By Dave Finn as published in Volume 26 Issue 1 of Golf Central Magazine
Located on Canada’s Pacific coast, this evergreen destination has been voted the #1 Best Island Destination in North America by Travel + Leisure Magazine and Conde Nast Traveler Magazine.
Experience the wild with the Indigenous
Why? Because the island offers something for everyone. You can view Orcas, Humpback whales, sea lions and dolphins in their natural habitat, fish for salmon, mountain bike, savour the freshest seafood anywhere or relax in a luxurious spa that caters to your every need.
The Vancouver Island Golf Trail encompasses four regions, 12 golf courses and 12 accommodation partners. Golf Magazine calls it “one of the best deals in the continent.” In this issue, I want to focus on the largely undiscovered Comox Valley and Campbell River regions, which offers four unique and memorable golf experiences.
Crown Isle Resort at Sunset
Crown Isle Golf Resort is an 871-acre resort and residential community in the heart of the vibrant City of Courtenay. Opened in 1992, this Graham Cooke-designed course takes full advantage of the Comox Valley topography. While relatively flat, it offers magnificent views of the Beaufort Mountain Range and Comox Glacier. However, beware: there are twelve lakes to contend with, so water is evident on most holes, making this a challenging championship course.
Guest accommodations include ninety fully equipped villa suites nestled amongst the trees or 26 brand-new cottages that line the first fairway. 18-hole green fees range from US$50 to $105, but they offer many Stay’N’Play options. Mount Washington is only 30 minutes away; you can ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon. How cool is that?
Campbell River Golf Club sits on the former site of the Sequoia Springs Golf Club. Graham Cooke redesigned this 18-hole layout in 2017, and the result is astounding. The course layout combines well-tree-lined parkland and open heathland-style holes. Open to the public, it is now an intricate part of the Naturally Pacific Resort that opened in 2024. The property offers 100 spacious rooms and suites, a luxurious spa, upscale dining, and other amenities like the Golf Academy and the Velocity Lounge, which features the newest ‘Toptracer’ technology. 18-hole green fees are around US$52 – $105. The resort also offers a variety of Stay’N’Play packages with local partners like Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours.
Storey Creek Golf Club
Storey Creek Golf Club is a parkland layout offering subtle elevation changes framed by towering pines and cedars. I suggest “keep the driver in your bag” because it was the most demanding course I played in the region. The forest is dense; finding your ball is nearly impossible after an errant shot. If you love wildlife, you are guaranteed to see plenty of deer frolicking as you ‘play through.’ A great value. 18-holes range between US$42-$85.
Quadra Island Golf Club – 9th hole
Quadra Island Golf Club is a 10-minute ferry ride from Campbell River. This nine-hole cottage-style layout has plenty of elevation changes and tight, treelined fairways with a modest feel. Open from June 1 to October 31, the 9-hole green fees are around US$28. They also have a unique 18-hole mini putt course that is fun for the whole family. If you long to experience that ’60s vibe when life was simple and carefree, you’ll want to spend time touring the island after playing the course.
Campbell River Whale Watching
Golf Vancouver Island offers packages and tee times to suit your needs and budget, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or want to kick back, relax, and be pampered. For more information, contact https://golfvancouverisland.ca/
To read the entire April 2025 issue of Golf Central Magazine click here.
Golf Vancouver Island in the April 2025 Issue of Golf Central Magazine
