Traveling three hours west out of Calgary, through Banff and Kootenay National Parks, begins the Columbia Valley Golf Trail. Bookended by Radium Hot Springs to the north and Fairmont Hot Springs to the south are eight courses, each one unique for their golf experience.

Located in the mountain village of Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia is the Radium Resort. Set in amongst the vast open spaces are their two 18 hole golf courses. A Columbia Valley favorite since the late 1950’s, the Resort course has seen Phase 1 of a redevelopment plan. Upgrades included 3 fully redesigned holes, enhancements to 3 others, increased tee decks to 4 per hole, and an extension to the course’s overall length by over 700 yards for a total of 6,071. The Springs course, having hosted the 2013 BC Men’s Amateur Championship, offers truly exceptional golf in a setting with naturally beautiful views. With playing distances from 5,163 to 6,767 yards and views of the Columbia River below, you’ll see why the Springs is a Canadian classic.

The towns of Invermere and Windermere are home to the Eagle Ranch and Copper Point Golf Courses respectively. The centerpiece of the master planned resort community of Eagle Ranch, is the Eagle Ranch Resort golf course, which features 18 magical golf holes. The course plays from the forward tees at 5,020 and stretches to 6,646 from the Black back tees. New to Eagle Ranch Resort is the inclusion of their Short Course. It is a par 58 course with fourteen par 3’s at a maximum distance of 150 yards and four par 4’s no longer than 270 yards. It is great for anyone who wants to tighten up and practice their money clubs.

Copper Point is another member of the Columbia Valley Golf Trail that offers two golf courses to the appreciative public. The Point is a challenging layout with exquisite views, lush fairways, and undulating greens. Each hole has its own distinct personality. The Ridge, at Copper Point, is an innovatively designed, Masters-style course, which features full length par 3 and par 4 holes. Its design and playability will certainly appeal to every level of golfer. However, matching par will be a challenge. Stay and Play packages, utilizing the Copper Point Resort’s upscale hotel, are a perfect complement to your Columbia Valley Golf Trail trip.

The Windermere Valley golf course consistently wins the award for the first course opening each spring. Though the course is shorter than average in length, it certainly makes up for it in character and setting. It is unpretentious, relaxing, and family friendly golf in a picturesque valley. A fully stocked pro shop and restaurant are available to fulfill your needs.

A 15 minutedrive south down Hwy 95, you’ll find a Canadian family vacation destination favourite, the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. With 2 golf courses, the Mountainside and Riverside, golfers will be tested, and every club in your bag will come into play. Mountainside is a Doug Carrick designed course, which takes advantage of its mountain landscape and is one of the original courses in the valley. The classic tree lined layout was improved upon in 2012 and given a welcome update. With mountains to the left of me, and rivers to the right, the Riverside course is all about the water. Wearing the ‘River runs through it’ moniker with pride, the Riverside course is thoroughly enjoyable and walkable.

The Columbia Valley Golf Trail, which is 35 minutes from end to end and encased with natural hot springs mineral pools, is truly a fantastic golf ont Hot Springs – B.C. Radium Resort – B.C. destination. Easily enjoyed as a day trip, you’ll want to take a few days to fully appreciate and unwind in the natural beauty of the valley, soak in its many hot pools, enjoy the hospitality of its many resorts, and play some fun, relaxing golf.

Golf Canada’s West is the official golf package provider for the Columbia Valley Golf Trail. Give them a call at 1-877-323-3633 or visit them online at golfcanadaswest.com to book your next visit to the Columbia Valley.