Long days, short nights: a tour through this region is a never-ending adventure. What better way to spend a day than a trip to one to the regions' many golf courses? With stunning views set against a backdrop of mountains and forests, the courses here will challenge both novice and experts alike.
Northern lights
A unique feature of northern summers is daylight until 11 p.m. or later – for golf enthusiasts, tee-off times of 7 p.m. are not unusual. Wildlife sightings are also common as you play, with bear, moose, deer, eagles and marmots often sharing the course with golfers as they traverse the greens.
Golf course highlights
A must-play for the region is the Aberdeen Glen Golf Club, located in Prince George. Twice nominated as the BCPGA facility of the year and at over 7,100 yards, it features dramatic elevation changes - the signature 18th hole features a tee-off from a cliff-top towards the clubhouse below.
Farther north, visit the rolling hills of the equally challenging Lakepoint Golf and Country Club, located on the scenic shores of Charlie Lake, 10 km (6 mi) north of Fort St. John on the Alaska Highway. Featuring well manicured fairways and some of the best greens in BC, this course is a treat to play. In nearby Taylor, the Lone Wolf Golf Club is one of the area’s hidden gems - nestled in a valley, this 7,141 yard par 72 championship course will provide an enjoyable time for all.
To the west, both the Skeena Valley Golf & Curling Club near Terrace and the Smithers Golf and Country Club offer forested fairways and mountain and glacier views as far as the eye can see. The Centennial Golf Course in Prince Rupert offers 18 holes of challenging play; while Hirsh Creek in Kitimat offers an 18-hole championship course on one of the most scenic layouts in BC – watch out for the club’s mascot, the fox, a notorious ball thief!
A few things to remember on your golf trip or excursion:
Tee times should be booked in advance of arrival, especially during July and August. Many courses have a dress code in effect. Check with the golf course or resort so you know what to bring with you.
Traveling around BC? Find out more about golf in:
> Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
> Kootenay Rockies
> Thompson Okanagan
> Vancouver, Coast and Mountains
> Vancouver Island
> Vancouver
> Victoria
> Whistler