Canada Calls
A Fully Escorted Golf Tour Through The Canadian Rockies
Detailed Itinerary:
How to describe this journey is a challenge in itself. We start in Calgary – departing from the Fairmont Palliser – a historical landmark with links to the original Canadian Pacific Railway. Calgary, home to nearly 1 million people, is where the Prairies meet the Rockies. We meet for a pre tour lunch and get together at this famous hotel, before heading off at 2.00pm, our first time together on coach traveling through these two unique regions.
Our first round of golf in Canada is at Kananaskis Golf Course – a Robert Trent Jones design & ranked in the world’s top 50 - set amongst the limestone peaks of Mt Lorette and Mt Kidd – 5000 ft above sea level. We play golf at the base of the Rockies Three Sisters Mountains at Stewart Creek - distinctive for crystal clear ponds, streams, layered fairways and old mining entrances. We take time out at Banff, see the famous Banff Springs Hotel – with a trip up the Banff Gondola. A very small town – 7000 only live here, you will see the natural town setting which has made this historical railway stop so famous – sublime mountain landscapes, sitting in the natural amphitheatre of the Bow River.
Our journey continues onto Panorama – this days travel is one you will not forget – make sure you keep your eye out for wildlife including bears and have your camera handy! We will stop at Lake Louise, and have champagne at the lakes edge, the jewel of the Rockies and take some time to also visit often forgotten Lake Morain.
The Panorama Village, an Intrawest Ski development, at the base of the Kooteney Ranges and Purcell Mountains makes for three very special nights and some great golf at two distinctive golf courses. Eagle Ranch has some of the most unique natural contours defining its fairways, offers varied terrain and 360 degrees views over the Rocky & Purcell Mountains – no other course has made such use of its natural canyon territory. In contrast, Greywolf set in the mountain slopes above Panorama is fast becoming one of the top courses in Canada – with unparalleled golfing and spectacular mountain vistas from every hole.
Onto Canada’s ‘California’ Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley. To get here we have to go via the Continental Divide – also known as the Rocky Mountain Trench and into British Columbia. This drive takes us through Rogers Pass and Glacier National Park, so named after the 430 glaciers located within. Another day that you must stay awake, with camera at the ready! Three great courses await us in the Okanagan.
Gallagher’s Canyon - named after the famous canyon that runs through the course – rated in the top five in Canada. The Bear at Okanagan Golf Club - the first Jack Nicklaus designed course that we play – considered a must play course set in an inspired natural setting. And Predator Ridge - so named after the birds of prey that are at home in the area – 12 in total out of the 120 species of wild birdlife! Look out for Sergio Garcia – who has purchased two cottages in the adjourning residential areas. Predator Ridge has 27 holes split into 3 nines – play your 14th optional round (!) or elect to take the day off on an escorted wine tour.
Whistler is set to host the 2010 Winter Olympics and we visit this magical mountain township on the 12th night of our tour – having traveled through Lilloet and the spectacular Duffy Lake Road. The golf spectacle continues. We play Nicklaus North – our no. 2 from the Golden Bear Design Co – and one that has the reputation of being a course that Jack wanted people to enjoy – they do! Host to the inaugural 1997 Canadian Skins and again in 2005. Chateau Whistler is a true mountain course – we wind up and down this breath-taking Robert Trent Jones designed course, which despite the ruggedness of design, is eminently playable!
Another spectacular drive is the one we take from Whistler and onto Vancouver Island via ferry – down the Sea to Skyway Highway. On route we play Furry Creek which is a fun course – where the Happy Gilmore movie was shot. Not long, but dramatic, a little tricky and unforgettable – noted to be BC’s most scenic with abundant wildlife. The first tee sets the scene with a 165 ft drop to the tranquil waters of Howe Sound!
You will enjoy your time at Victoria – time for a day exploring and maybe the world famous Butchart Gardens. Vancouver Island offers some great golf courses - two of the best are included in our itinerary. Olympic View with its two waterfalls make this course one that has to be played to be believed. Don’t be fooled by the beauty however – it is a test for all levels with multiple tee boxes. And then Bear Mountain - the third course we play from the master – Jack Nicklaus designed which features a stunning series of panoramic city, mountain and ocean views. And a genuine 19th hole?
We finish in Canada’s third largest cities, Vancouver. Home to only 540,000 ‘Vancouverites’ but a fascinating cosmopolitan city. Our last game of golf on tour is at Morgan Creek, which is a Thomas McBroom designed championship golf course located just 35 minutes south of Vancouver. Rolling bent grass fairways offer superior drainage for year-round play with playing conditions that are second to none. A fitting end to our PaR nz Canada Calls Golf Trail…. sadly then, our farewell dinner and prize giving! Bon Voyage.
Itinerary and Night Stops :
| Departing June and September 2008 |
Date
|
Night Stop |
Golf |
Travel |
| 1st |
Canmore 3 nights |
|
Calgary to Canmore |
| 2nd |
|
Kananaskis |
|
3rd
|
|
Steward Creek |
|
4th
|
Panorama 3 nights |
|
Canmore / Banff / Panorama |
5th
|
|
Eagle Ranch |
|
6th
|
|
Grey Wolf |
|
7th
|
Kelowna 2 nights |
|
Panorama to Kelowna |
8th
|
|
Gallaghers Canyon |
|
| 9th |
Predator Ridge - 3 nights |
The Bear/Quall |
Kelowna to Predator Ridge |
10th
|
|
Predator Ridge 18 holes |
|
11th
|
|
Predator Ridge alternative 18 holes (optional or day tour) |
|
12th
|
Whistler 3 nights |
|
Vernon to Whistler |
13th
|
|
Chateau Whistler |
|
14th
|
|
Nicklaus North |
|
15th
|
Victoria 3 nights |
Furry Creek |
Whistler/ferry/Victoria |
16th
|
|
FREE DAY |
|
17th
|
|
Olympic View |
|
18th
|
Vancouver 2 nights |
Bear Mountain |
Bear Mountain |
19th
|
|
Morgan Creek |
Victoria/ferry/Vancouver |
20th
|
|
TOUR FINISHES AFTER BREAKFAST
|
| |
Forgot your password?
| Press Releases | | Newsletters | | Travel Tips | | FAQs | | Find An Agent | | Weather Information | | Privacy Policy |
|
