A Day on the Greens: My Adventure at Stewart Creek Golf and Country Club

Editor’s Note: Just to keep it real, I don’t have any special ties with Stewart Creek—I paid my way just like everyone else. This review is all about my genuine experience.

Picture this: if you shifted Pebble Beach just a mile inland, would it even rank among the top courses anymore? It’s a wild thought, isn’t it? The stunning Pacific Ocean sure defines Pebble, but let’s ponder this a bit deeper. When you think of a golf course, is it just about the fairways and greens, or is the entire backdrop—like the jagged cliffs and rolling waves—that truly makes the experience?

That’s a question I grappled with while playing Stewart Creek Golf and Country Club in beautiful Canmore, Alberta. Buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a scenic journey through one of Canada’s hidden golf gems, where stunning mountain views blend seamlessly with the game we love.

Stewart Creek: A Slice of Heaven

Two months ago, my wife and I embarked on an epic road trip from Vancouver to Calgary. Picture it: whale watching, hiking, glacier tours, and soaring gondola rides. If you’ve never cruised through western Canada, do yourself a favor. Seriously, the views are jaw-dropping at every turn, and you can bet we crossed off some unforgettable hikes from our bucket list.

To cap it all off, we landed in Canmore—a cozy town just a stone’s throw from Banff and a little over an hour from Calgary. Nestled comfortably against the Three Sisters mountain peaks, Stewart Creek is pure golf paradise. Let’s just say that the Canadian Rockies are more than just eye candy—they’re the main act in this golf show.

You’ll find the fairways flanked by a majestic forest that transforms every missed shot into a search party mission. When I say you’re out in nature, I mean it! While I didn’t spot any wildlife during my round, Stewart Creek’s socials are filled with awe-inspiring encounters with bears, elk, and friends of nature. In fact, my wife and I caught sight of a bear and her cubs just a few miles down the road during our trip!

Tee Time Magic

Stewart Creek first opened its doors in June 2000, and let me tell you, it’s celebrating 25 years of excellence this year! Designed by Gary Browning, a landscape architect with an eye for resort planning, this course is less about traditional golf and more about blending the natural beauty with the sport we cherish.

Fairways snaking through the mountains make for a par-71 track that stretches to a hefty 7,009 yards. I was thrilled to find that it’s not just the views that impress; the layout features five par-3s, with a delightful challenge awaiting on the 9th hole. Overall, it’s rated among the top 30 courses in Canada, according to The Score.

As I took in the meticulous mowing patterns and vibrant rough, I felt my golf soul well up—this was more than playing a round; it was a visual feast for any golfer.

Getting Into the Swing

So, here’s how my day unfolded. I booked my tee time months in advance because, spoiler alert, this place gets busy in the summer. The total cost came to about $246 CAD (around $177 USD).

On a lovely morning, I checked in at the gorgeous clubhouse and hit a few balls on the driving range, which, by the way, has a cute concession stand nearby. One thing to keep in mind: walking is a no-go here. The elevation changes combined with long distances between holes make carts a must to get around smoothly.

As the friendly starter offered us his wise words, “Leave wildlife alone” stuck with me. With that in mind, we waddled out to the first tee, where the view alone was worth every bit of energy spent getting there.

Highlights of the Course

The first hole sets the tone with a brilliant feeling of elevation. A short par-4 awaited, which for this 9-handicapper meant a quick 3-wood and gap wedge. And that view? Wow!

Each hole had its magic, but a few stood out:

• No. 6 – Par-5, 553 Yards: Choices galore after an easy tee shot! Do you play it safe or go for glory?

• No. 7 – Par-4, 405 Yards: A dogleg right that practically begs for a well-placed draw. It’s a fun gamble.

• No. 9 – Par-3, 212 Yards: I couldn’t believe the view. Short iron in hand, I felt like a pro in a magazine.

• No. 14 – Par-4, 294 Yards: A drivable par-4, where the thrill of a risky shot tempts you—vacation mindset kicked in!

• No. 18 – Par-5, 530 Yards: Let’s finish strong! A reachable par-5 with a small lake looming—a fantastic end to the round.

The Upside: Amazing Views & Service

Let’s get real—the vibe of golfing on a mountain is something special. The picturesque landscape was everything I hoped for and more. Lucky for us, the weather played nice, enhancing the experience. The course was in solid shape overall, although some greens needed a bit of TLC.

What truly impressed me was the hospitality. The staff were friendly, happy to help, and all-around top-notch. Plus, the location is super convenient—just a quick drive from downtown Canmore where we found a cozy Airbnb. For anyone flying into Calgary, the course is an easy reach.

The Flip Side: Room for Improvement

Now, time for some honesty: while Stewart Creek’s backdrop is a stunner, without those gorgeous mountains, the course feels a bit basic. Sure, it’s well-kept, but a few holes lack character.

There’s also the nagging frustration of knowing your ball is lost if you stray from the fairways. It’s like every hole has a tightrope. I know a good course architect works within constraints, but even I felt the design could have pushed a bit harder for a memorable golfing experience.

The Verdict: One Fantastic Round

If you find yourself in the Canadian Rockies, Stewart Creek is a delightful stop. Sure, there might be other established courses like Banff Springs nearby, but I had a blast playing here.

Mountain golf is undeniably fun, and at about $177 USD, it’s worth the visit at least once. The scenery, the chance to hit a ball with majestic mountains as your backdrop—what’s not to love?

However, would I return? Probably not for a second round. For casual play, I’d give it an A- for the experience and a C+ for everyday golf.

Not every course nails it, and that’s totally okay. Each golfer has different tastes, and you may hold a different view— I’d love to hear if you agree!

So, have you played Stewart Creek? Is it on your bucket list? Let’s chat about it in the comments!

That’s it for my golf adventure at Stewart Creek. Until next time, keep swinging those clubs and soaking in the environment!