Whistler has four world-class golf courses set in stunning mountain settings. Golfers love the cool, mountain temperatures, stunning terrain and top-rated courses. Not to mention that three of the courses are close to the vibrant Whistler Village, for more mountain-based adventures and an incredible dining scene.
We answer the top questions golfers have about golf in Whistler, from when the season starts to rental gear, dress codes and whether black bears wander the greens.
What are the top golf courses in Whistler?
- Whistler Golf Club: Designed by Arnold Palmer, this course offers stunning mountain views and a player-friendly layout.
- Nicklaus North Golf Course: A Jack Nicklaus signature design known for its pristine fairways and scenic lakeside setting.
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club: Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this course features dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking vistas.
- Big Sky Golf Club: Located in nearby Pemberton, this Robert Cupp design is set against the backdrop of Mount Currie.
When do Whistler golf courses open for the season?
Whistler typically opens for golf in early May, with the end of the season around mid-October.
When is the best time of the year to golf in Whistler?
The best time to visit depends on the experience you’re looking for. Spring and fall offer the best course conditions, with mild temperatures and occasional rain keeping the greens and fairways lush and healthy.
If you prefer sunny weather, July and August are ideal and offer the highest chances of sunshine and the firmest, fastest greens of the season.
When can you start making tee times?
Our four resort courses open tee-time bookings as early as January and February. Guests can secure a tee time for any point in the season starting in the new year. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure preferred times.
Can you ski and golf on the same day?
Whistler’s golf courses open in early May and Whistler Blackcomb typically closes mid-May for skiing, so there’s a short window when you can ski and golf on the same day! How many places in the world can you do that?
What is the play time for each course?
Between four, and four and a half hours.
What golf course provides the toughest test in Whistler?
That’s a subjective question, as different course designs suit different playing styles.
Chateau Whistler Golf Club is a true mountain course, featuring gains and drops in elevation and some forced carries, this also provides some of the most spectacular landscapes and beautiful mountain views of the four courses.
Big Sky Golf Club challenges players off the tee with numerous water hazards, thoughtfully designed by Bob Cupp, who incorporated Pemberton’s natural river system to supply fresh water to the course’s many ponds and creeks.
Whistler Golf Club offers a blend of tree-lined fairways and larger water features, while also providing several holes where players have room to bail out off the tee without the risk of losing a ball.
Meanwhile, Nicklaus North Golf Course is the most forgiving of the four courses off the tee, with wide fairways and receptive greens, though it’s also the most bunkered course and its final four-hole stretch is particularly challenging.
Golfers looking for a greater challenge often prefer Chateau Whistler Golf Club or Big Sky Golf Club, while those seeking a more forgiving layout off the tee tend to gravitate toward Whistler Golf Club and Nicklaus North Golf Course.
Do I need to be a “good golfer” to play in Whistler?
Not at all! Whistler’s four resort courses are welcoming to golfers of all skill levels. If you’re newer to golfing 18 holes, choose the tees that best match your ability to make the game more enjoyable. The key to a great round is keeping up with the pace of play—if you’re staying in line with the group ahead of you, you’re doing just fine.
Worried about playing too slowly? Consider teeing off later in the evening to avoid the morning rush when the pace of play tends to be faster.
If you’re new to golf, consider starting at the Whistler Golf Club driving range. It’s a great place to work on your swing and build confidence before taking on a full 18-hole round. Another great beginner-friendly experience is at Big Sky Golf Club, which offers a 5-hole, par-3 course—perfect for learning the game at a relaxed pace with shorter holes and no pressure to keep up with seasoned players.
Are lessons available for beginners?
Yes, all courses offer lessons and clinics for various skill levels. These sell out fast, so get your bookings in.
What time does it get dark in Whistler?
Evening light varies throughout the season, with the longest days occurring in May and June, and gradually shortening in the fall months. Late May to mid-June is when you can tee off after 4 PM and finish 18 holes.
Golfers are expected to finish their rounds by the last light and no refunds will be issued for incomplete rounds due to darkness (pricing for late evening tee times is adjusted accordingly).
What is the dress code?
The courses require a collared shirt and suitable shorts, tailored pants or skirts. Golf shoes or running shoes are also encouraged. Clothing like basketball shorts or jeans is not allowed. If you need new golf clothes buy your next course outfit at one of the course’s stores.
When should I turn up for my tee time?
We suggest you turn up 45 minutes before your tee time. If you want to practice beforehand, we suggest getting there at least an hour in advance.
Are there halfway huts and drinks and beverage carts?
Yes, all four courses feature both.
We should add that the golf courses have some of the best patios in Whistler. Nicklaus North’s Table Nineteen restaurant overlooks Green Lake where you can watch the float planes land and take off while you sip on your drink.
Are there group discounts?
Yes! For groups of 12 or more please reach out to our Groups Department by calling 1.866.299.6971 or submitting a group information request.
Can I add golf rentals?
Yes! Each golf club offers premium rentals. Rental club brands offered include Titleist, Taylormade and Callaway.
How much are rentals?
Around $65 to $76 per day.
Are carts included in my Whistler.com golf rate?
Your Whistler.com tee time comes with power cart usage, but you can also take a complimentary pull cart if you wish to walk instead.
Do you get free balls on the range before my tee time?
Yes, complimentary warm-up balls are included with your tee time. Make sure to get to the course an hour before your tee time if you want to use the driving range to warm up. Most courses open the range an hour before the earliest tee time of the day.
How do I get to the course?
Many courses are within or near Whistler Village, making them accessible by foot or a short drive. Some accommodations offer shuttle services or will help you order a taxi.
Big Sky Golf Club in Pemberton is approximately 25 minutes north of Whistler, so you will need a car or taxi.
Can a friend walk/ride in the cart and not play?
Each course has its own policy, which can vary based on the day and time. We recommend calling the course directly the day before your tee time to check if they can accommodate your guest in a cart or allow them to walk with you.
What is the minimum age?
A junior player must be able to keep pace with a normal group. This can vary in age, but golfers 10 and older are the general rule of thumb.
Will I see bears on the course?
It’s not uncommon to spot bears on the course, especially in May and early June when they emerge from hibernation, and again from mid-September to October as they prepare for winter. Whistler’s local bears are often seen grazing on dandelions and lush grass. While all four courses have bear sightings, the Whistler Golf Club and Chateau Whistler Golf Club are particularly known for their natural feeding areas.
Read our bear-aware blog for how to keep yourself, and Whistler’s furry residents, safe.
What is the most affordable time of year to play golf in Whistler?
For the most affordable tee times of the season, consider playing in May or from mid-September to October. All four courses also offer twilight pricing after 3 PM for additional savings.
When I book through Whistler.com, when will I get my golf tee time?
We aim to get that to you within 24 hours.
When will I be charged?
Whistler.com charges golf guests one week before arrival.
Can I request a refund?
Whistler.com offers a full refund 48 hours before tee-off.
Are there any golf deals in Whistler?
Book golf with your accommodation to receive a discounted rate. With Whistler.com’s golf package, you get 3 nights, and 3 rounds from $289 CAD per person, per night (shorter and longer-duration packages are available).
The package includes golf at any of the following courses:
Every round includes complimentary cart usage when you book with Whistler.com.
To learn more about golf in Whistler, call 1.800.944.7853 to speak with our Whistler-based Travel Consultants. For groups of 12 or more, please reach out to our Groups Department by calling 1.866.299.6971 or submitting a group information request
