Ontario’s country club scene is a magnet for the ultra-wealthy, offering an unparalleled blend of luxury, exclusivity, and world-class amenities. From historic institutions with storied pasts to modern enclaves catering to the elite, these clubs represent the pinnacle of opulence. Below, we dive into the top 20 most exclusive and expensive country clubs in Ontario, each epitomizing the lavish lifestyle sought by the affluent.
20. Lookout Point Country Club
Lookout Point Country Club is located in Fonthill, just outside St. Catharines. It’s known for being one of the more private clubs in the Niagara region, with a course that offers elevation changes and tight fairways. The club has been around for more than 100 years, and it’s not trying to be trendy or modern. The focus is on a serious golf experience, not extra perks. Membership is limited, and most people who join are locals or families who’ve been part of the club for generations. It’s not easy to get in unless you know someone or already have a connection.
The clubhouse is functional and kept up well, but it’s not flashy. The amenities are basic but solid—pro shop, locker rooms, dining, and practice facilities. The location on the escarpment makes it feel removed from the city without being too far from it. Lookout Point stays under the radar, but it’s respected by golfers across Ontario. The reputation is built on course quality and consistency, not luxury. If you’re looking for a quiet, traditional golf club with a strong membership base and a good layout, this is it.
19. Pulpit Club
The Pulpit Club, located in Caledon just outside Toronto, is one of Ontario’s most exclusive private golf experiences. It offers two distinct 18-hole courses — The Pulpit and The Paintbrush — each designed to challenge serious players while showcasing the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment. The elevation changes, deep bunkers, and dramatic vistas give both courses a unique character, with The Pulpit offering a more traditional parkland feel and The Paintbrush taking on a rugged, links-style design.
Beyond the championship golf, The Pulpit Club is known for its privacy, prestige, and year-round member access. It caters to a select membership base and maintains a low profile, adding to its appeal among serious golfers and Toronto-area elites. With top-tier practice facilities, professional instruction, and a strong sense of heritage, The Pulpit Club stands out as a quiet powerhouse in the Canadian golf world.
18. Rosedale Golf Club
Rosedale Golf Club is one of Toronto’s most exclusive and private golf clubs. It’s located in a high-end residential area just north of downtown, with a tight membership cap and long waiting list. The club has been around for more than a century and has built a reputation for offering one of the best private golf experiences in the province. You won’t find ads or promotions—entry is almost entirely referral-based, and legacy memberships are common. Many members come from the same business and social circles, and the club is known for keeping outsiders out.
The course itself is traditional in style, with a layout that rewards control and course management. Facilities are polished but understated. The clubhouse, locker rooms, and dining spaces are kept in excellent condition but avoid unnecessary luxury. The service is consistent, and operations are handled quietly. Rosedale isn’t a place where people go to show off—it’s where they go to get away from that. With limited access and an established, tight-knit membership, it remains one of the hardest clubs in Ontario to join.
17. Granite Golf Club
Granite Golf Club, located in Uxbridge just northeast of Toronto, is a private, members-only club designed by Thomas McBroom and opened in 2000. Set on over 230 acres of rolling moraine land, the course blends links-style features with wooded, parkland routing. The front nine is more open and windswept, while the back nine plays through mature trees and tighter corridors, creating two distinct playing experiences. The design prioritizes strategy, with large greens, natural elevation shifts, and well-placed bunkering.
Beyond the golf course, Granite offers a comprehensive and family-friendly country club experience. The practice facilities are among the best in Canada, including a massive driving range, short-game area, and a three-hole short course. The club is also a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability. With a modern clubhouse, fitness studio, and programs for juniors and social members, Granite balances prestige with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
16. London Hunt & Country Club
London Hunt and Country Club is one of Canada’s most historic private clubs, located in London, Ontario. Originally established in 1885 as a foxhunting club, it evolved over time into a full-service country club with a strong emphasis on golf. The club relocated to its current 275-acre site in 1960, where a Robert Trent Jones Sr.–designed championship golf course was built. This layout has hosted several major events, including the 2006 Canadian Women’s Open, and is known for its strategic bunkering, mature trees, and immaculate conditioning.
Beyond golf, the club offers a full suite of amenities including clay tennis courts, trap and skeet shooting, fitness facilities, and fine dining. The setting, alongside the Thames River, adds to the exclusivity and natural beauty of the property. With a membership that values tradition, privacy, and top-tier service, London Hunt stands out as one of Ontario’s most prestigious and well-rounded country clubs.
The facilities include a classic clubhouse, full-service dining, and all the necessary golf amenities. The club doesn’t rely on frills or high-end extras to justify its cost—it focuses on high standards, a strong membership base, and consistent course conditions. Essex is the kind of club where expectations are high, but everything is managed quietly and efficiently. It’s respected in golf circles and difficult to access without the right personal connections or long-standing ties to the area.
15. Cataraqui Golf & Country Club
Cataraqui Golf & Country Club sits in Kingston and is one of the most respected private clubs in eastern Ontario. The course was originally designed by Stanley Thompson and is known for its challenging layout and consistent conditioning. It’s a club with a long history and a loyal membership that includes business leaders, academics, and professionals from the Kingston area. While not as high-profile as clubs in the Toronto region, Cataraqui maintains a high standard and limits membership, making access selective.
The clubhouse includes a full dining room, locker rooms, and pro shop, along with curling facilities used in the winter months. The club stays active year-round and fosters a tight-knit community. It’s not a destination club for people outside the region, but within Kingston and nearby cities, it’s viewed as the top-tier option. Members value the tradition and stability, and the club doesn’t make major changes unless they’re necessary. That consistency, paired with a solid course and quiet exclusivity, keeps Cataraqui in high demand.
14. Lambton Golf & Country Club
Lambton Golf & Country Club is one of Toronto’s oldest and most respected private clubs, founded in 1902. Its 18-hole Championship Course was originally laid out by Tom Bendelow and later reimagined by Rees Jones, blending classic parkland design with modern refinements. The course flows through mature trees and natural ravines alongside the Humber River and Black Creek, offering a challenging but fair test of golf. In addition to the main course, members also have access to a nine-hole Valley Course, a full practice facility, and year-round golf simulators.
Beyond the fairways, Lambton is a full-service club offering tennis, curling, dining, and social events in an elegant and recently renovated clubhouse. It has a deep competitive pedigree, having hosted multiple Canadian Opens and national amateur championships. The club also boasts historical ties to George S. Lyon, an Olympic gold medalist and one of Canada’s early golf icons. Lambton combines rich tradition with modern amenities, making it a cornerstone of the Toronto private club scene.
13. Weston Golf & Country Club
Weston Golf & Country Club is located in northwest Toronto and has a long-standing reputation as one of the city’s more traditional private clubs. It’s best known for hosting the 1955 Canadian Open, won by Arnold Palmer, and the course has kept its reputation for high-level play ever since. The layout is classic and well-maintained, with a focus on walkability and smart shot-making. Membership is capped and not easy to obtain without a connection. The club tends to attract members who want privacy without the attention that comes with more high-profile clubs downtown.
The facilities are complete and focused on golf, including a modernized clubhouse, practice range, and strong junior golf programs. The club offers dining and social events but avoids anything too elaborate. Members tend to be long-term, and the culture is low-key and disciplined. Weston doesn’t market itself aggressively, and that controlled approach helps maintain its exclusivity. It’s a club for serious golfers who don’t need to be seen—just to play, connect, and belong in a tightly managed environment.
12. Muskoka Bay Club
Muskoka Bay Club is one of the most exclusive golf properties in Ontario’s cottage country. Located in Gravenhurst, it offers a high-end golf experience in the middle of one of Canada’s most desirable seasonal regions. The course is modern, dramatic, and built into the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield. It attracts a different type of member—often from Toronto or other major cities—who owns a second home nearby and wants access to a top-tier course without the crowds. Membership is kept intentionally low, and pricing reflects the demand during the peak summer months.
In addition to the course, Muskoka Bay offers a resort-style clubhouse, dining, and access to luxury accommodations for those who want to stay on-site. However, it’s still run as a private club, and tee times are limited. The property also includes real estate development, with custom homes and villas that tie into the membership offering. This combination of golf, privacy, and location in a premium vacation market makes it one of the most expensive seasonal clubs in Ontario. Access is selective and built around ownership or high-cost memberships.
11. Muskoka Bay Club
Muskoka Bay Club is one of the most exclusive golf properties in Ontario’s cottage country. Located in Gravenhurst, it offers a high-end golf experience in the middle of one of Canada’s most desirable seasonal regions. The course is modern, dramatic, and built into the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield. It attracts a different type of member—often from Toronto or other major cities—who owns a second home nearby and wants access to a top-tier course without the crowds. Membership is kept intentionally low, and pricing reflects the demand during the peak summer months.
In addition to the course, Muskoka Bay offers a resort-style clubhouse, dining, and access to luxury accommodations for those who want to stay on-site. However, it’s still run as a private club, and tee times are limited. The property also includes real estate development, with custom homes and villas that tie into the membership offering. This combination of golf, privacy, and location in a premium vacation market makes it one of the most expensive seasonal clubs in Ontario. Access is selective and built around ownership or high-cost memberships.
10. Beacon Hall Golf Club
Beacon Hall is one of the most private and carefully controlled golf clubs in Ontario. Located in Aurora, just north of Toronto, it was built with exclusivity as its main focus. Membership is capped at 260 full members, which is far lower than most clubs, and that alone makes access extremely limited. There are no public tee times, and the club doesn’t host outside events. Everything is built around providing a quiet, uncrowded experience for serious golfers. The course itself is consistently ranked among the best in Canada, and its modern design stands out for strategic play and excellent maintenance.
The clubhouse is understated but high quality, offering dining and locker facilities that match the expectations of a wealthy membership base. There are no distractions—no pool, tennis, or social programming—just golf. Beacon Hall also operates as a share-based club, meaning you must purchase a share to become a member, and even then, approval is required. The club has built a reputation for being one of the hardest in the country to access. It appeals to a very specific type of member: those who want a pure golf environment and are willing to pay a premium to get it.
9. Coppinwood Golf Club
Coppinwood Golf Club, located in Goodwood just northeast of Toronto, is one of Canada’s premier modern private clubs. Designed by Tom Fazio and opened in 2006, it is the only Fazio course in the country and sits on over 350 acres of rolling countryside. The course features wide fairways, deep strategic bunkers, and strong elevation changes that highlight the natural terrain. It’s consistently ranked among the top golf courses in Canada, praised for its playability, shot variety, and world-class conditioning.
The club places a strong emphasis on an unhurried and refined member experience. There are no tee time battles, and the atmosphere is understated yet highly polished. Facilities include an exceptional practice complex with full-length range holes, a spacious clubhouse with upscale dining, and a relaxed social culture centered around the game. Private and by invitation only, Coppinwood is known for delivering a pure golf experience in a peaceful rural setting just under an hour from the city.
8. Mississaugua Golf & Country Club
Mississaugua Golf & Country Club is one of the oldest and most respected private clubs in the Greater Toronto Area. Located just west of downtown Toronto, the club has a long history dating back to the early 1900s. The course is a traditional parkland layout with mature trees, fast greens, and a routing that challenges players of all levels. It has hosted several national events and continues to be seen as a benchmark for private club quality in Ontario. Membership is difficult to secure and typically involves a long waiting list, sponsorship, and board approval.
The club offers more than just golf. It includes full-service dining, a large clubhouse, fitness center, tennis courts, and curling facilities. Many members view it as a family club, and the amenities are designed to support year-round engagement. Despite its range of offerings, the club maintains high standards for member conduct and access. There are few opportunities to join unless a spot opens up, and pricing remains high to reflect the demand. Mississaugua combines heritage, location, and comprehensive facilities to stay at the top of Ontario’s private club market.
7. Goodwood / The Avalon Club
Goodwood Golf Club, now rebranded as The Avalon Club, is one of the most private and hard-to-access clubs in Canada. Located in Uxbridge, just northeast of Toronto, the club is not open to the public in any way. There is no marketing, no tee time booking, and no published information on fees or structure. Membership is invitation-only and capped at a very small number of individuals. The course itself is known for its wide fairways, rolling terrain, and minimalist design that appeals to serious golfers. It’s designed to feel natural and open, with no housing or outside noise interfering.
The Avalon Club operates differently from most private clubs. There’s no traditional clubhouse, no large social events, and no distractions. Everything is centered around a pure golf experience. Members are often business leaders or individuals looking for complete privacy and control over their golf time. You won’t see weddings, tournaments, or anything that brings outside attention. The cost to join is significant, but that’s part of what keeps it small and exclusive. For golfers who want total isolation and one of the most private rounds in the country, Avalon is the top option.
6. Magna Golf Club
Magna Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario, is one of the most exclusive and meticulously maintained private golf clubs in Canada. Opened in 2001, the course was designed by Doug Carrick and quickly earned recognition as one of the best new layouts in the country. Set across over 7,300 yards of rolling terrain in the Oak Ridges Moraine, the par-72 course features wide fairways, dramatic bunkering, and perfectly conditioned greens. The club has hosted elite tournaments, including the 2019 CP Women’s Open, and has welcomed high-profile guests ranging from Tiger Woods to Mike Weir.
The clubhouse is a reflection of luxury, with high-end dining, locker rooms with spa-level amenities, and a full suite of concierge services. Members enjoy features like a private spa, valet parking, and suites overlooking the course. Magna’s grounds and facilities are built for both high-performance golf and refined relaxation, creating a country club environment that’s both elegant and discreet. It’s a statement club—one that caters to a select few and leaves a strong impression without needing to boast.
5. Oviinbyrd Golf Club
Oviinbyrd Golf Club is located in the Muskoka region near Foot’s Bay and is widely considered one of the most exclusive clubs in Canada. The club has a very small membership, typically fewer than 100 people, and does not accept applications in the traditional sense. Everything is invitation-only, and the ownership is selective about who they allow in. The course is short by modern standards but is carefully designed for quality, not length. It’s private, quiet, and rarely discussed publicly, which is exactly how the members want it.
The facilities are minimal but well executed. There is a small clubhouse, fine dining, and a simple pro shop. Oviinbyrd doesn’t host outside tournaments or events, and guests are allowed only under tight rules. Many members are high-net-worth individuals with summer homes in the Muskoka area. The atmosphere is understated and controlled. The focus is on the course, the people, and the privacy. It’s not a place to be seen—it’s a place to disappear and play golf without interruption. That level of control and privacy is what justifies the extremely high cost of access.
4. St. George’s Golf and Country Club
St. George’s Golf and Country Club is one of the most prestigious and well-known private clubs in Canada. Located in Etobicoke, just west of downtown Toronto, the club is home to a Stanley Thompson-designed course that regularly ranks among the top in the country. It has hosted numerous major tournaments, including multiple Canadian Opens, and is known for its challenging layout, fast greens, and strong conditioning. The club maintains a strict limit on membership and requires sponsorship, interviews, and board approval to join. The waiting list is long, and turnover is low.
The clubhouse is traditional and well-maintained, offering full dining services, locker rooms, and practice facilities. While the club does host high-level events, it does so without compromising the member experience. Access is carefully managed, and guest play is limited. St. George’s balances a strong history with modern standards, making it one of the most sought-after memberships in Ontario. Members are typically professionals, executives, and long-time families tied to Toronto’s upper class. It’s not a casual club—it’s serious golf, serious tradition, and very limited access.
3. Redtail Golf Club
Redtail Golf Club is one of the most discreet and exclusive private golf clubs in Canada, located just outside Port Stanley in southwestern Ontario. Founded in 1992 by Chris Goodwin and George Clifton, the club sits on roughly 210 acres of former farmland and is known for its minimalist design by Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie. The course winds through natural meadows, woodlands, and ravines, with only 29 bunkers and wide fairways framed by wispy red fescue. Its understated design puts an emphasis on strategy, shotmaking, and flow, offering a pure golf experience free from distractions.
Membership at Redtail is extremely limited and by invitation only, which adds to its mystique. The club doesn’t chase recognition or publicity, yet it has earned deep respect among insiders for its pristine conditions, quiet luxury, and world-class hospitality. The clubhouse is intimate and refined, with a small number of cottages on-site to accommodate overnight stays. Redtail’s appeal lies in its simplicity and seclusion—a haven for those who value privacy and high-level golf without the noise.
2. The National Golf Club of Canada
The National Golf Club of Canada, located in Woodbridge just north of Toronto, is widely regarded as the most difficult course in the country. It’s also one of the most private and exclusive. The course was designed to test elite-level golfers, with narrow fairways, fast greens, and a layout that punishes mistakes. It’s not designed for beginners, and the club makes no effort to be inclusive. Membership is male-only, by invitation only, and extremely limited. There is no public access, and even guest rounds are heavily restricted.
The facilities are clean and functional, but the focus is entirely on golf. There are no pools, tennis courts, or other social amenities. Everything is structured around delivering the best possible private golf experience to a small group of serious players. The National Golf Club of Canada has no interest in marketing, public events, or growing its exposure. Members are expected to respect the club’s traditions, and that includes a very selective culture. The cost to join is extremely high, but the main barrier isn’t money—it’s access. You can’t buy your way in unless the right people vouch for you.
1. Toronto Golf Club
Toronto Golf Club is the oldest and most exclusive private golf club in Ontario. Located in Mississauga, just minutes from downtown Toronto, it was founded in 1876 and has maintained a reputation for tradition, privacy, and elite membership ever since. The course, a classic Harry Colt design, is walkable and respected for its layout, not its length. The club is focused entirely on golf. There are no outside events, no public access, and no advertising. Membership is strictly limited and requires multiple referrals and board approval. Most members come from established families and longstanding professional networks.
The clubhouse is formal and traditional, with a dress code and conduct expectations that reflect the club’s history. Facilities are kept in excellent condition but avoid modern luxuries. There’s no fitness center or flashy additions—just high-level golf, formal dining, and a quiet member experience. Toronto Golf Club does not seek the spotlight and does not change to meet trends. It exists for a specific type of member—one who values discretion, heritage, and controlled access. It’s the most expensive and hardest-to-join golf club in Ontario, and that’s by design.
These clubs represent the epitome of luxury and exclusivity in Ontario’s country club scene. Each offers a unique blend of world-class golf, opulent amenities, and a commitment to privacy, catering to the elite who seek the finest in leisure and lifestyle.