Destination: Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler, B.C. is known for its winter sports. There is plenty of skiing and other winter sports. But don’t forget about the summer and fall. Golf is the word at Whistler. 

Places like Nicklaus North give golfers a big reason to head to Whistler during the summer months to play golf amidst the tall trees, mountains and lakes. In fact, Nicklaus North is one of those rare courses designed by the Golden Bear himself to bear his name.

Snowcapped Whistler peaks. A brilliant emerald-colored lake. Majestic fir trees. Fresh, invigorating mountain air. Whistler Golf at its Finest.

This is the setting that inspired the great Nicklaus to create a golf course as unique as himself. This par 71, 18-hole course winds along a gentle valley floor offers a spectacular setting as your golfing skills are tested to the fullest. Winner of numerous awards since its opening in 1996, Nicklaus North has played host to events such as the Skins Game and the Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf, welcoming some of golf’s biggest names such as Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Ernie Els, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, John Daly, Vijay Singh and Stephen Ames.

 But there is more:

• Fairmont Chateau Whistleris a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design that winds through the Whistler trees and hills. The course opened in 1993 and never fails to provide a chance to glimpse some of the local wildlife. The mountain course has you hitting shots over creeks, ponds and stands of trees – and don’t forget the granite rock on the par-3 hole that looms to the right of the green. More than 400 feet of elevation changes are a treat.

• Whistler Golf Club:Located in the heart of downtown Whistler, the Arnold Palmer-designed course provides another unique setting with its mountain views and tall trees lining the fairways. And along with the Whistler Golf Club comes what they call “The Range.” The facility features five target greens, a putting green, short game area and practice bunker. It is also home to the Whistler Golf Academy.

• Big Sky:Located a little north of Whistler in Pemberton, Big Sky has some of the best views of valleys and mountains. The Robert Cupp-designed course winds a meadow with views of the nearby mountains and features plenty of challenging shots to keep your attention.  The course has been ranked among the top four in British Columbia by Score Magazine. At over 7,000 yards from the tips, Big Sky is the longest course of the Golf Whistler Group.