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Golfing in the Thompson Okanagan

Try to pay attention to the golfing in the Thompson Okanagan, where beautifully layouts meander past lakeside vineyards, across canyons and through dramatic desert landscapes. This central British Columbia region, known for its long sunny season and varied terrain, is one of the hottest golf destinations in North America. More than fifty 18-hole golf courses in the area include a large concentration around Kelowna, Kamloops and Vernon. Post-round, stop at fruit stands, gorgeous beaches and quaint tasting rooms that showcase the region’s exceptional wines.

49.893584,-119.452128|50.267893,-119.272056|50.675249,-120.327101|50.674107,-119.217821|49.028794,-119.484497

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MAP LEGEND
  1. Kelowna
  2. Vernon
  3. Kamloops
  4. Shuswap region
  5. Osoyoos

Kelowna Golf Courses

The Harvest Golf Club: At The Harvest Golf Club, play peaceful, not-too-tough holes that meander through fruit orchards, where you can pick fruit as you play. After a round, take time for a delicious dinner at the Harvest Grille.

Gallagher’s Canyon: Enjoy playing rolling, tree-lined holes that epitomize the beauty of the Okanagan. Gallagher’s Canyon has been a favourite in the Thompson Okanagan for over thirty years.

The Okanagan Golf Club: If possible, play 36 at The Okanagan Golf Club. Both courses – The Quail and The Bear – swerve through lodgepole pine and serve up wonderful views. The exceptional dining spots on-site have local wines available from Hester Creek, Peller Estates and Red Rooster.

Tower Ranch: In 2009, Golf Digest selected Tower Ranch, designed by Canadian architect Thomas McBroom, as one of their top three new courses in Canada. Amazing vistas are part of a day on the green.

Vernon Golf Courses

Predator Ridge Golf Resort. Photo Credit: Predator Ridge Golf Resort

Predator Ridge: Predator Ridge is home to two championship courses regarded by SCOREGolf magazine as “must plays” in the Thompson Okanagan region. The Ridge Course dips and dives along a bluff overlooking Okanagan Lake, while the Predator Course meanders through grass-capped hills. After a 36-hole day, relax in fairway-side accommodation at The Lodge, or dine at Range.

Kamloops Golf Courses

Kamloops Golf. Photo Credit: Kelly Funk/All Canada Photos

Tobiano: Playing 18 holes at Tobiano is like finding a golfers’ paradise in Kamloops. This highly rated Thomas McBroom-design overlooks Kamloops Lake and offers scrumptious lake and mountain views on every hole.

The Dunes: This 6,973-yard, Graham Cooke-designed course features four sets of tees and a great practice facility. The layout at The Dunes also boasts wide fairways and large, undulating greens.

Sun Rivers Golf Resort: After a riveting round on Sun Rivers' bluffs and desert terrain, tuck into beef tenderloin and prawns at Hoodoos, the outstanding on-site restaurant.

Shuswap Golf Courses

Talking Rock Golf Course: Talking Rock is a sprawling, tree-lined course. Try to stay focussed for the beautiful finish along the lake before retiring to the cozy confines of the Quaaout Lodge.

Salmon Arm Golf Club: Dip through parkland on this scenic, semi-private course. Established in 1928, Salmon Arm Golf Club is consistently recognized by SCOREGolf as one of the "Top-100 Canadian Golf Courses."

Hyde Mountain: Marvel at the rugged, lakeside setting and enjoy the incredible elevation changes on the LesFurber-designed Hyde Mountain Golf Course. Finish the round on the patio to enjoy sublime elevated views.

Osoyoos Golf Courses

Visit the desert region of Osoyoos in the South Okanagan for great golf courses and wonderful wineries. Fairview Mountain, Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course and the Osoyoos Golf & Country Club are all excellent choices. Post-round, visit some of the area’s many wineries including Burrowing Owl Estate Winery  and Nk’Mip Cellars at Spirit Ridge Resort & Spa.

Accommodation

Playa Del Sol Resort, Kelowna: This beautifully landscaped resort features an inner courtyard, pool, patios and spacious air-conditioned units.

Sparkling Hill Resort, Vernon: Overlooking Okanagan Lake, this lavish resort, decorated with millions of shimmering crystals, is home to North America’s first cold sauna. Just pop into the sauna for a few minutes at -110 Celsius and you’ll feel energized for another round of golf.

Hampton Inn by Hilton Kamloops: The 81-room Hampton Inn features large rooms, Jacuzzi suites and a complimentary hot breakfast.

Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa, Osoyoos: The 4.5-star Spirit Ridge Resort is a luxurious desert hideaway set among beautiful vineyards in the Osoyoos area.

Transportation

Fly into Kelowna or Kamloops via a one-hour flight from Vancouver or Calgary. Upon arrival, rent a car to drive to the courses and the wineries.

By car, Kelowna is about five hours east of Vancouver on the Coquihalla Highway. Calgary is eight hours away via the Trans-Canada Highway. The Shuswap area is about an hour and a half north of Kelowna on Highway 97, and Osoyoos is a one hour and forty-five minute drive south of Kelowna on Highway 97. Osoyoos is approximately five hours east of Vancouver.