Photo: Bryan Dearsley / LuxuryOntario
Updated April 23, 2024 / Commissions may be earned from LuxuryOntario‘s affiliate partner links
There’s no denying the fact that Ontario is something of a paradise for golf enthusiasts. Don’t believe me? Well, it’s a fact: of Canada‘s approximately 1,600 golf courses, 600 of them are located in Ontario, more than double the number found in the number two province of Quebec.
And some of the very best golf courses in Ontario just so happen to be connected to lovely luxury resorts. From the rolling countryside of the Niagara Region to the rugged rock scapes of cottage country Muskoka, the province offers a broad selection of golf resorts from which to choose, each featuring world-class courses designed by renowned architects with superb après golf experiences to match.
Whether it’s scenic fairways or top-notch facilities and accommodations you’re after – or preferably a mix of both – Ontario’s resorts certainly deliver. Find out more with our list of the best Ontario golf resorts… and start packing.
The Best Golf Resorts in Ontario
Muskoka Bay Resort, Gravenhurst
As a resident of the charming small Ontario town of Gravenhurst, I’m naturally a little biased as the brilliant Muskoka Bay Resort and its award-winning 18-hole golf course, the Muskoka Bay Club, are literally within walking distance of my home. This well-established Freed Developments course is renowned for its challenging design and scenic setting, featuring plenty of exposed granite, dense forests, water features, and undulating terrain.
You’ll get stunning views over the course from the resort’s Clifftop Clubhouse, an architectural marvel boasting one of the best patios in Muskoka. Other resort amenities located at the clubhouse include an infinity pool, fitness center, as well as a great restaurant.
Accommodations at Muskoka Bay Resort are equally lavish. While I’ve yet to stay on-site (I did say I live close by!), I have had the chance to check out the condo-style units in the resort’s stunning new “hotel suites” building. The building’s modern, black wood exterior features reflective glass that, on a clear day, reflects the sky, adding a dramatic dash of colour. In addition to their contemporary finishes and plush interiors, they boast large windows and balconies with views over the golf course.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest details and rates, and to make reservations, visit Muskoka Bay Resort.
Cobble Beach Resort, Kemble
Located along the shimmering shores of Georgian Bay in Kemble and just a short drive from the pretty town of Owen Sound and is home to the excellent Cobble Beach Resort. The resort’s lake-side setting is as big a draw as its superlative golf, which is really saying something as the golf’s so good here.
The resort boasts a range of accommodations, from elegantly designed suites to private cottages, all tailored to ensure the utmost comfort and a memorable getaway experience. On-site amenities include a rejuvenating spa, gourmet dining options, and recreational activities including an outdoor pool, trails, fitness center, tennis courts, and bikes.
At its heart lies the property’s award-winning Cobble Beach Golf Links, an 18-hole golf course which offers players panoramic views of the bay, challenging terrains, and meticulously maintained greens.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest info and rates, and to make reservations, visit Cobble Beach Resort.
Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville
Located only a short drive from the attractive town of Huntsville, Deerhurst Resort has been a fixture on the Muskoka resort scene for well over 100 years. Spread across 760 acres abutting pretty Peninsula Lake (or “Pen Lake” to those who visit often), Deerhurst has been charming visitors since 1896 and continues to top lists of must-stay properties in Ontario.
The big attraction for golfers is the fact the resort is not just one but two excellent golf courses. The Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course was co-designed by Thomas McBroom and Bob Cupp and is regarded as a masterpiece, blending as it does the rugged terrains of Muskoka with meticulously manicured fairways and greens. Its challenging layout, interspersed with water hazards and strategic bunkering, promises an engaging round for golf enthusiasts.
The Deerhurst Lakeside Golf Course offers a shorter yet equally captivating golf experience. Overlooking Peninsula Lake, this course is a delightful mix of tight fairways and scenic vistas and is perfect for those looking for a quicker round or beginners aiming to improve their game.
Other fun on-site activities include treetop trekking and swimming, and dining at your choice of three restaurants. Accommodations are high-quality and comfortable and range from cozy rooms to spacious suites, all designed with the resort’s rich history and contemporary elegance in mind.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest reviews and rates, and to make reservations, visit Deerhurst Resort.
Hockley Valley Resort, Mono
Just a 90-minute drive from downtown Toronto and a few minutes north of the pretty town of Orangeville, Hockley Valley Resort boasts an excellent 18-hole championship golf course. Much of the magic here is thanks to the course’s stunning setting atop the Niagara Escarpment, a backdrop that’ll keep you coming back for more. The course also prides itself on its eco-friendly golf course management and sustainability practices.
Other notable amenities include the resort’s spa which offers many soothing treatments inspired by nature, all aimed at refreshing both body and soul. The gourmet dining experience is good here, too, with dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
Ready for bed? Accommodations consist of 104 hotel-style rooms and spacious suites featuring bright, contemporary interiors complemented by warm tones and plush furnishings. Modern amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and premium bedding. For those seeking an added layer of indulgence, the resort’s spa suites come equipped with Jacuzzi tubs, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. In essence,
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest reviews and rates, and to make reservations, visit Hockley Valley Resort.
Rocky Crest Golf Resort, MacTier
Located amidst the million-dollar summer residences of Muskoka’s wealthy Lake Joseph, Rocky Crest Golf Resort boasts one of the best golf courses in cottage country. The resort’s centrepiece, this championship 18-hole golf course features everything from Muskoka’s signature granite outcrops to dense forests and challenging water hazards. While each hole offers unique challenges, they also present panoramic views over some of the best scenery in Ontario.
Beyond the fairways, Rocky Crest offers a selection of luxurious accommodations including rustic cabins and spacious suites designed to reflect that special Muskoka cottage charm. Other fun things to do at Rocky Crest include indulging yourself with a little pampering in the resort’s spa, enjoying a gourmet meal, or simply relaxing lakeside.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest reviews and rates, and to make reservations, visit Rocky Crest Golf Resort.
Taboo Muskoka Resort and Golf, Gravenhurst
Taboo Muskoka Resort and Golf is another of my hometown favourites. Set overlooking Lake Muskoka just a few minute’s drive from downtown Gravenhurst, the resort’s world-class golf course is a standout feature. Designed to challenge even seasoned golfers, the course meanders through dense forests and natural contours offering breathtaking views at every turn.
Accommodations range from chic rooms to spacious suites and are designed with an emphasis on comfort, with classy, high-quality furnishings and bedding. The resort’s spa is a must-visit and offers a variety of holistic treatments providing a refreshing sanctuary for those seeking rejuvenation.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest reviews and rates, and to make reservations, visit Taboo Muskoka Resort and Golf.
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Bryan Dearsley is a luxury lifestyles writer and Co-Founder of Riley and LuxuryOntario and is proud to call Ontario, “home.”
