British Columbia’s golf 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 15 most exclusive and expensive golf courses in the British Columbia, each epitomizing the lavish lifestyle sought by the affluent.
15. Sagebrush Golf Club
Sagebrush Golf Club is located in a remote area near Merritt, offering a unique and private golf experience far from the crowds of the city. The setting is rugged and quiet, and the course is built to emphasize the natural landscape rather than over-designed features. It’s not a resort-style club or a place with a packed social calendar—this is pure golf. With a limited number of rounds and a cap on public access, the club is run more like a private retreat than a traditional country club. Those who play here are either connected through membership or are invited.
The facilities are minimal by design. There is no large clubhouse or family-oriented extras. Instead, there’s a focus on a more personal and relaxed environment where members and their guests can enjoy the course without pressure or crowds. The isolation and controlled access make Sagebrush one of the most exclusive golf options in British Columbia. It doesn’t cater to the masses, and that’s the point. Members value the quiet, the privacy, and the challenge of the course over flashy amenities or social status.
14. Tower Ranch Golf & Country Club
Tower Ranch Golf & Country Club sits on the eastern hills above Kelowna, offering views over the Okanagan Valley and Lake Okanagan. It’s known for its dramatic elevation changes and wide-open sightlines, but what sets it apart is the private, residential feel and the quality of the course. While not fully private in the traditional sense, Tower Ranch does offer high-cost memberships and limits access to create a more exclusive experience for full-time members and homeowners in the surrounding development. It’s one of the most talked-about clubs in the region because of its location and controlled atmosphere.
The clubhouse includes a full-service restaurant, pro shop, and private spaces for members. It’s modern, clean, and designed to serve a smaller group of regular players. Tower Ranch doesn’t aim to attract large crowds or host frequent public tournaments—it’s focused on maintaining a premium golf environment with professional-level upkeep. The combination of the high cost of membership, the nearby real estate market, and the low availability of tee times keeps the club exclusive and in demand among Kelowna’s more affluent residents.
13. Greywolf Golf Course
Greywolf Golf Course is located in the mountain resort town of Panorama, far from major urban centers, which adds to its exclusivity. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best mountain golf courses in Canada and offers a unique experience with dramatic elevation changes and alpine views. While technically part of a resort, the course operates with limited access and premium pricing, especially during the summer season. The remote location keeps the crowds low and the environment quiet, attracting wealthier guests and second-home owners looking for a more private setting.
Facilities are focused on quality over quantity. The clubhouse is well-kept with dining, a pro shop, and excellent practice areas, but there are no distractions like pools or social event calendars. The emphasis is on delivering a high-end golf experience in a peaceful mountain environment. Greywolf isn’t a traditional country club with heavy membership structures, but the price, location, and exclusivity of access place it firmly in the upper tier of British Columbia golf destinations. Most who play here are either staying at the resort or are connected through ownership or partnerships.
12. Tobiano Golf Course at GreenTee Country Club
Tobiano Golf Course, part of the GreenTee Country Club development near Kamloops, is a high-end golf property built into the rugged terrain overlooking Kamloops Lake. The course is known for its bold layout, with deep ravines, wide fairways, and panoramic lake views on almost every hole. It was designed with exclusivity in mind, combining upscale real estate with a golf experience that feels removed from the general public. Access is limited through premium green fees and member-focused offerings tied to the surrounding residential community.
The amenities are sleek and modern, but the club avoids trying to be all things to all people. There’s no tennis, no large-scale social events, and no push for corporate tournaments. It’s designed for serious golf and a private atmosphere. Real estate in the area is positioned for affluent buyers, and many of the residents are part-time or seasonal, further keeping the course uncrowded. Tobiano stands out not just for the golf but for its controlled access and luxury positioning in a market that typically leans more public. It’s high-priced for a reason—it’s not built for volume, it’s built for space and quiet.
11. Predator Ridge Golf Resort
Predator Ridge in Vernon is more than just a golf resort—it’s a master-planned community built around two championship-level courses and a luxury lifestyle. The Ridge and The Predator courses are well-maintained and designed to appeal to serious golfers, but the resort’s real exclusivity comes from the community around it. Homeownership often includes access to private golf privileges, and full memberships come with a steep price. It’s one of the most sought-after golf communities in the Okanagan Valley, drawing in high-income buyers and seasonal residents from across Canada.
The facilities go beyond the basics. In addition to a full-service clubhouse, there’s a fitness center, spa, and walking trails built into the landscape. Predator Ridge doesn’t operate like a traditional country club, but it delivers a similar level of exclusivity by combining real estate, golf, and lifestyle amenities in a gated environment. Public play is available at limited times and at premium pricing, keeping the experience private and uncluttered for full members. It’s a luxury setup designed for people who want to live and play in a controlled, high-end setting.
10. Whistler Golf Club
Whistler Golf Club is located right in the heart of Whistler Village, one of Canada’s top year-round destinations. While it is technically open to public play, the cost of access, limited tee times, and exclusive membership options place it in the upper tier of British Columbia’s golf scene. The course is surrounded by luxury real estate, and many members are second-home owners or high-income vacationers who spend their summers in Whistler. The setting is scenic, but it’s also tightly controlled, with curated experiences and high expectations for service.
The clubhouse includes full dining, event space, and a pro shop, all designed to meet the standards of Whistler’s global clientele. The club offers priority tee times and benefits to those who buy into its limited membership program, and access during peak summer months can be difficult to secure without that connection. Even though it’s not a traditional private club, it functions like one for those who can afford to play regularly. The combination of location, pricing, and limited availability gives Whistler Golf Club an exclusivity that rivals fully private facilities.
9. Big Sky Golf & Country Club
Big Sky Golf & Country Club is located just north of Whistler in Pemberton, and it offers a quieter, more exclusive option for serious golfers in the region. The course sits at the base of Mount Currie, giving it one of the most impressive backdrops in British Columbia. It’s a long, championship-level course that caters to experienced players, and the setting helps limit casual traffic. While technically semi-private, Big Sky maintains exclusivity through high membership costs, controlled public access, and a strong connection to luxury vacation property owners in the area.
The club facilities are sharp and focused—pro shop, practice areas, and a restaurant that’s more upscale than most regional clubs. There’s no pool, tennis, or family programming, which helps keep the emphasis on golf. Membership gives priority tee times, and the club caps rounds per day to maintain the low-traffic experience. Many of the members are seasonal residents or second-home owners who want a private, premium golf option without the crowds seen in Whistler. Big Sky is quiet, expensive, and well-run, and that’s exactly what its members are paying for.
8. Nicklaus North Golf Course
Nicklaus North Golf Course is one of the few courses in the world designed by Jack Nicklaus that carries his name, and it’s located just minutes from Whistler Village. This course blends top-tier design with luxury real estate and a high-end club environment. While it does allow public play, the cost of a round is among the highest in the province, and memberships are offered at a premium. It caters to golfers who value course pedigree, tight operations, and a scenic but exclusive setting. Many who play here are either high-net-worth vacationers or second-home owners in the nearby community.
The clubhouse includes a fine-dining restaurant, practice areas, and well-maintained locker rooms. There’s also direct access to high-end homes along the course, many of which are owned by international buyers. While the club isn’t fully private, the experience is curated to feel like one. Tee times are limited during peak periods, and there are exclusive member events and perks that keep the regular clientele separate from casual play. Nicklaus North operates like a semi-private luxury club, and the price and policies make sure it stays that way.
7. Bear Mountain Golf Resort
Bear Mountain Golf Resort, located just outside Victoria in Langford, is a large-scale luxury golf community built around two distinct courses: the Mountain Course and the Valley Course. It’s part of a full resort and residential development, with real estate, hotel accommodations, and wellness facilities all tied into the membership offering. The courses are challenging and built into rugged terrain, with views of Vancouver Island and the Pacific coastline. While resort guests can play, full-time members receive preferred access, private facilities, and a level of exclusivity not found at standard public clubs.
Beyond the golf, Bear Mountain offers a wide range of amenities that push it into country club territory: tennis courts, a fitness center, spa, dining, and access to events year-round. Many homeowners in the community buy into the full lifestyle package, which includes golf privileges and exclusive use of certain areas. Memberships aren’t cheap, and the resort uses tiered pricing and restrictions to keep the highest level of access limited to top-paying members. It’s one of the few places in British Columbia offering a full country club experience in a resort-style environment.
6. Hollyburn Country Club
Hollyburn Country Club is located in one of the most affluent parts of the province—West Vancouver—and caters to a very specific clientele. This is not a golf-first facility, but rather a full-service private club focused on racquet sports, fitness, and lifestyle amenities. That said, its pricing, waitlist, and location place it firmly in the top tier of exclusive clubs in British Columbia. Hollyburn is known for its tennis programs, squash courts, Olympic-sized pool, and expansive gym. It operates more like a private athletic and social club than a traditional golf destination.
Membership is expensive and tightly controlled. There are different tiers, but all involve an application process, waitlist, and a large initiation fee. Many members are West Vancouver residents who treat the club as part of their daily routine, using the facilities multiple times per week. The club also limits the number of families and individual memberships to avoid crowding and preserve the member experience. While it’s not about golf, Hollyburn’s exclusivity, high cost, and member retention put it in the same conversation as the most private clubs in the province.
5. Royal Colwood Golf Club
Royal Colwood Golf Club is one of the oldest and most traditional private golf clubs in Canada. Located in Victoria, it was founded in 1913 and granted “Royal” status by King George V—a rare distinction. The course itself is a classic parkland layout lined with mature trees and designed for walking. There’s no resort traffic, no public tee times, and no outside events. Membership is by invitation and sponsorship only, and the waiting list can stretch for years. The club is quiet, understated, and extremely private.
The clubhouse is traditional and well-kept, with locker rooms, a dining area, and spaces for private events and meetings. There are no unnecessary extras—just a strong focus on golf, heritage, and controlled access. The membership base includes long-established families and professionals who treat the club as a second home. Royal Colwood is not chasing trends or growth; it’s designed for long-term members who value consistency and exclusivity. It’s difficult to get into, expensive to maintain, and built for those who want a timeless golf environment.
4. Victoria Golf Club
Victoria Golf Club is located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean in Oak Bay and is the oldest golf club in Canada still operating on its original site. It’s a true coastal course with ocean winds, stunning views, and a layout that challenges even experienced golfers. The course has a strong reputation for conditioning and history, and membership is capped and highly selective. Many members are long-time residents of Victoria or part of multi-generational families with deep roots in the area. It’s not a club you just walk into—there’s a process, and connections matter.
The clubhouse blends old-world charm with modern updates, offering formal dining, lounges, and locker room facilities with views over the water. There are no elaborate extras like tennis or swimming pools, because that’s not the focus here. This is a pure golf club with a long-standing culture and very little turnover. Guest play is limited and tightly managed, and most new members come in through referral or family legacy. The exclusivity comes from a mix of tradition, location, and strict access—all of which make Victoria Golf Club one of the hardest memberships to secure on Vancouver Island.
3. Vancouver Golf Club
Vancouver Golf Club is one of the most established and respected private clubs in the province. Located in Coquitlam, just outside Vancouver, it offers a private and controlled environment that feels far removed from the city despite being minutes away. The course is a traditional parkland layout with fast greens, tight fairways, and a setup that rewards precision over power. It has hosted several national tournaments and is known for maintaining top-tier course conditions throughout the year. Membership is by application and sponsorship only, with long waitlists and significant fees required for entry.
The clubhouse is large and built to handle year-round member activity, with dining spaces, lounges, and private event areas. There’s also a strong focus on member programs and junior development, making it a long-term option for families who plan to stay in the area. What separates Vancouver Golf Club from others is the consistency in quality and the tight control over who becomes a member. There’s no public play, and even guest rounds are regulated. It’s a classic private club where legacy, privacy, and tradition carry more weight than amenities or modern branding.
2. Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club
Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club is one of the most elite and private clubs in the country, located in the highly desirable Southlands area of Vancouver. The course sits right along the Fraser River and is known for its tree-lined fairways, tight layout, and tournament-level difficulty. It has hosted multiple Canadian Opens and consistently ranks among Canada’s top golf courses. Access is strictly limited. Membership requires multiple referrals, board approval, and a substantial initiation fee. Even if you have the money, you still need the right connections to get in.
The clubhouse is elegant but traditional, offering full dining, event spaces, locker rooms, and member lounges. There is no public play, and the club is known for limiting outside exposure. The culture is serious and private, with many members coming from business, political, and medical circles. Shaughnessy is not a place for flashy amenities or casual drop-ins—it’s structured for members who value tradition, privacy, and high-level golf. That approach, combined with the real estate value of its location, makes it one of the most expensive and exclusive memberships in British Columbia.
1. Capilano Golf & Country Club
Capilano Golf & Country Club is the most exclusive and expensive golf club in British Columbia. Located in the British Properties of West Vancouver, it sits on some of the most valuable land in the province. The course was designed by Stanley Thompson and is considered a masterpiece of West Coast golf. It offers views of the mountains, city, and ocean—all from a quiet, gated setting. Membership is extremely limited, and even longtime Vancouver residents often find it nearly impossible to gain entry. The club operates with a long-standing tradition of privacy, and new members are only accepted after a lengthy referral and review process.
The facilities are refined and traditional, with a classic clubhouse offering formal dining, private lounges, and high-end locker rooms. There are no distractions like tennis courts or social calendars packed with events. Capilano is built around golf, legacy, and discretion. The membership includes some of the wealthiest individuals in the region, many of whom keep a low profile. It’s not a place that advertises or tries to grow—it’s a club that protects its privacy and maintains its standard. The cost is high, but it’s the access that’s even more valuable. Capilano remains the top tier of golf in British Columbia.
These clubs represent the epitome of luxury and exclusivity in British Columbia’s golf course 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.