I’ll never forget the morning I teed off at The Marshes with mist rising from the wetlands, a great blue heron standing motionless near the fifth fairway, and not another golfer in sight. It was 6:30 AM on a Tuesday in late September, the kind of shoulder-season round that reminds you why living in Ottawa—despite the winters—is worth it for golfers.
The National Capital Region has quietly developed one of the more interesting golf landscapes in Ontario. We don’t have the coastal drama of British Columbia or the resort polish of Muskoka, but what we do have is variety: championship layouts that challenge serious players, affordable municipal courses that welcome beginners, scenic tracks carved through farmland and forest, and a season that—while shorter than we’d like—delivers some of the most perfect golfing weather in the country.
Whether you’re a low-handicapper seeking competition, a casual player looking for a fun afternoon, or someone who just wants to learn the game without breaking the bank, Ottawa’s golf scene has something that fits. This guide covers the courses worth knowing, the practical details that help you plan, and the insider knowledge that separates a good round from a great one.
The local golf community knows which courses deliver and which disappoint. As one Ottawa golfer shared: “The Marshes is worth every penny. The course design is genuinely interesting, the wetlands make it feel like you’re nowhere near the city, and the conditioning is always solid. It’s where I take out-of-town guests.”
Another perspective on value: “Don’t sleep on the municipal courses. Pineview might not look like much, but it’s honest golf at honest prices. Perfect for when you just want to hit some balls with friends without the sticker shock.”
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa offers 20+ public golf courses ranging from $25-95 in green fees. The season runs late April through October, with peak rates June-August. Championship courses like The Marshes and Loch March offer premium experiences, while municipal courses like Pineview provide excellent value. Twilight rates (after 3-4 PM) save 30-50%.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛳ Public Courses | 20+ in Ottawa-Gatineau region |
| 💰 Green Fees | $25-95 (public courses) |
| 📅 Season | Late April - October |
| 🕐 Best Value | Twilight rates after 3-4 PM |
| 🚗 Driving Range | Most courses have practice facilities |
| 👕 Dress Code | Collared shirts at most courses |
Understanding Ottawa’s Golf Scene
Ottawa’s golf courses fall into several distinct categories, and understanding these helps you find the right fit for your game, budget, and expectations.
Championship Courses like The Marshes, Loch March, and Stonebridge offer the full premium experience: challenging layouts, immaculate conditioning, substantial practice facilities, quality clubhouses, and prices to match. These are the courses you play when you want everything to feel special—the round with visiting clients, the annual tournament with old friends, the celebration of a promotion or birthday.
Mid-Range Public Courses form the backbone of Ottawa golf. Courses like GreyHawk, Eagle Creek, Emerald Links, and Falcon Ridge offer solid layouts, good conditions, and reasonable prices. These are your regular Saturday morning rounds, the courses where you build a relationship with the starter and recognize familiar faces on the range.
Value and Municipal Courses make golf accessible. Pineview, Capital Golf Centre, and Cedarhill prove you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy the game. Conditioning might be a step below premium courses, but the core experience—fresh air, good company, the satisfaction of a well-struck shot—remains the same.
Executive and Par-3 Courses serve beginners, seniors, and time-pressed golfers who want a round in under two hours. These shorter layouts strip away the intimidation factor and let players focus on scoring rather than searching for errant drives.
Gatineau/Quebec Courses across the river often offer excellent value compared to Ontario-side equivalents. The exchange isn’t literal (we’re all using Canadian dollars), but competition and lower overhead tend to reduce prices slightly. Courses like Mont Cascades and Le Mirage provide quality golf with scenic Gatineau Hills settings.
Championship Courses: When You Want the Best
The Marshes Golf Club
Address: 1600 Carp Road, Ottawa, ON K0A 1L0 Phone: (613) 839-5885 Website: marshesottawa.com
The Marshes stands as Ottawa’s most distinctive golf experience. Designed to coexist with the natural wetlands that give it its name, the course weaves through protected habitat areas where wildlife sightings—herons, hawks, deer—are common enough to feel routine but special enough to never get old.
The Layout: At roughly 6,800 yards from the championship tees with a par of 72, The Marshes demands accuracy over raw power. Water hazards and protected wetland areas frame many holes, meaning wayward shots face penalties more serious than thick rough. The wise play is often conservative: hitting to the fat part of fairways and greens, accepting bogey when par isn’t realistic, and letting the course’s beauty compensate for its demands.
Green Fees: Weekday rates run approximately $65-75, with weekend rates climbing to $75-85. These prices include cart rental at some times; verify when booking. Twilight rates typically save 25-35%.
Practice Facilities: Full driving range, short-game area, practice putting greens. The range balls are included in your green fee, which is a nice touch.
The Clubhouse: Beyond golf, The Marshes features a solid restaurant that’s popular for non-golf outings. The patio overlooking the 18th green is a particularly pleasant spot for post-round refreshments.
Who It’s Best For: Golfers who appreciate course design and natural beauty, players with control over their games, anyone seeking a special occasion round, wildlife enthusiasts who happen to golf.
Loch March Golf & Country Club
Address: 1755 Loch March Road, Kanata, ON K2W 1A6 Phone: (613) 839-5885 Website: lochmarch.com
Loch March positions itself as Ottawa’s premier public golf experience, and the claim holds merit. At roughly 7,000 yards from the back tees, it’s one of the longer courses in the region, but intelligent tee box selection makes it playable for all skill levels.
The Layout: Water comes into play on numerous holes, most memorably on the signature island-green par-3 that photographs better than it plays for high-handicappers. The conditioning consistently ranks among the region’s best, with greens that roll true and fairways that provide clean lies.
Green Fees: Premium pricing at $70-80 weekdays, $80-95 weekends. Cart rental additional at approximately $40 per cart.
Facilities: Full practice facility, well-stocked pro shop, dining options ranging from casual to refined. The club hosts weddings and events, meaning the grounds maintain year-round polish.
Who It’s Best For: Lower-handicap players seeking challenge, business golf, anyone wanting a taste of private club atmosphere at a public course price.
Stonebridge Golf & Country Club
Address: 2595 Stonehenge Drive, Ottawa, ON K4A 4Y9 Phone: (613) 830-5480 Website: stonebridgegolf.ca
Stonebridge offers championship golf in Ottawa’s east end, convenient for Orleans and Cumberland residents who don’t want to trek west for quality layouts. The course features well-defined holes that reward strategic play.
Green Fees: Weekday rates approximately $60-70, weekend rates $70-85.
Notable Features: Strong practice facility, solid conditioning throughout the season, less crowded than some western courses due to geographic positioning.
eQuinelle Golf Club
Address: 531 eQuinelle Drive, Embrun, ON K0A 1W0 Phone: (613) 443-6060 Website: equinelle.com
With 27 holes spread across three distinct nines, eQuinelle offers variety that single-18-hole courses can’t match. Located slightly east of Ottawa proper, it draws a loyal following from those willing to drive for the experience.
The Layout: Playing any combination of the three nines creates different experiences. The variety alone makes return visits feel fresh.
Green Fees: Excellent value at approximately $50-65 weekdays, $65-80 weekends for the full 27-hole experience.
Who It’s Best For: Golfers seeking value and variety, those in east Ottawa, players who want a full day of golf.
Mid-Range Courses: Quality Without Premium Prices
GreyHawk Golf Club
Address: 181 Len Purcell Drive, Ottawa, ON K2J 0W1 Phone: (613) 823-6666 Website: greyhawkgolf.ca
GreyHawk has earned a reputation for punching above its weight—the conditioning rivals more expensive courses, and the layout provides genuine challenge without feeling unfair. It’s become a favourite for regular players who want quality rounds without championship course pricing.
Green Fees: Approximately $55-65 weekdays, $65-75 weekends.
Notable Features: The course handles traffic well, meaning pace of play tends to be reasonable even on busy weekends. The practice range sees heavy use, suggesting a membership and clientele that takes the game seriously.
Eagle Creek Golf Club
Address: 1010 Dunrobin Road, Dunrobin, ON K0A 1T0 Phone: (613) 832-4653 Website: eaglecreekgolf.ca
Nestled in the scenic countryside west of Kanata, Eagle Creek offers perhaps the best natural setting among mid-range Ottawa courses. The layout incorporates the rolling terrain and mature trees that make the area appealing.
Green Fees: Approximately $55-65 weekdays, $65-75 weekends.
The Setting: Rural character that feels removed from the city, despite reasonable proximity. Several holes offer views that remind you why you moved beyond the urban core.
Emerald Links Golf & Country Club
Address: 3150 Bleeks Road, North Gower, ON K0A 2T0 Phone: (613) 489-2772 Website: emeraldlinks.com
South of the city in agricultural country, Emerald Links trades urban convenience for space and scenery. The course features elevation changes uncommon in Ottawa golf, creating visual variety and shot-making demands that flat courses can’t provide.
Green Fees: Good value at approximately $50-60 weekdays, $60-70 weekends.
Falcon Ridge Golf Club
Address: 4255 Old Montreal Road, Cumberland, ON K4C 1E7 Phone: (613) 833-4653 Website: falconridgegolf.com
Serving Ottawa’s east end, Falcon Ridge provides solid golf without pretension. It’s the course for regular rounds with buddies, member-guest events, and golfers who value gameplay over country club atmosphere.
Green Fees: Approximately $50-60 weekdays, $60-70 weekends.
Manderley on the Green
Address: 1329 Dunrobin Road, Ottawa, ON K0A 1T0 Phone: (613) 832-2869 Website: manderleyonthegreen.ca
Manderley positions itself as accessible and welcoming, making it an excellent choice for newer golfers or those returning to the game after time away. The layout forgives mistakes more than championship courses, allowing players to find balls and maintain pace.
Green Fees: Approximately $50-60 weekdays, $60-70 weekends.
Hylands Golf Club
Address: 2275 Tenth Line Road, Ottawa, ON K0A 2Z0 Phone: (613) 822-1717 Website: hylands.ca
A mature course with established character, Hylands offers the tree-lined fairways and traditional feel that newer developments can’t replicate. The conditions are reliable, and the layout provides honest tests without gimmicks.
Green Fees: Approximately $55-65 weekdays, $65-75 weekends.
Camelot Golf & Country Club
Address: 525 Camelot Drive, Cumberland, ON K4C 1G2 Phone: (613) 833-3332 Website: camelotgolf.ca
Another solid east-end option, Camelot maintains good conditions and provides straightforward golf. The club runs various leagues and events that create community among regular players.
Green Fees: Approximately $55-65 weekdays, $65-75 weekends.
Value Courses: Golf for Everyone
Pineview Municipal Golf Course
Address: 3795 Albion Road South, Ottawa, ON K1V 1B4 Phone: (613) 247-3731 Website: pineviewgolf.ca
Pineview represents Ottawa golf at its most democratic. As a municipal course, it keeps prices accessible while maintaining playable conditions. The layout won’t challenge low handicappers, but for recreational players seeking fresh air and exercise, it delivers exactly what’s needed.
Green Fees: Exceptional value at approximately $40-50 weekdays, $50-60 weekends—often the lowest 18-hole rates in the region.
Who It’s For: Beginners, budget-conscious players, families introducing kids to golf, anyone who values game time over prestige.
Facilities: Driving range, practice greens, pro shop with essentials, clubhouse with food service.
Capital Golf Centre
Address: 1730 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON K1J 6N2 Phone: (613) 745-7888 Website: capitalgolfcentre.ca
Capital Golf Centre specializes in making golf accessible. The 9-hole par-3 course removes the intimidation of longer layouts, allowing beginners to focus on short-game development and scoring rather than searching for lost balls.
Course Details: 9 holes, par 27, approximately 1,200 yards. Walking course—no carts needed or available.
Green Fees: Remarkably affordable at approximately $20-25 weekdays, $25-30 weekends.
Additional Facilities: The driving range is the primary draw here, with covered and heated bays that extend the practice season. Mini golf adds family entertainment value.
Who It’s For: Beginners, juniors, seniors seeking easier walking, time-pressed golfers wanting a quick round.
Cedarhill Golf & Country Club
Address: 1074 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3X3 Phone: (613) 733-6353 Website: cedarhillgolf.ca
Cedarhill’s urban location—in Old Ottawa South, minutes from downtown—makes it uniquely convenient. The 9-hole executive layout suits golfers who want to play after work without driving to the suburbs.
Green Fees: Approximately $30-40 weekdays, $40-50 weekends.
Notable Feature: You can play 9 holes and be home for dinner without the round feeling rushed.
Gatineau Side: Quality Across the River
Crossing into Quebec opens additional options, often at prices slightly below Ontario equivalents. The Gatineau Hills provide dramatic backdrops that flatter any golf experience.
Le Mirage Golf Club
Address: 300 Chemin de Montréal Ouest, Gatineau, QC J8P 7M3 Phone: (819) 643-7888 Website: golfmirage.com
Good value and decent conditioning make Le Mirage a popular choice for Ottawa golfers willing to cross the river. The course handles traffic well and maintains reasonable pace.
Green Fees: Approximately $45-55 weekdays, $55-65 weekends.
Mont Cascades Golf
Address: 448 Chemin Mont Cascades, Cantley, QC J8V 3J2 Phone: (819) 827-0301
Mont Cascades combines golf with the resort atmosphere of its associated ski and waterpark operations. The Gatineau Hills setting provides the most dramatic scenery of any course accessible from Ottawa.
Course Overview: 18 holes through terrain that rises and falls with the landscape. The elevation changes create memorable holes but also add physical challenge—walking this course is legitimate exercise.
Green Fees: Approximately $50-60 weekdays, $60-75 weekends.
The Experience: The views from elevated tees, particularly in fall when the hills display autumn colours, are genuinely spectacular. Combine a round with other Mont Cascades activities for a full day out.
Gatineau Golf Tips
Playing on the Quebec side involves a few considerations Ottawa golfers should know:
Language: Many courses operate primarily in French. Staff typically speak English, but signage and menus may not be bilingual. Basic golf French (tertre de départ for tee box, allée for fairway, vert for green) helps.
Pace of Play: Quebec courses sometimes run slightly slower than Ontario equivalents. Build extra time into your schedule.
Value: The lower green fees compared to similar-quality Ontario courses reflect real savings, particularly for mid-range options. Website: montcascades.ca/golf
Part of the Mont Cascades resort complex (better known for its waterpark and ski hill), the golf course benefits from the Gatineau Hills setting. Elevation changes and scenic views distinguish rounds here from flatter Ottawa layouts.
Green Fees: Excellent value at approximately $40-50 weekdays, $50-60 weekends.
Who It’s For: Golfers seeking scenery, those combining golf with other resort activities, value-conscious players.
Club de Golf Touraine
Address: 845 Boulevard Maloney Est, Gatineau, QC J8P 1J2 Phone: (819) 663-6627 Website: golftouraine.com
A mature Gatineau course with championship pretensions, Touraine offers a step up in challenge and conditioning from other Quebec-side options.
Green Fees: Approximately $45-55 weekdays, $55-65 weekends.
Practical Golf Information
The Ottawa Golf Season
Opening: Late April to early May, weather dependent. Courses monitor frost and ground conditions daily; call ahead if you’re eager to get out early.
Closing: Late October to early November, with some courses lingering into November if weather cooperates.
Peak Season: June through September offers reliable conditions and longest daylight.
Shoulder Season Advantages: May and October often provide comfortable temperatures, lower prices, and fewer crowds. The trade-off is less predictable weather and occasionally soft conditions.
Booking Strategies
How Far Ahead: Weekend tee times at popular courses book quickly. Secure your preferred slot 3-7 days in advance for Saturday/Sunday rounds.
Walk-Up Availability: Weekday mornings often accommodate walk-ups, especially at municipal and mid-range courses.
Booking Platforms: GolfNow, ChronoGolf, and individual course websites all work. Calling the pro shop directly sometimes reveals tee times not listed online.
Twilight Rates: Typically starting at 3:00 or 4:00 PM, twilight pricing saves 30-50% off regular rates. You might not finish 18 holes late in the season, but the value is undeniable.
Understanding Green Fees
Standard green fees at most courses include your round and access to practice facilities. Cart rental usually adds $30-40 per cart (shared by two golfers). Walking is permitted at most public courses, though some championship tracks restrict walking at peak times.
| Course Category | Weekday Range | Weekend Range |
|---|---|---|
| Championship | $65-80 | $75-95 |
| Mid-Range | $50-65 | $60-75 |
| Value/Municipal | $20-50 | $25-60 |
| Par-3/Executive | $20-30 | $25-35 |
Discounts and Special Pricing
Junior Rates: Most courses offer 25-50% discounts for players under 18.
Senior Rates: Many courses extend 10-25% discounts for players 60 or 65 and older, typically on weekdays.
Replay Rates: Playing a second 18 the same day often costs just $20-30.
Season Passes: Municipal courses and some mid-range tracks offer season passes that make sense for golfers playing 25+ rounds annually.
Dress Codes
Premium Courses: Collared shirts required, no denim, golf shoes strongly encouraged. Think business casual with athletic shoes.
Mid-Range Courses: Collared shirts expected, clean casual attire acceptable. Avoid jeans, cargo shorts, and flip-flops.
Municipal/Value Courses: More relaxed, but athletic attire remains appropriate. Collared shirt recommended but not always enforced.
Choosing the Right Course for Your Situation
For Beginning Golfers
Start with Capital Golf Centre’s par-3 course or Pineview’s forgiving layout. These courses reduce lost ball frustration and let you focus on developing skills rather than surviving demanding holes.
For Serious Golfers Seeking Challenge
Loch March and The Marshes provide the most demanding tests in the region. Stonebridge and eQuinelle offer championship character at slightly lower price points.
For Best Value
Pineview and Capital Golf Centre deliver the lowest per-round costs. Mont Cascades and Le Mirage on the Quebec side compete strongly on value.
For Scenic Beauty
The Marshes wetland setting is unique in the region. Eagle Creek and Mont Cascades provide countryside and hills charm.
For Business Golf
Loch March and The Marshes impress clients with premium experiences. Stonebridge and eQuinelle offer quality without the absolute highest prices.
For East Ottawa Residents
Stonebridge, Falcon Ridge, and Camelot all serve the east end without requiring the drive to Kanata or beyond.
FAQ
Q: When do Ottawa golf courses open for the season?
Most courses open in late April or early May, depending on spring weather conditions. Frost delays and soft ground can push openings later. Call your preferred course starting mid-April to check status. The season typically runs through late October, with some courses staying open into early November if weather cooperates.
Q: How much does a round of golf cost in Ottawa?
Prices range widely. Municipal courses like Pineview offer rounds for $40-60. Mid-range public courses typically charge $50-75. Championship courses like Loch March and The Marshes run $70-95. Cart rental usually adds $30-40 per cart. Twilight rates (after 3-4 PM) save 30-50% at most courses.
Q: Do I need to bring my own clubs?
Most courses offer rental clubs for $30-50 per set. Quality varies—championship courses typically stock better rental equipment. For serious golfers, owning clubs makes sense, but casual players can absolutely enjoy rounds with rentals while deciding if the game is for them.
Q: Are there golf courses with driving ranges in Ottawa?
Yes, nearly all 18-hole courses feature practice facilities including driving ranges. Capital Golf Centre on Montreal Road is particularly known for its range, which includes heated bays that extend the practice season. Range balls are included with green fees at some courses; others charge $5-10 per bucket.
Q: What should I wear to golf in Ottawa?
Championship and higher-end courses require collared shirts and prohibit jeans. Mid-range courses expect similar attire but enforce less strictly. Municipal courses are more casual but still expect athletic wear. Golf shoes aren’t required everywhere but improve your experience. Avoid flip-flops, tank tops, and beachwear universally.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s golf season is criminally short—roughly six months if you’re generous—which makes every round feel a little more precious. Perhaps that’s why the golf community here skews passionate: we know what we have, we know it’s temporary, and we make the most of it.
The courses themselves range from genuinely excellent to perfectly adequate, with options at every price point and skill level. Whether you’re chasing birdies at Loch March, learning the game at Capital Golf Centre, or simply enjoying the outdoors with friends at Falcon Ridge, the experience of Ottawa golf remains consistent: quality layouts, decent conditions, reasonable pace, and those random beautiful moments—morning mist on a wetland, autumn leaves on fairways, a putt that finally drops—that remind you why you keep coming back.
My recommendation? Try a variety. The championship courses deserve occasional splurges. The municipal tracks prove golf doesn’t require wealth. The mid-range options become the reliable favourites. And crossing the river to Quebec opens additional variety for the adventurous.
The season starts in April. The tee times are waiting. See you out there.
Sources: Ottawa golf courses, local golf associations, course research
