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April 28, 2025

Golf in Vancouver: Best Courses, Lessons, Driving Ranges & Tips

Vancouver is one of the best cities in Canada for golf lovers. With a mild climate, beautiful scenery, and a wide choice of courses, it’s a fantastic place to tee off. Whether you’re new to the game or an experienced player, you’ll find a course that suits you.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about golfing in Vancouver.

Top Reasons to Golf in Vancouver

Vancouver’s weather makes it possible to play golf almost year-round. Even during winter, many courses stay open. Spring and fall offer especially nice conditions, with cooler air and fewer crowds.

Another reason golfers love Vancouver is the scenery. You’ll often play with views of the mountains, ocean, and lush forests. It’s a relaxing and unforgettable experience.

Plus, Vancouver offers public, semi-private, and private courses. So no matter your budget or skill level, you’ll find a place to play. The city also has excellent driving ranges, professional golf instructors, and golf shops. Everything you need is close by.

Types of Golf Courses

There are three main types of golf courses in the city:

1. Public Courses

Public courses are open to everyone. They usually have affordable green fees. In Vancouver, public courses are well maintained and offer great value.

Examples:

Fraserview Golf Course

Langara Golf Course

McCleery Golf Course

2. Semi-Private Courses

Semi-private courses allow non-members to play, but they may charge higher fees. Sometimes, certain tee times are reserved for members only. These courses often offer a more upscale experience with better practice facilities.

Example:

University Golf Club

3. Private Clubs

Private clubs are for members and their guests only. They usually require a membership fee and annual dues. Private clubs offer premium conditions, luxurious clubhouses, social events, and tournament opportunities.

Examples:

Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club

Marine Drive Golf Club

Capilano Golf and Country Club

Best Time of Year to Play Golf

You can technically play golf all year in Vancouver. But the best months are April to October.

Spring (April to June):

Courses are lush and green. Temperatures are mild. Spring flowers make the views even more beautiful. Fairways and greens are in excellent condition after winter.

Summer (July to August):

Sunny and dry weather. Courses are busier, so book early. Morning and late afternoon tee times are cooler and more comfortable. Summer evenings are long, allowing for twilight rounds.

Fall (September to October):

The weather cools down. Courses are less crowded. Fall colours on the trees create a stunning backdrop. Many courses also offer special fall rates.

Winter (November to March):

Some courses stay open, but rain and soggy conditions are common. Dress warmly and wear waterproof gear. Some golfers switch to practice ranges during wetter months.

Best Public Golf Courses in Vancouver

Fraserview Golf Course

Located in East Vancouver, Fraserview is a championship course with tree-lined fairways. It’s suitable for players of all levels. It also has a driving range and putting green.

McCleery Golf Course

McCleery offers a classic parkland layout. It’s peaceful and green, with mature trees lining the fairways. It’s a good course if you like a walkable, traditional golf experience.

Langara Golf Course

Langara is a flatter course, ideal for seniors, beginners, and those who enjoy walking. It’s close to public transit, making it easy to reach. The course’s forgiving design makes it a great place to practice course management skills.

University Golf Club

A popular spot near UBC, University Golf Club has wide fairways and a traditional style. It’s open year-round and also has a large pro shop with good gear selections. They offer lessons, tournaments, and junior golf programs.

Northlands Golf Course

Located in North Vancouver, Northlands offers amazing mountain and city views. It’s a challenging course with lots of elevation changes. Bring extra balls! Its layout is exciting but punishing if you miss fairways.

Driving Ranges

Practising your swing is easy in Vancouver. Here are some of the top driving ranges:

Musqueam Golf & Learning Academy:

Open year-round with heated stalls. Great for lessons, club fittings, and long practice sessions.

Fraserview Golf Driving Range:

Attached to Fraserview Golf Course. Covered and lit for evening practice.

Westwood Plateau Golf Academy (Coquitlam):

Worth the drive from Vancouver. Fantastic facilities with grass and mat hitting areas.

Seymour Creek Golf Centre & Driving Range:

A quiet spot to work on your game in a scenic North Shore setting.

U.B.C. Golf Course Range:

Small but convenient for UBC students and west side residents.

Driving ranges are especially popular in the winter when courses are wetter.

Golf Lessons and Clinics

Want to improve your game? Vancouver offers many options for lessons:

Musqueam Golf & Learning Academy:

One of the best spots in Vancouver. PGA-certified instructors, video analysis, beginner clinics, and junior programs.

City Golf Courses (Fraserview, McCleery, Langara):

Affordable group lessons and private instruction. Good for beginners or intermediate players looking to fine-tune skills.

Westwood Plateau Golf Academy:

High-level coaching available for adults and juniors. Excellent facilities for serious improvement.

Private Instructors:

Many pros operate independently and offer tailored coaching plans. Search online or through Golf Canada’s directory.

Lessons are available year-round. Winter is a good time to work on swing changes so you’re ready for the next season.

Where to Buy Golf Equipment

If you need clubs, balls, or golf clothes, Vancouver has several great options:

Golf Town

Multiple locations including Richmond and North Vancouver.

Massive selection of clubs, bags, apparel, and accessories.

Club fitting, regripping, and repairs on site.

Sport Chek

Offers basic sets and clothing.

Locations throughout Metro Vancouver.

Pro Shops

University Golf Club and Fraserview Golf Course both have well-stocked pro shops.

Good for quick buys like gloves, balls, hats, and rain gear.

Independent Stores and Special Prices

Vancouver Golf & Travel Show (once a year) offers special deals and a chance to try gear.

Golftown.ca and Golf Avenue (online) offer discounts on new and pre-owned clubs.

Used Equipment

Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and second-hand sports stores are good places to find beginner-friendly sets at lower prices.

Unique Golf Experiences

Vancouver also offers unique ways to enjoy golf:

Pitch & Putt Courses:

Stanley Park, Rupert Park, and Queen Elizabeth Park have beautiful pitch & putt courses. Great for families, beginners, or a quick round.

Golf Tournaments:

Many local businesses and charities host fun tournaments from May to September. Look online or at Golf Canada’s website for upcoming events.

Golf Simulators:

Indoor golf simulators like Golftec Vancouver, Par-Tee Putt, and One Under allow you to play famous courses indoors, rain or shine.

Final Tips for Golfing in Vancouver

Always check the weather before your round. Even summer can bring surprise showers.

Plan transportation. Some courses are close to SkyTrain or bus lines, but others require a car.

Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen in summer. Vancouver’s UV levels can be high, even on cooler days.

Consider a GolfBC card if you plan to play multiple rounds at participating courses like Nicklaus North, Gallagher’s Canyon, or Mayfair Lakes.

Conclusion

Vancouver is truly a golfer’s paradise. With world-class public courses, stunning natural settings, and year-round playing opportunities, it’s hard to beat. Whether you’re practising at the range, taking lessons, or playing a scenic round with friends, you’ll love golfing in Vancouver.

Get out there, book a tee time, and experience golf in one of the most beautiful cities in Canada!

Planning a golf trip to Vancouver or looking to explore more of the city’s outdoor activities? Stay in comfort at The Bradford Furnished Rentals, located conveniently near top golf courses and Vancouver’s vibrant West End. Our fully furnished suites offer a stylish and relaxing home base, close to major attractions, dining, and transit. Contact us today to learn more and check availability!

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