf and Country Club, Port Carling Golf and Country Club, Öviinbyrd Golf Club, The Ridge at Manitou, Rocky Crest, Lake Joseph Club and Deerhurst Highlands (with Bob Cupp). The Tom McBroom signature has become synonymous with the design and construction of outstanding golf courses. Each one of his unique designs captures the character of the land so every course possesses its own distinct personality, charm and playing experience.

The sport of footgolf is offered at **Muskoka Highlands Golf Links**

Unique Experiences & Courses

Eagle Lake Golf Course – if nine holes are not enough, but 18 holes too much, try Eagle Lake Golf Course with its 12-hole design.

Milford Manor Golf Course – No club house, no staff on site and a course aimed at families and people getting into the game. Just slide the cash money through the door and head out to this quirky course.

The Ridge at Manitou – Elevate your golf experience with a Fly & Play package brought to you by The Ridge at Manitou Golf Club and Loft Air. This unique experience allows you to arrive directly at one of Canada’s premiere golf courses from the downtown city centre or the dock at your cottage.

Muskoka Highland Golf Links – a pioneer in elevating the golf experience. The greens are dog friendly, golfers can travel around the course on quad bikes and the back nine also incorporates a footgolf course.

The Antler Steakhouse at **Deerhurst Highlands** offers some of the best post golf dining

Dining Delights

There is more to a golfing experience than the quality of the greens and fairways. A great round can be elevated by an amazing dining experience. Here are just a few great options for the 19th hole.

Deerhurst Highlands – The charming Antler Steakhouse restaurant offers an authentic Muskoka dining experience. From the classic Tomahawk Steak to warm fondue, fresh greens and delightful desserts, The Antler is no longer just for those looking to enjoy just a steak.

Diamond in the Ruff – The Sunday buffet alone is a great excuse to come play a few holes but the full menu will elevate anyone’s golf experience.

Muskoka Bay Resort – The Cliffside Restaurant is set 300 ft. above the golf course. It pairs an exhilarating view with elevated comfort food and drinks.

Misty mornings at the **Seguin Valley Golf Course**

Golf Every Day

Check out the complete list of courses in the region and plan your multi-day golf itinerary.

To plan your stay in Ontario’s cottage country and to enjoy an epic golf getaway, click here.

Feature image: Taboo Golf Course, Gravenhurst