Fortunately for golfers, Victoria's Scottish heritage didn't stop at the tartan shops. The greens here are as beautiful as those at St. Andrew's, yet the fees are reasonable. The Cedar Hill Municipal Golf Course, 1400 Derby Rd. (tel. 250/595-3103; www.golfcedarhill.com), the busiest course in Canada, is an 18-hole, par-67 public course 3km (1 3/4 miles) from downtown Victoria. It's open on a first-come, first-served basis; daytime greens fees are C$38 (US$32/£17) and twilight fees (after 3pm) are C$23 (US$20/£10). Golf clubs can be rented for C$15 (US$13/£7). The Cordova Bay Golf Course, 5333 Cordova Bay Rd. (tel. 250/658-4075; www.cordovabaygolf.com), is northeast of the downtown area. Designed by Bill Robinson, the par-71, 18-hole course features 66 sand traps and some tight fairways. Greens fees are C$50 to C$79 (US$42-US$67/£22-£36) depending on day and season; twilight fees range from C$30 to C$49 (US$26-US$42/£13-£22).
The Olympic View Golf Club, 643 Latoria Rd. (tel. 250/474-3673; www.golfbc.com/courses/olympic_view), is one of the top 35 golf courses in Canada. Amid 12 lakes and a pair of waterfalls, this 18-hole, par-72, 6,414-yard course is open daily year-round. Daytime greens fees, depending on day and season, are C$65 to C$75 (US$52-US$60/£29-£34) and twilight fees are C$30 to C$40 (US$24-US$32/£13-£18). Power carts cost an additional C$30 (US$24/£13).
The new star of Vancouver Island golf courses, and the most expensive to play, is the 18-hole, 7,212-yard, par-72 course designed by Jack Nicklaus and his son for Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa, 1376 Lynburne Place (tel. 888/533-2327 or 250/744-2327 tee time bookings). Golf carts (included with fee) and collared shirts (blue jeans not permitted) are mandatory on this upscale, mountaintop course that features breathtaking views and a spectacular 19th hole for recreational betting. Nonmember greens fees, depending on when you reserve and the time you play, range from C$65 to C$130 (US$55-US$110/£29-£58).
You can call Last Minute Golf Hot Line at tel. 800/684-6344 for substantial discounts and short-notice tee times. Island Links Hot Line at tel. 866/266-GOLF acts as a booking agent for courses around Vancouver Island and will provide transportation from your hotel to the course.
