Golf’s hidden gem: Quebec, Canada

Canada‘s largest province of Quebec is somewhat of a hidden golfing gem. Let’s take a quick tour of its incredibly beautiful golf courses and fantastic places to stay.

Quebec is located on Canada’s east coast and is home to Montreal and the provincial capital Quebec City. It’s a place where gleaming modernity meets cobblestone streets drenched in European charm, cosmopolitan cuisine and beautiful hotels.

The majority of Quebecers live around the vast St. Lawrence River that cuts through southeastern Quebec from the Atlantic. It’s a stunning landscape of mountains and lakes with a climate similar to neighbouring American states Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York – perfect golfing country.

Mont Tremblant Resort

Around an hour and a half drive from Montreal, Mont Tremblant is known in Canada for its ski facility, but it also has four excellent golf courses. Each incorporates the rugged landscape and stunning elevation changes of the Laurentian Mountains. Le Geant and Le Diable are the best two. Le Geant has lakes, well-groomed fairways, contoured greens, fantastic elevation changes and jaw-dropping views.

Le Diable plays on hilly terrain which creates some great changes in elevation that demand some uphill and downhill shots. It plays slightly more difficult but is framed by fantastic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.

Staying in the Pedestrian Village at Mont Tremblant resort is a special experience that makes this a superb golf trip. The European vibe to the resort village, along with the restaurants and local attractions make it a great place to be after a day of golf.

Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu

This breathtaking resort, located between the sea and the mountains of Quebec, offers all the amenities and comfort of a luxury resort. There’s a fabulous onsite spa and nearby you can enjoy whale-watching cruises on the St. Lawrence River, tennis, and downhill and cross-country skiing.

There’s also the beautiful lush greens of the Club de Golf Le Manoir Richelieu, home to 27 world-class holes of golf designed by architect Darrell Huxham in a truly stunning setting.

Manoir des Sables

In the picturesque Eastern Townships of Quebec, a few minutes from Mount Orford and Lake Memphremagog, lie the outstanding lodging facilities at Manoir des Sables offering guests cosy comfort, regional fine cuisine, and a relaxing ambiance. Guests at Manoir can swim in the indoor pool and then relax in the sauna and outdoor jacuzzi. The hotel also has a tennis court and gym.

The 18-hole championship golf course here offers mountain scenery and breathtaking views. It’s great for beginners and more experienced players. After your round, you can relax on the sunny Albatros terrace.

Fairmont Kenauk at Le Chateau Montebello

Offering a spectacular Canadian wilderness experience, at Fairmont Kenauk at Le Chateau Montebello you can fish, hunt and shoot at the sporting range, canoe, or hike, and stay at a private chalet, featuring full kitchens and spacious porches.

Golf is only minutes away at Le Chateau Montebello Golf Club, an 18-hole course which winds up and down through beautiful forests. Each hole feels secluded, providing an intimate golfing experience.

Hotel du Lac Carling Resort

Hotel du Lac Carling offers a luxurious retreat whether staying in a cosy classic room or a large mezzanine suite with whirlpool bath, kitchenette and fireplace. Visitors can relax with a hot stone massage at the on-site spa, or play a round at the neighbouring Carling Lake Golf Club.

The Carling Lake Golf Club is set on Lake Carling in the lower Laurentians. Located 80 kilometres northwest of Montreal, amongst mountains and majestic trees, it’s one of the most beautiful public golf courses in Canada.

Beaconsfield Golf Club

On the southeastern outskirts of Montreal, this is a dramatic course across an old limestone quarry. Its signature hole is probably the par-3 15th, known as ‘Gibraltar’ in reference to its stunning backdrop of a 30-foot rock face. It’s yet another course in Quebec with spectacular lake views.

The Royal Ottawa Golf Club

About a two hour drive west from Montreal, close to the small city of Gatineau, this is one of Canada’s oldest private courses. It’s framed by the beauty of the Gatineau Hills and is an old-fashioned layout where emphasis is placed on the natural lay of the land.

The Royal Montreal Golf Club

On the western outskirts of Montreal, this private club dates back to the 1870s making it one of the oldest golf clubs still operating in all of North America. The club’s two 18-hole layouts, the excellent Red and world-renowned Blue, play through gently rolling land. The Blue Course, renovated by Rees Jones in 2005, is particularly superb and was the site of the 2007 Presidents Cup.

Other notable courses are: Club de Golf Fairmont Le Chateau Montebell; Le Club Laval-Sur-Le-Lac – Vert; and the private and exclusive clubs of Memphremagog Golf Club and Mount Bruno Country Club.