Just because you’re going on vacation in Muskoka, Ontario, doesn’t mean you have to stop playing your favorite game. Pack those clubs and get ready to ace some of the best Muskoka golf courses!
With over 1,600 lakes, Muskoka is an excellent region, not just for renting cottages with breathtaking views of hills, valleys, and waters, but also for the incredible landscaping, ideal for unforgettable golf courses that are available here. Anyone who has even a passing interest in the game must plan to visit if they are on an Ontario vacation.
When the weather in Muskoka, Ontario, is right, hit the links with a few friends or family members and enjoy hours of fun in the sun. These six Muskoka golf courses are challenging and scenic—on par with any courses you might have played anywhere.
Combine a few rounds of golf on the best Muskoka golf courses with a stay in one of our cozy and relaxing Muskoka cottage rentals and you have the perfect recipe for an incredible vacation.
North Granite Ridge Golf Club
“Stunning” and “tranquil” are often used to describe the 320-acre, natural terrain championship golf course at North Granite Ridge in Port Sydney, Ontario.
This all-level-friendly course is 18 holes of peaceful, private forest surroundings where it’s not uncommon to see a family of deer as you play. Situated perfectly for Muskoka’s topography, you’ll find several tee decks on the top of the granite ridges for which the course is named. You’ll be impressed with the long-range vistas over the vast forest—not a road in sight!
A courteous and hospitable staff rounds out your memorable day on these links. Enjoy clubhouse dining at the Tap & Grill in the new clubhouse, shop the full-service pro shop, and take advantage of the on-course beverage cart if you are looking for some refreshment. If you are looking to get off the green for an alcoholic beverage, there is an excellent selection of craft breweries in Muskoka for you to choose from.
Eight-, 12- and 20-pack packages are available if you are staying in the area for a while. The packages are fully transferable but not permitted for groups over four.
Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course
As one of two Deerhurst Resort golf courses (along with the Deerhurst Lakeside) that helped establish Canada as a major golf destination, the Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course is a par-72 championship golf course recognized as one that “set the benchmark” for other area courses.
Redesigned in 1990, this course is one of Canada’s top 59 public golf courses, according to SCOREGolf. Other accolades have included: Top 100 Courses (Golf Advisor), Top 50 Best You Can Play (Canadian Golf Magazine), and 18th among Canadian golf courses (GolfWeek).
Deerhurst Highlands offers challenges among its deep valleys and thick forests, lush natural beauty, and beautiful views. The first tee, for instance, provides a stunning view of Fairy Lake. There are strategically placed bunkers all over the course, with the signature par-5 10th hole featuring a well-guarded green and an elevated tee over a towering natural rock wall.
Save but a few holes, the terrain is a challenge, but any golfer would be happy to take it on!
Deerhurst Lakeside Golf Course
Lesser known but no less enjoyable than neighboring Deerhurst Highlands, Deerhurst Lakeside offers a great warm-up or short game. Elevated tees, deep-valley greens, strategically placed water hazards, and bunkers make up the meticulous nine-hole Deerhurst Lakeside golf course.
The short course doesn’t mean unchallenging. You could wind up using every club to make your way through this stunning course with its backdrop of lake views. There’s also a driving range and practice green where you can ready yourself for your game. If you need a lesson or two, the course’s Golf Academy is led by a top-50 Canadian instructor.
In 1988, the course was redesigned from its original 1966 layout resulting in a unique golf experience in Canada.
Muskoka Highlands Golf Course
Looking for a playable, affordable course where you can even take your best four-legged friend?
This dog-friendly Muskoka golf course offers a challenging, fun, and variable game with narrows at every green. Whether you want to hit all 18 holes or quit after two, it’s your time and your game—do it the way you want! It is suggested that a tee time later in the day is best if you’re only playing a couple of holes.
The links-style, interconnected layout allows you to play your way, as long as the play of others is not interrupted or impacted. One important rule to note: players are required to tee every shot until reaching the green.
Dog-friendly means 100-percent dog-friendly; Rover stays with you throughout your game! This is truly a feature unique to Canadian golf courses and one you’ll appreciate should you be traveling with your canine companion. This makes Muskoka Highlands Golf Course the perfect place to play for guests staying in our pet-friendly Muskoka cottage rentals.
The Rock Muskoka
Carved on the shores of Lake Rousseau, a premier Muskoka lake, The Rock features narrow fairways lined with trees. The rolling, sloping greens meander through hills, hardwood trees, and rock outcroppings—a course that is genuinely as picturesque as it is challenging. Its upkeep is noted and leads to its attraction and appeal.
Professional golfer Nick Fardo designed the course (his first Canadian design), which opened in 2004. Initially, it was deemed too tricky, and the course was renovated to make it slightly more playable, though it can still be a tough go. Accuracy is undoubtedly demanded with its natural hazards, and errant shots are not lightly punished.
The course totals nearly 6,650 yards. The Rock Muskoka offers professional golf lessons, a golf shop, steakhouse-style dinner at the clubhouse, and cocktails on the terrace over the 1st and 18th holes.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re coming on an extended vacation, try all six of these fair yet demanding courses and see why these are considered the best Muskoka golf courses. You’ll be tried, tested, but ultimately engaged and enthralled. Any way you slice it, you’ll be happy you added golf to your list of Muskoka things to do.
South Muskoka Golf and Curling Club
You would think that a golf course with a Hall of Fame design, one of the best values among Toronto golf courses, and moderate pricing would attract huge crowds, but in 2021, the South Muskoka Golf and Curling Club was called a “hidden gem” by the Toronto Star. Many other courses in the area overshadow the 50-year-old course, but it does not lessen its lush beauty or demanding play.
Located in urban Bracebridge, Ontario, the easy-to-miss course offers a semi-private club with a third of tee times reserved for public players every day.
The course has fairways lined with towering pines and maple greens with hard-to-read, subtle breaks that demand a golfer’s attention. Along the course, you’ll see abundant granite outcroppings for which the area is very well known. Even long-time golfers will be tested on the elevation changes and challenging roughs found on this 6,340-yard course.
Opened in 1970, Canadian Hall of Famer Robbie Robinson designed the course. If you’re vacationing in the winter, stop at the Club for curling! There’s a fully stocked pro curling shop where you’ll find all you need to participate in this shuffleboard-related game on ice.
