11 Best Golf Courses in Ontario
Ontario isn’t just Canada’s most populous province. It’s also one of its best for golf. From Golden Age classics to rugged modern builds, the province offers a mix of private sanctuaries and public-access gems. We reviewed 11 of the most celebrated clubs, testing layouts, facilities, and overall experience. Here’s where Ontario golf stands in 2026.
Reviews of Ontario’s Best Golf Courses
- St. George’s Golf & Country Club – Canadian Open host
- The Toronto Golf Club – Colt Course – Historic Colt design
- The National Golf Club of Canada – Toughest test in Canada
- Westmount Golf & Country Club – Rolling Thompson terrain
- Eagles Nest Golf Club – Best public course
- Hamilton Golf & Country Club – Restored Colt classic
- The Pulpit Club – Two contrasting courses
- The Avalon Club – Exclusive 150 members
- Beacon Hall Golf Club – No tee times policy
- Lookout Point Country Club – Niagara Escarpment views
- Pine Valley Golf Club (Ontario) – Quiet forest retreat
Pine Valley Golf Club
Woodbridge, Ontario
Ontario’s Pine Valley is often overshadowed by the world-famous New Jersey club of the same name, but locals know it as a quiet, tree-lined test of golf. It opened in 1969 and plays as a shorter course where strategy outweighs length. The atmosphere is relaxed compared with Ontario’s “big names,” but that’s part of the charm.
Membership is limited and low-key, with a focus on community. The course makes good use of elevation and mature forest, giving a “walk in the woods” feel that regulars value.
⭐ 4.4 | Since 1969
St. George’s Golf & Country Club
Etobicoke, Ontario
St. George’s is a Stanley Thompson masterpiece from 1929, threading through the Humber Valley. The course is defined by narrow, twisting fairways, elevated greens, and bold bunkering. It has hosted five Canadian Opens, most recently in 2022, and is ranked among the world’s top 100.
The club completed a major renovation ahead of the 2010s and has steadily improved conditioning. It’s a walking-first course, though caddies and carts are available. Beyond the course, St. George’s is recognized for its strong junior program and a membership that values tradition.
🌐 stgeorges.org | ⭐ 4.7 (900+ reviews) | Since 1929
The Toronto Golf Club – Colt Course
Mississauga, Ontario
Harry Colt’s Colt Course (1916) is one of Canada’s most historic designs. The bunkering is understated but brilliant, with subtle angles forcing players to think before pulling the driver. It’s a timeless routing, often called one of the best Colt designs outside the UK.
The club is the third oldest in North America (founded in 1876) and steeped in tradition. Access is highly restricted to members and guests. The clubhouse preserves Edwardian architecture, and the atmosphere is quietly formal.
🌐 torontogolfclub.com | ⭐ 4.7 (170+ reviews) | Since 1876 (Colt Course 1916)
The National Golf Club of Canada
Woodbridge, Ontario
Known simply as “The National,” this George and Tom Fazio design (1975) is widely considered the hardest course in Canada. Its narrow fairways, punishing rough, and lightning greens are designed to test scratch golfers, though it remains fair to precise players. Guests often describe it as humbling but unforgettable.
Membership is famously exclusive. The club enforces strict etiquette policies, including no cash tipping and limited phone use. Facilities include one of Canada’s best practice ranges, and the clubhouse dining is considered excellent.
🌐 thenationalgolfclubofcanada.com | ⭐ 4.8 (160+ reviews) | Since 1975
Beyond the Course: How Ontarians Spend Their Free Time
Golf may be Ontario’s summer passion, but members often balance it with other hobbies. Private clubs add curling, tennis, or dining to keep things social in the off-season, while many Ontarians turn to indoor pastimes like streaming sports or digital games once the sun goes down.
Online Gambling as a Year-Round Option
Since iGaming Ontario launched in 2022, licensed casino platforms have become part of everyday leisure. Unlike golf’s seasonal schedule, these apps run 24/7 and give players instant access to blackjack, roulette, poker, and themed slots – all regulated under AGCO standards. For many players, the appeal isn’t just convenience, but the ability to approach play with intention rather than impulse.
As more Ontarians look for guidance on how to gamble responsibly, resources like this practical playbook for smarter decisions help bridge the gap between casual entertainment and informed participation, especially during the colder months when outdoor activities slow down.
What the guide covers:
- Clear, beginner-friendly explanations of common betting approaches
- Simple strategies designed to manage risk and avoid costly habits
- Practical tips that focus on decision-making, not chasing wins
For Ontarians, that makes online gambling a complementary pastime rather than a replacement. When spring returns and fairways open again, many players shift naturally back to tee times and walking rounds. Until then, digital play offers a structured way to stay engaged, making the transition from winter evenings indoors to summer mornings on the course feel seamless rather than abrupt.
Westmount Golf & Country Club
Kitchener, Ontario
Stanley Thompson’s 1931 Westmount is a rolling parkland course where no shot is flat. Known for its “Westmount lie,” the course keeps golfers guessing. The greens are quick, the bunkering strategic, and the conditioning consistently strong.
Westmount is also a full country club, with curling, tennis, and dining that appeal to families. Its Golf Training Centre is among the best in Canada, with PGA professionals, high-tech analysis, and junior elite programs. Reviews often highlight how welcoming the staff and members are.
🌐 westmountgolf.com | ⭐ 4.8 (310+ reviews) | Since 1931
Eagles Nest Golf Club
Maple, Ontario
Eagles Nest is Ontario’s top public option. Built in 2004 on an abandoned quarry, it has links-inspired shaping, sandy waste areas, and dramatic elevation changes. It’s challenging but playable, making it a favourite for corporate outings and serious weekend golfers alike.
Green fees peak at $235 in summer but include a tour-level experience. The clubhouse hosts weddings and events, with the “lago” restaurant earning rave reviews. Pace of play can be slow on busy weekends, but weekday mornings are ideal.
🌐 eaglesnestgolf.com | ⭐ 4.5 (1,100+ reviews) | Since 2004
Hamilton Golf & Country Club
Ancaster, Ontario
Hamilton is a Harry Colt classic, with rolling terrain and elevated greens. A recent $11.5M restoration by Martin Ebert restored its bunkers and improved drainage, drawing high praise. It’s a multiple Canadian Open host, most recently in 2024.
The club includes 27 holes (West, South, and East nines) with Colt’s original routing on West and South. A 9-hole Short Course and an active caddie program add to its heritage feel.
🌐 hgcc.ca | ⭐ 4.6 (350+ reviews) | Since 1894 (current site 1916)
The Pulpit Club – Pulpit & Paintbrush
Caledon, Ontario
The Pulpit Club offers two contrasting courses. The Pulpit is modern parkland, while the Paintbrush is an homage to Scottish links, complete with stone walls and even grazing sheep. The variety between the two courses makes this one of Canada’s most unique memberships.
The club markets itself as a four-season destination, offering fishing, skating, snowshoeing, and hiking. Members describe it as more than a golf club – a lifestyle retreat.
🌐 thepulpitclub.com | ⭐ 4.7 | Since 1990s
The Avalon Club
Uxbridge, Ontario
The Avalon Club is Ontario’s newest boutique private course. Membership is capped at just 150, ensuring exclusivity. While little is known about the layout yet, early feedback highlights its modern approach to service and tight-knit community feel.
Early staff reviews point to a strong culture of hospitality, with management emphasizing a supportive environment. Expect premium facilities once the course is fully mature.
⭐ 5.0 | Since 2025
Beacon Hall Golf Club
Aurora, Ontario
Beacon Hall, designed by Bob Cupp in 1988, blends two contrasting nines. The front nine plays through pines, while the back nine opens into links-style fescue and waste bunkers. Members love the freedom of no tee times.
Membership is equity-based and limited to 260 shareholders. The club also runs a scholarship/caddie program and a Performance Academy offering high-level coaching and golf fitness.
🌐 beaconhall.com | ⭐ 4.6 (120 reviews) | Since 1988
Lookout Point Country Club
Fonthill, Ontario
Lookout Point is a Walter J. Travis design (1922) perched atop the Niagara Escarpment. With sweeping views of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and even Niagara Falls on a clear day, it’s one of the most scenic courses in the province.
The club celebrated its centennial in 2022, highlighting its deep history. It’s family-oriented, with parent-child tournaments, glow-golf nights, and strong junior programs. Dining is also a standout, with themed events and a patio overlooking the valley.
🌐 lookoutpointcc.com | ⭐ 4.6 (177 reviews) | Since 1922