If you're planning a golf vacation this year, here are some exciting communities and new courses to visit:

 

The Les Furber Golf Trail: Situated in the southeast corner of the province, the mountain-framed Kimberley/Cranbrook area of British Columbia is a golfer’s glory land. And it’s little wonder why talented Canadian golf course architect Les Furber stamped his notable style – beautiful white-sand bunkers, huge, undulating greens, holes aligned with majestic peaks – on three memorable courses in this area.

 

The St. Eugene Mission Golf Resort, Trickle Creek Golf Resort, and Bootleg Gap Golf are all Furber designs which showcase the area’s imposing mountains, rushing streams, and rugged Kootenay wilderness.  And if you really like Furber’s style, you don’t have to go far to test yourself on more of his creative concoctions: the architect apprenticed under the great Robert Trent Jones Sr. and incorporates a similar style.

 

Just an hour north of Kimberley is the Springs Course at Radium Resort and an hour north of that is Golden, home to the pristine Golden Golf Club (both courses were designed by Furber in the early 1990s). Call it the Les Furber Golf Trail. Hugging the banks of mighty rivers, darting through thick forests, and traversing over rolling, tumbling terrain, each of Furber’s courses in the region define the mountain golf genre to a tee. www.kootenayrockies.com

Birdies and Beaching: The booming lakeside resort town of Osoyoos, located in the northernmost expanse of the Sonoran Desert (and at the southernmost point of the Okanagan Valley), serves up some great golf…Arizona style.

 

Yes, contrary to popular belief, Canada can get hot. Scorching hot, in fact. In Osoyoos, summer temperatures routinely soar to the mid-30s Celsius (90s Fahrenheit). So smart golfers who vacation here in the warm weather months generally employ a simple - but highly effective and enjoyable – strategy when it comes to recreating.

 

It goes like this: golf in the morning and beach in the afternoon…and maybe indulge in a bit of wine tasting in between. And, you’ll be happy to know, both the golf and the beaches here are some of the best in the province (so is the wine). Five fine golf courses – including two courses at the Osoyoos Golf & Country Club – are available for links lovers.

 

Just 20 minutes north in the cozy town of Oliver is a delightful one-two punch in the First Nations’ owned and operated Nk’Mip Canyon course, and a difficult and dramatic mountain course named, appropriately, Fairview Mountain. The challenge of Sonora Dunes Golf Course, adjacent to Nk’Mip Cellars and the recently opened Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa, will also beckon. 

 

As far as the beaches go, well, Arizona has nothing on the Okanagan. Seemingly endless shorelines are everywhere. The Okanagan is, quite simply, an ideal locale to grab a beach chair, lube up, and soak in the sun. www.destinationosoyoos.com

All Aboard to Whistler: Many train travellers agree: a journey on the rails is far and away the best way to relax, still get somewhere, and take in the scenery along the way. A spectacular introduction to passage aboard a train combined with world-class mountain golf is an excursion from Vancouver to Whistler via the Whistler Mountaineer.

 

After enjoying unrestricted panoramic views from the restored, open-air heritage observation car (this is one of the prettiest tracks in the world), adventurers can sit back and partake in a refreshing beverage service and plenty of other treats during this unforgettable three-hour trek.

 

Once in Whistler, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Four Seasons Resort Whistler, and the Hilton Whistler are just a few of the fine hotels that await. After a leisurely check in and a quick tour through Whistler Village, an afternoon round on one of the area’s four scenic championship courses will entice. 

 

Known the world over for its unforgettable skiing (Whistler, along with Vancouver, will host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games), the golf at this destination is every bit as good. Championship courses designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Jr., and Bob Cupp truly make Whistler one of the strongest golf destinations in all of Canada.

 

And let’s not forget that trips with Whistler Mountaineer can be custom-designed to suit your wishes. www.whistlermountaineer.com; www.tourismwhistler.com

Victorian Charms: If you've got a soft spot for great golf and an eclectic combination of old and new-world charm, and wouldn't object to indulging at some of Canada's hottest restaurants, then the strikingly beautiful and historic city of Victoria, Vancouver Island's urban centre, is sure to lure.

 

Here, peppered along the city’s streets and the famed Inner Harbour, are one-of-a-kind brewpubs (Spinnakers, the oldest licensed brewpub in Canada, proves a frothy draw), great seafood restaurants serving up the local catch, fantastic shopping, and numerous attractions, including horse-drawn carriage rides and the noted Butchart Gardens.

 

Even with all the non-golf distractions, you'll still want to find your way to the local links to take on the city's top-ranked tests. The Westin Bear Mountain, for example, features a Jack and Steve Nicklaus co-designed course that is easily one of the most daring they’ve ever built. Island greens, massive elevation change, spine-tingling views, rock outcroppings - the course has it all. And, in 2008, The Westin Bear Mountain will open its second course - also a Nicklaus design.

 

Other must-plays in Victoria include Olympic View and Arbutus Ridge, where another island green awaits. For better aim, visit the brewpubs after your round. www.golfvancouverisland.ca; www.tourismvictoria.com  

Golf Explosion in Kamloops: The golf scene in Kamloops is gaining steam…in a big way. In 2007, three new courses will open up – Tobiano, Talking Rock, and Canoe Creek – jumping the number of championship-calibre courses in the region to a whopping 11.

 

For a city of approximately 85,000 people, that’s a mighty impressive number (and a sure sign that obtaining tee times at world-class courses is seldom a worry).

 

Perhaps what’s most impressive, though, is the variety of golf that’s available here. Mountain golf, desert golf, riverside golf, traditional country club-style golf; there are plenty of options.

 

The buzz surrounding the opening of Tobiana in June, 2007, is especially loud. This Tom McBroom-designed course is routed high on the bluffs overlooking Kamloops Lake. And, incredibly, soaring views of the glistening waters can be had on every hole. In addition to the views, the many ravines that slice through the property ensure a scenic, drama-filled round.

 

Talking Rock, opening August, 2007, located just east of Kamloops at the Quaaout Resort near the shores of Little Shuswap Lake, is another bold design from talented Canadian architects Graham Cooke and Wayne Carlton. And Canoe Creek, located 45 minutes east of Kamloops near Salmon Arm, is the first design effort by Canadian Touring Pro Dave Barr.

 

But, regardless if you play old or new, high or low, riverside or mountainside, the golf scene in and around Kamloops is well worth experiencing. www.tourismkamloops.com; www.golfkamloops.com

Go for Broke at Northview: Throughout his amazing career – incredibly, at 78-years of age, he still plays tournaments today – Arnold Palmer went for broke. With power, precision, and an unrelenting, swash-buckling style, Palmer attacked each course and, more often than not, won the battle.

 

No surprise, then, that the courses he designs are rather bold, hazard-stewn affairs that, ultimately, reward courageous play and provide an exciting stage for the game.

 

Of course, being the gentleman that he is, his design work also plays into the hands of the “less brave,” allowing for easier routes to the hole. 

 

Located in Surrey, just 30 minutes from Vancouver, the 36-hole Northview Golf & Country Club is a perfect example of Palmer’s spirited style.

 

The challenging Ridge Course played host to the PGA Tour’s Air Canada Championship in 1999 where a young Canadian by the name of Mike Weir was crowned champion.  

 

The Canal Course adopts a more open, links-like feel, and is every bit as challenging – especially if you test your game on the infamous “Palmer tees.” Naturally, the course is very manageable from the regular tees, so all players can enjoy their day here.

 

Regardless of the outcome, or whether or not your game bears any resemblance to Arnie in his prime, Northview certainly serves up one of the most enjoyable golf experiences in the Greater Vancouver area - especially if you go for broke. www.northviewgolf.com