Canadian Rockies, Banff, Alberta – A golf trip to the Canadian Rockies, whether you are playing in Banff, Jasper, Canmore or Kananaskis is sure to be memorable. Sweeping Par 5’s, strategic Par 4’s and everyone’s favourite…the signature Par 3.
The following is a list of our favourite Par 3’s in the Canadian Rockies.
- The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course – Banff, Alberta
The Devil’s Cauldron as the fourth hole is called, is as picturesque a hole as you will find anywhere in the world, the best of Banff golf. Sitting high above the hole, on a granite shelf, with a crystal clear mountain feed lake between you and its natural amphitheatre surroundings, a back tee shot of 192 yards will require all your concentration. With tee boxes at 165 and 79 yards as well, and playing one less club than the distance would suggest, you can avoid adding your ball to the glacier feed lake’s collection of balls. Keep focused as there will be plenty of time to admire your surroundings once you’ve navigated the green’s surrounding five bunkers. - The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – Jasper, Alberta
The 9th hole at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge golf course, named Cleopatra, is one of Canada’s signature par-threes. This is a 231 yard hole that plays downhill to a heavily bunkered, steep-sided green. Set against the backdrop of Pyramid Mountain in the far distance, you’ll need to trust your club selection as this downhill shot will definitely have you second guessing yourself. History’s story goes that Stanley Thompson moulded the greenside bunkers to resemble the voluptuous form of the Egyptian queen, which did not go over with the hotel’s officials who demanded he go back and tame her charms. This par 3 is proof that signature par 3’s do not have to have water on them. - The Kananaskis Country Golf Course – Kananaskis, Alberta
The 4th hole on the Mt. Kidd course is Kananaskis’ most photographed hole. Just shy of 200 yards, the elevated tee on #4 offers a large green surface which might help ease any concerns about its surrounding water. Though the large green means you may keep your ball dry if you survive your water crossing, it also means you could be looking at a long birdie putt as you navigate its undulating green. Being elevated may allow you to take one less club…just keep an eye on the wind direction. - The Canmore Golf & Curling Club, Canmore, Alberta
A redesign in 2012 resulted in this challenging par 3 being included into the rotation at Canmore’s oldest course. From the Gold tee box 182 yrds back, your tee shot must carry the hole’s water feature the entire way. The beauty of this design and it’s four tee complexes means that as you move to the forward tee boxes at 106 yrds you are presented with less trouble in front of you and a bail out area to the right. The wind can come at you from all directions and with the putting surface only a couple of paces from the rock-lined pond, it is best to play to the middle of the green. Par is a great score here. - Silvertip Resort, Canmore, Alberta
At 206 yards from the Silver back tees, # 15 will have you discussing which club to pull depending on the pin’s location. With two tiers and a depth of 38 yards, accuracy is paramount to avoid a 3 putt or a watery grave. Grotto Mountain serves as the backdrop to this beautifully sculpted hole.