Spring shows up slowly in Canmore. One day it’s snowing, the next you’re sipping coffee in the sun. Locals start digging out their bikes, patios come back to life, and like clockwork, the driving ranges start echoing through the valley.
You don’t have to play golf to notice when the courses open. It’s a shift you can feel – another sign that the mountains are waking up. And around here, golf season isn’t just for golfers. It’s part of the rhythm of town life.
I’ve never been much for swinging clubs, but I still find myself out on the fairways this time of year. Sometimes it’s tagging along in a cart, sometimes it’s just sitting on a patio and soaking in the view. Either way, the return of golf is worth paying attention to.
⛳ Where the Greens Meet the Peaks
This week, Canmore Golf & Curling Club opened its fairways (as of May 6), with Silvertip and Stewart Creek following closely behind on May 9. Each course has its own personality, but they all share what matters most: those unreal views, that wide-open mountain air, and a laid-back Canmore vibe that keeps things feeling grounded – even at places with sky-high elevation.
Let’s be honest – this town’s golf scene is impressive. Not flashy. Just good. It fits Canmore.
🏞️ A Walk, A Ride, A Good Day Out
Here’s what I’ve learned from being on these courses (usually in the passenger seat of a cart): you don’t need to understand club loft or slope rating to appreciate a day on the fairway.
The Canmore Golf & Curling Club is the most accessible of the three. It’s walkable, right by the river, and feels like part of the town – not separate from it. The vibe is friendly, local, relaxed. I’ve stopped in just for lunch or sat on the edge of the practice area watching friends warm up. It’s the kind of place where a casual stroll across the course at sunset doesn’t feel out of place.
Silvertip, on the other hand, is big energy. It climbs and drops with the hillside, with elevation changes that make even a golf cart feel like it’s working hard. Views? Unreal. Wildlife? Regular. It’s the course you show your out-of-town visitors when you want them to understand the scale of Canmore in one afternoon.
And then there’s Stewart Creek. Tucked against the Three Sisters, it’s clean, polished, and quiet in a way that feels intentional. There are stretches of fairway where the silence is so deep you can hear water trickling through the forest. I once rode nine holes here with someone who was trying to focus on their swing, but I was too distracted counting mountain peaks in the distance.
🍽️ Food, Patios, and Post-Round Hangouts
One thing the Canmore courses do well – very well – is the après. Whether you golf or not, these clubhouses and restaurants are some of the best spots in town to unwind.
- Sandtraps at Canmore G&CC has arguably the best patio in Canmore. Casual, affordable, and a popular local lunch spot.
- Stoney’s Grill at Silvertip is a bit more upscale, with patio views that make you want to linger, even if you just stopped in for a drink.
- Stewart Creek’s clubhouse serves what I’d call elevated comfort food. And honestly, even just sitting on their back deck with a coffee feels like you’ve treated yourself.
If you’re not playing, no one minds. Show up for the food, the views, or to watch someone else try to hit a 150-yard shot while the wind messes with their plans. That’s entertainment in Canmore.
🚗 Locals Know: It’s All About Timing
One tip if you’re just planning to wander the edges of the golf world this season: go early. Morning tee times mean quieter trails nearby, easier parking, and the best light for a slow walk before the courses fill up.
Another great option? Twilight hours. Most courses here offer late-day rounds starting mid-afternoon at reduced rates. It’s also when the light hits the ridgelines just right. Even if you’re not playing, it’s a lovely time to sit on a deck, order a beer, and watch golfers finish out their rounds with stories and sunburns.
🎮 CanGOLF: Year-Round Golf Vibes Without the Fairway
If you’re curious about golf but not quite ready to walk a full course, or you’re just looking for a fun night out, CanGOLF is worth checking out. It’s an indoor golf and entertainment space right in Canmore with simulators that let you “play” famous courses from around the world – without worrying about weather, lost balls, or skill level.
The vibe is casual and fun, with arcade-style games, a fully licensed bar and grill (Finchy’s), and a huge mountain-view patio. It’s great for groups, families, or just a rainy-day plan when you still want that golf energy without stepping onto a tee box.
You don’t need to play to enjoy it – just bring a bit of curiosity and maybe a few friends.
📍 Base Camp for Bow Valley Golf
Canmore’s location makes it easy to explore beyond town, too. Banff is just up the road, and Kananaskis Country’s courses opened May 7. Even Brewster’s Ranch course out in Exshaw opened early this year, on May 1.
You don’t need a full golf itinerary to enjoy this. You just need time, a good pair of shoes, and maybe a friend who plays. Or one who doesn’t. Either way, there’s plenty of reason to soak up spring in the valley.
☀️ Final Thoughts
Canmore’s golf season isn’t just about tee times – it’s part of the rhythm of the valley waking up. Whether you’re playing, tagging along, or just finding excuses to be near the action, this is a great time of year to be here.
So, no, I don’t golf. But I’ll be out there. On the patio. In the cart. Wandering past the driving range. Because sometimes the best way to experience a place is just to show up and let it do the talking.