The Inside Swing

Golf in Ontario: Complete Guide

Ontario is home to the finest collection of private club golf in Canada. The National Golf Club of Canada — widely considered Canada's best course — anchors a Toronto-area circuit that includes Stanley Thompson masterworks, Harry Colt Golden Age classics, and the dramatic resort golf of Muskoka cottage country two hours north.

Overview

Ontario's golf stretches from the Greater Toronto Area's deep ravine valleys to the granite lakes and boreal forests of Muskoka. The province produced many of Canada's great golf clubs, and architects like Stanley Thompson left their deepest Canadian marks here. With PGA Tour players calling Toronto home and a golf culture as sophisticated as any in North America, Ontario delivers golf of extraordinary depth and variety.

Top Golf Cities in Ontario

Golf Regions

Greater Toronto Area

The National Golf Club, St. George's, Hamilton, and a dense concentration of Canada's finest private clubs.

Muskoka

Cottage country golf on the Canadian Shield — The Rock, Bigwin Island, Taboo, and Deerhurst Highlands.

Best Time to Play

May through October across most of the province. Southern Ontario (Toronto area) enjoys reliable summer conditions June through September. Muskoka's season is June through September. Fall colors in October can be spectacular in Muskoka and across the province.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best golf course in Ontario?
The National Golf Club of Canada (Tom Fazio) in Woodbridge is widely considered the finest course in Canada. Among public and accessible courses, Bigwin Island and Deerhurst Highlands in Muskoka are nationally celebrated.
How does Ontario golf compare to the United States?
Ontario's top private clubs — the National, St. George's, Hamilton South, and Toronto Golf Club — are fully comparable to the best in the United States. The shorter season (May–October) is the main distinction.

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