British Columbia Canada Blog

I am sure just like me the other BC golf enthusiasts are excited about new Greg Norman golf course in British Columbia. Greg Norman (hall of fame golfer) has just recently announced that he will be designing a championship golf course on the former fairways of Ponderosa Golf Course in a new village-oriented development in Peachland, British Columbia (only 30-45 minutes away from Kelowna) .

The Greg Norman Championship Golf Course will provide exciting new challenges for all levels of golfers and will utilize the natural features of the area like lovely lake Okanagan, majestic mountains, the Ponderosa pines and awe-inspiring wineries. The Ponderosa planned community is going to be a five star community with a master-planned golf course development by Treegroup Developments Corp. in collaboration with the Westbank First Nation. It will have all facilities for leading a luxurious life.

From BC tourism perspective, this golf course will not only generate more jobs in the area but will also bring in valuable tourism dollars to beautiful Okanagan region. The golf course is scheduled to open in Spring of 2011.

British Columbia is a perfect getaway for adventure seekers but your trip to BC will be incomplete without trying these exciting activities:

1. Go downhill Skiing in Whistler, Kicking Horse or Sun Peaks

2. Experience Whale Watching in Port Hardy 

3. Take a wine tour in the Okanagan Valley

4.  Discover back country trails of beautiful British Columbia through Horse Back Riding

5. Go Fishing in Northern BC around Peace River or Skeena river region

6. If you enjoy camping then British Columbia will not disappoint you. Camping is a great way to travel through BC and to save on accommodation.

7. Throughout British Columbia, tourists will find world class golf courses and it’s hard not to go Golfing on a beautiful summer day.

8. Visit Glacier National Park to experience steep rugged majestic mountains, wide variety of plant and animal life, and to get glimpse of wildlife like mountain caribou, mountain goat, elk etc. 

9. Enjoy a ride on BC ferries which operates 25 routes among the islands of British Columbia. 

10. Try White Water Rafting on one of the inland rivers like Thompson or Fraser River.

Related Links:

Explore British Columbia here

British Columbia  is known for its beautiful award winning Golf Courses. If you are a golf connoisseur, then you ought to plan a golf vacation in BC. Check out a few of my favourite Golf Courses in British Columbia:

1. Gallagher Canyon/Pinnacle : Gallagher’s Canyon is one of my all time favourite Golf Course. This lovely Golf course is more suited to experienced players. It’s a peaceful course with breathtaking views of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake. For less experienced players, Gallagher Canyon’s partner course-Pinnacle is a more suitable option.

2. Hyde Mountain Golf Course: Hyde Mountain Golf Course located in Sicamous, British Columbia is Shuswap regions one of the finest Golf Course. Overlooking the Mara Lake, this Golf course features elevation changes and breath taking views of the lake. If you plan to play at this golf course then don’t forget to take your camera becauseI am sure you’ll want to take some pictures.  Hyde Mountain is located 3kms off Trans Canada Highway in Sicamous, BC (Halfway between Vancouver and Calgary). Just turn off the Trans Canada Highway at Old Spallumcheen Road. There are some good bed and breakfast lodging options in the surrounding area to make your vacation truly special.

3. Predator Ridge : This Summer, Predator Ridge is offering rooms starting $99/night which include suites on the Golf Course with a view, kitchens, fireplaces and comfy duvets. While staying at Predator Ridge Golf Community you can also take advantage of Concept Salon and spa, yoga and spinning classes, winery tours and orchard walks. You can choose to stay the the Predator Ridge Golf community, Kelowna or Vernon.

4. Salmon Arm Golf Club: This Golf Club is one of the oldest in the Okanagan Valley and has been ranked in the top 50 Golf Courses by the Score magazine. Besides a championship course, the Golf course also has a 9-hole beginner friendly executive course.

5. Sonora Dunes Golf Course: Sonora Dunes Golf Course is located in Osoyoos, British Columbia and offers a 9 hole pristine desert golf course. Sonora Dunes is located next to the Spirit Ridge resort and Spa in Osoyoos.

If you have had a chance to play at one of British Columbia’s world Class Golf courses, then share your experience with us today. You might be the next lucky winner for our Golf getway vacation package for two. Email us at: aditi@bctravelguide.ca

People say when in Rome, do as Romans do. We, in British Columbia say when in BC do as BC residents do. If you are visiting BC this summer, then join us in these TOP 10 BC ACTIVITIES and experience the real BC Summer:

1. BC HORSEBACK RIDING : Horse Back riding is one of the most popular activity not only for BC residents but also tourists. If you want to experience a true western heritage then do book a day trip or a few hours trail ride with one of our BC guest ranches today. 

Depending on length of your vacation, you can choose in -town ride or take your group/family for a journey through backcountry trails of British Columbia. Horseback riding is not too difficult and is usually enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

2. BC WHITEWATER RAFTING: You’ve not had a real BC adventure if you haven’t tried Whitewater Rafting. My favourite places to go for Whitewater Rafting include Kicking Horse near Golden and Clearwater which is about 4 hours drive from Kamloops.

3. BC CAMPING: If you want to enjoy wilderness and save money on lodging then Go camping. Most campgrounds in BC are reasonably priced from $20-$40/night. However, if you are planning to go camping during long weekends then make sure to book ahead.

4. BC KAYAKING/CANOEING: Another way to discover British Columbia is through Canoeing or Kayaking. Crystal clear waters of BC against the backdrop of majestic mountains offer a really memorable experience. If you are interested in sea kayaking, then coastline of BC lined with the Pacific ocean will provide you the perfect getaway opportunity. There are various touring companies which provide guided Sea Kayaking tours with a chance to spot killer whales. If you are good at canoeing or kayaking then you don’t even need a guide. Just grab a map and head out on one of BC’s beautiful lakes or rivers.

5. BC GOLFING: We in British Columbia take golf seriously and are known for some gorgeous golf courses. Popular destinations in British Columbia for Golfing include: Kelowna, Kamloops, Golden, Vancouver, Whistler and Fernie. Have you reserved your tee time yet?

6. BC MOUNTAIN BIKING: British Columbia has a lot of provincial parks and most of them offer mountain biking to the riders on specific trails. Many of our ski resorts are open during summer for downhill and cross-country biking. Silver Star Mountain Resort is one of my favourite places for mountain biking because they operate chair lifts to get riders and their bikes to the top of the mountain. Although, BC has thousands of kilometres of trails and logging roads, it is also known for bears. So beware of wild life and take precautions while riding a mountain bike in BC. Oh and if you are looking for some cool bike racks then check out: My Bike Racks

7. BC FISHING: Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Rainbow Trout, Char, Pike, Bass etc can all be found in waters of British Columbia. The most popular fishing spots throughout BC include: Capilano river, Callaghan Lake, Quesnel Lake, Queen Charlotte Islands, Okanagan Lake, Columbia and Kootenay River.

8. BC HIKING: If you don’t want to indulge in extreme adventure but still want to be active then consider hiking. BC offers excellent day hikes, lovely picnic spots and exciting fun-filled backpacking trips. It is pretty inexpensive activity too because all you need for a good hike is a decent pair of shoes and a back pack with essentials like water bottle, Bugs Spray etc.  

9. BC HOUSEBOATING : Shushwap, Salmon Arm and Sicamous are your best bets for Houseboating in British Columbia. Luxury, Service and Adventure, you’ll find everything on a BC Houseboating tour.

10. BC WINE TOURS: You will find great wineries throughout British Columbia but some of the world’ best wineries are located in Thompson Okanagan region. Wine tasting tours are the best way to savour the fine wines while enjoying the natural beauty of beautiful British Columbia.  

Although Whistler has 4-5 Golf Clubs but Whistler Golf Club is my all time favourite. This beautiful Golf Course will take your breath away and will exceed your expectations. Whistler Golf Club was chosen by Arnold Palmer as the site for his first Canadian design and using the natural contours of the region, the creation of intimidating lakes and the redirection of meandering Crabapple creek, Arnold Palmer has created a unique course which is challenging yet enjoyable.

Nestled among towering peaks of Whistler, this Golf Course is a perfect escape from busy corporate life. You can relax here at the patio with your clients or improve your game at the learning and performance centre. Check out some features of Whistler Golf Club below:

• Driving range and practice putting green

• Custom club fitting and repair centre

• Learning & Performance Centre

• 150-seat licensed, indoor/patio dining facility

• On-course licensed, refreshment cart and halfway house

Other Related Links:

BC Golfing

Whistler Resorts and Lodges