If you’re thinking about a golf trip to Banff and Canmore, you’ve got some great options. These five courses offer a range of challenges and layouts that really let you experience what mountain golf is all about. Each course has its own character, shaped by decades of design work and the natural terrain of the Rockies. Let’s take a closer look at the courses that stand out in this part of Alberta.
Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course
Fairmont Banff Springs is a course that really stands out for its setting and design. The original 18-hole layout, designed by Stanley Thompson in the late 1920s, is complemented by an extra 9-hole addition from 1989. The course makes smart use of its surroundings by the Bow River and the Rockies, and the way the holes are set up often plays with perspective, thanks to the natural contours of the mountains. It’s a challenging round that keeps you thinking, no matter your skill level.
Stewart Creek
Stewart Creek, designed by Gary Browning and opened in 2000, follows the natural shape of the land near the Three Sisters mountain range. The course features 18 holes with relatively few bunkers—fewer than fifty—and uses the existing terrain, including forested areas and subtle elevation changes, to create a layout that feels natural and grounded. You might notice a few quirks on holes like the long par-four 4th or the controversial 9th. It’s a straightforward mountain course where you also get the chance to appreciate some local wildlife along the way.
Silvertip
Silvertip is set over 600 acres in the Bow Valley and offers a wide-ranging test of golf. Designed by Les Furber, this 18-hole championship course makes good use of the elevation changes—up to 600 feet difference across the layout—with five sets of tees to suit different playing styles. The course design takes you through open grasslands and closer to the Rockies, giving you a sense of space without overdoing the challenge. And after your round, you can check out one of the two on-site restaurants if you’re in the mood for a good meal.
Kananaskis Mount Kidd
Kananaskis Mount Kidd is a rugged, high-altitude course that’s part of the Kananaskis Country Golf Course complex. Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior and rebuilt after the 2013 floods, Mount Kidd is an 18-hole layout that stretches 7,136 yards. The course is known for its nearly 150 granite bunkers and dogleg holes bordered by pine trees. The thinner air at around 5,000 feet elevation actually helps your long game, making your drives carry a bit further. It’s a test of precision and course management, rewarding smart play.
Kananaskis Mount Lorette
Just a short drive from Mount Kidd, Mount Lorette offers a slightly different challenge. Also designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior, this 18-hole course stretches 7,232 yards and features more water hazards—the Kananaskis River and several small lakes come into play. The layout winds through a mix of dense forest and open areas, requiring you to navigate natural obstacles while enjoying the wide, open views. It’s a course that demands attention to detail, especially around the water.
Plan Your BC Golf Trips with Best Golf Trips
These five courses each bring something different to the table, making Banff and Canmore a great destination for an Alberta golf trip. Whether you’re drawn to the classic design of Fairmont Banff Springs, the natural layout of Stewart Creek, or the distinct challenges at Silvertip and the Kananaskis courses, there’s plenty here to keep your game interesting. Let Best Golf Trips help you sort out the details so you can focus on enjoying your round. Reach out today and start planning your next golf getaway in the Canadian Rockies!
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