The Oldest Golf Course in British Columbia: Victoria Golf Club (Est. 1893)
- Northwest Links
- May 22
- 3 min read
If you're searching for the oldest golf course in British Columbia, your journey ends at Victoria Golf Club. Perched along the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island in Oak Bay, this storied track isn't just the oldest in the province—it's the oldest continuously operating golf course in Canada, founded in 1893.
Let that sink in: this course was already hosting matches before most cities in British Columbia had paved streets. It’s where golf in western Canada truly began, and it’s still going strong—offering unforgettable views, historic charm, and a coastal playing experience that’s as challenging as it is beautiful.
A Historic Golf Experience on Vancouver Island
Nestled between crashing Pacific waves and windswept seaside cliffs, Victoria Golf Club offers a distinctly links-style golf experience that feels like it was pulled straight from Scotland. Only here, the fairways are framed by Arbutus trees and ocean mist, and the backdrop includes the Strait of Juan de Fuca and distant Olympic Mountains.
It all started in the early 1890s, when a group of British immigrants brought their love of the game to Oak Bay. Armed with little more than enthusiasm and some sheep to keep the grass short (yes, really), they established a course that has stood the test of time—and wind, and rain—for over 130 years.
Why Play Victoria Golf Club?
Wondering what it’s like to play a round at the oldest golf course in BC? Here's what sets it apart:
Historic character: You’re walking the same fairways that generations of golfers have played since 1893.
Breathtaking views: Nearly every hole offers ocean vistas, rocky shorelines, or glimpses of marine wildlife.
Challenging layout: Wind is a constant factor, and the firm, fast fairways reward smart strategy over brute strength.
Signature hole: The par-4 7th hugs the coastline and dares you to take the aggressive line. It’s as scenic as it is intimidating.
This course blends tradition and test in a way that few others do. It’s not flashy—it’s timeless.
More Than a Private Club—A Pillar of BC Golf
Though Victoria Golf Club is private, its impact on the region’s golf scene is undeniable. It has hosted:
Numerous British Columbia golf championships
National amateur events
Visits from golf-loving royals and celebrities
Generations of local families and visiting golfers
It’s more than a golf course—it’s a living museum of Canadian golf history, kept alive by the passion of the community around it.
Victoria Golf Club Fast Facts
Location: Oak Bay, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Established: 1893
Claim to Fame: Oldest continuously operating golf course in Canada
Style: Coastal links with firm fairways, ocean views, and plenty of wind
Plan Your Golf Trip to Vancouver Island
If you're a golfer planning a trip to Vancouver Island, Victoria Golf Club deserves a spot on your list—even if it’s just to admire the property, explore the nearby seaside paths, or dream about a future tee time.
The surrounding region is packed with top-tier golf courses, including:
Bear Mountain (home of the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open and PGA Tour Canada events)
Highland Pacific with stunning elevation changes and city views
Olympic View Golf Club, a local favorite with rainforest vibes
But if you're a fan of history, tradition, and golf that makes you feel something—Victoria Golf Club is where the story starts.
Final Thoughts: The Soul of BC Golf Lives Here
Every golf region has its cornerstone. In British Columbia, that cornerstone is Victoria Golf Club.
It’s more than a round—it’s a link to golf’s roots in Canada. So whether you’re teeing off on your favorite public track or plotting a golf getaway, remember that it all started on this bluff by the sea, back in 1893.
And it’s still one of the most scenic, soul-stirring golf experiences you can find anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.
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