Course Review: Bear Mountain Golf Club — Mountain Course

Course Overview

Location: Victoria, British Columbia — approximately 20 minutes from downtown Victoria, and easily accessible via ferry (the Clipper) from Washington State.

Course Type: Public / daily-fee (resort-accessible)

Par & Yardage: Par 71. Plays to approximately ~6,900 yards from the championship tees, with multiple forward options that maintain playability.

Designer & Opened: Designed by Jack Nicklaus, opened in 2003.

Notable Features:

• Widely regarded as one of the top public course in British Columbia.

• Dramatic elevation changes with sweeping views of Vancouver Island terrain.

• Championship pedigree, hosting PGA Tour Canada events.

• Resort-caliber conditioning with a true test of tee-to-green execution.

• Part of a two-course public facility; the Mountain Course is the more demanding, championship-style layout, while the Valley Course serves as a more approachable companion option.

Quick Take

The Mountain Course at Bear Mountain Golf Club is British Columbia’s most complete public golf experience. Bold, demanding, and visually striking, every hole makes a statement, and the course asks for commitment on nearly every shot. For Pacific Northwest golfers willing to make the short journey north, Bear Mountain delivers a championship-caliber round that rivals the best public golf offerings on the west coast.

Detailed Course Breakdown

Course Difficulty – 8.4/10

Bear Mountain is unapologetically challenging. Length isn’t the primary defense — elevation, forced carries, and precision off the tee are.

Who’s it best for?

• Low- to mid-handicappers looking for a true test.

• Confident ball-strikers who enjoy shaping shots and managing risk.

Key challenges:

• Elevated tee shots that demand precise distance control.

• Greens that are quick, contoured, and punishing if approached from the wrong angle.

• Minimal forgiveness off the tee on several holes, recovery shots are often limited.

This is a course that rewards execution and course management. Mistakes compound quickly, but good golf is properly rewarded.

Scenery – 9.2/10

Bear Mountain is one of the most visually impressive public courses in the Pacific Northwest. Panoramic mountain backdrops, rugged rock outcroppings, and long-range sightlines define the experience. Elevated tee boxes create moments where the scale of the landscape genuinely stops you mid-routine.

This is destination-level scenery — dramatic without feeling artificial, and consistently engaging from start to finish.

Course Design – 8.8/10

Jack Nicklaus’ design philosophy is on full display here: bold shaping, clear lines of intent, and holes that ask direct questions.

Design highlights:

• Strong par-3 variety with memorable elevation changes.

• Strategic bunkering that dictates preferred angles rather than simply penalizing misses.

• Risk-reward opportunities that tempt aggressive play but demand precision.

While not a “walk in the park” routing, the course flows logically given the terrain and maintains interest throughout the round.

Course Conditions & Maintenance – 9.0/10

Bear Mountain consistently presents itself at a high standard. Fairways are firm and fast, greens roll true, and bunker conditions are reliable and well-maintained. Drainage performs exceptionally well for the region, and conditioning feels intentional — championship-ready without being overly manicured.

It’s clear this course takes pride in presenting a premium product every day.

Amenities & Food – 8.6/10

The clubhouse experience matches the quality of the golf.

Amenities include:

• A polished pro shop with premium merchandise.

• Well-maintained practice facilities with scenic range views.

• Strong food and beverage options suitable for both pre- and post-round dining.

Service is professional and efficient, reinforcing the resort-level feel without losing approachability.

Value for Money – 7.5/10

Bear Mountain is firmly premium-priced, but the value lies in the experience.

You’re paying for:

• Championship-caliber design.

• Exceptional scenery.

• Consistent conditioning.

This isn’t everyday golf — but as a destination round or special trip, the price aligns with the quality delivered.

Overall Rating – 8.8/10

Bear Mountain’s Mountain Course sets the benchmark for public golf in British Columbia. It’s challenging, visually stunning, and unapologetically bold — a course that demands focus and rewards commitment.

Best For: Golfers seeking a true championship test paired with some of the best scenery the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Would we recommend? Without hesitation. If you’re building a Pacific Northwest golf bucket list that extends beyond state lines, Bear Mountain deserves a spot near the very top — not just as the best public course in BC, but as one of the region’s premier golf experiences overall.