Tee Time in the Nelson and Kootenay Lake Region

The Nelson and Kootenay Lake region is the ultimate playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

In the summer months, amid the old-growth forests, majestic mountain ranges and large freshwater lake, locals and visitors can hike, swim, bike, paddle, climb and even golf. In fact, the region’s five golf courses are considered hidden gems for good reason, offering unmatched mountain views, excellent playability, walk-on tee times, warm and welcoming pros and delicious post-game meals. So pack your clubs and discover the region’s unmissable 9 and 18-hole courses. May the course be with you.

Five resorts for the ultimate golf getaway 

Just six and a half hours from Calgary, golf enthusiasts can find themselves on the green at Kokanee Springs Golf Resort in Crawford Bay. Kick back and stay the night on-site at the 425-acre property and enjoy the fine-dining offerings.  

From Crawford Bay, the region’s golf courses are a short 30-minute drive from one another – ideal if you’re looking to test out a few while you’re visiting.

You’ll find spectacular views everywhere you look in the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region, but especially on the Nelson’s Granite Pointe Golf Course, where you’ll swing your way through 18 holes while enjoying views of Nelson, Kootenay Lake and the famous Kokanee Glacier.

A 30-minute drive up the west arm of Kootenay Lake brings you to the beautiful Balfour Golf Course. The course has seen significant updates in recent years and now sets the bar in the region for course conditioning, playability and overall golfer experience.  

“Balfour Golf Course was host to the 2024 BC Women’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur Competitions,” explains general manager Craig Wilkinson. “Our golf course stood the test of high-level competition and was continuously praised by all competitors and B.C. golf staff.”

And good eats are nearby — Balfour Golf Course’s Osprey Mountain Grill restaurant is well-adored by locals, serving delicious meals like penne alla vodka, lamb shanks and Korean fried chicken. 

Just a 10-minute drive from Kootenay Bay, you’ll find the “friendliest golf course in the Kootenays,” the Riondel Golf Club. The resort offers a family-friendly atmosphere with nine holes and open fairways, along with some trees for those searching for a little more of a dynamic challenge.

Kaslo Golf Course is another great option for all levels of golfers, and you don’t even have to book a tee time — the 125-year-old course welcomes walk-ins. 

Beyond the green 

Is there anything better than a hot spring soak after a day out on the green? Only if you couple it with a refreshing beverage and a delicious, hearty meal. With over 80 places to dine, breweries, hot springs, spas and shopping, the Nelson and Kootenay region offers everything for the ultimate golf getaway.  

Hit some balls and return to charming accommodation for the night — the Nelson and Kootenay region has everything from RV spots to resorts and quirky to luxury options at a variety of price points, made to fit everyone’s ideal trip. Camp under the stars and among the trees with various glamping and camping options, sleep in picturesque chalets or opt for a wellness retreat at a resort — the choice is yours.

If teeing up and taking a swing is not your thing, why not try your hand at disc golf? The region has many disc golf courses spread throughout its communities, all within the natural beauty of its outdoors. From beginner-friendly to extremely advanced courses, you’ll have a ton of fun, no matter if it’s your first throw or you’re an avid disc golfer. 

“Our area has so much to offer beyond great golf,” says Wilkinson. “We often have groups out here for multi-day trips that include golf along with fishing, hiking, mountain biking, camping and beach days. Just about anything that an outdoor enthusiast would want, we have. We just need people to know that leaving their clubs at home is a mistake. Add in the amazing accommodation and the unique food and beverage options to be found all over our region, and we really are a can’t-miss kind of destination!”

To learn more about Nelson and Kootenay Lake golfing, visit nelsonkootenaylake.com/recreation/sports/golf.

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