Greens and Courses
We’ve got our share of great greens and courses in the West Kootenays. And we’re not just talking about golfing – the dining at our golf clubs is also par excellence.
The scenic (and free) Kootenay Lake ferry bookends two spectacular courses on a Kootenay Road Trip. The East Shore of Kootenay Lake, near Kootenay Bay, is home to Kokanee Springs Resort, where Executive Chef Steve Kirby provides menu options from around the globe, with an emphasis on Southern BBQ, Mexican, Italian and Asian cuisine. The resort features casual upscale pub fare with specialty dinners on weekends where Steve’s talents really shine. A large covered patio overlooks the golf course with views of the Purcell Mountains, plus a spacious casual indoor dining room as well. Dining is available from 7am-9pm daily throughout the golf season.
Near the Balfour ferry landing you’ll find Balfour Golf Course. On site dining is available at “Rel-ish at the Osprey”, a sister restaurant to the popular Rel-ish bistro in downtown Nelson. Although there are crossover items between the two locations, you’ll find exclusive rotating features including steak night and seafood night on the links. The restaurant is proud to support and feature fresh garden veggies and fruits from nearby Harrop farms. With an expansive 50 seat patio and a comfortable indoor space (including a private room), Rel-ish at the Osprey is the ideal spot for a mid-round lunch, a special date night, and everything in between.
The affiliated restaurant theme continues in Nelson, where local’s favourite pub Finley’s has opened a second location at Granite Pointe Golf Club. “Finley’s on Richards” offers a similar menu, including a variety of delicious burgers and handhelds, timeless appetizers and signature poutines. The spacious and tranquil patio overlooks the golf course, complementing the original downtown location with its iconic view of Kootenay Lake. From the links to Baker Street, Finley’s two family-run locations provide friendly service and delicious eats in striking settings. Finley’s on Richards opens at 11am for lunch and dinner.
Perched on a large bench overlooking the Columbia River, Castlegar Golf Club features a full menu at the Nineteenth Restaurant. From fish tacos to Asian lettuce wraps, flatbreads to signature steaks, you might find it harder to make your choice than tapping in that gimme 3 foot putt. The large outdoor patio offers sweeping mountain vistas that you won’t find anywhere else in town. Daily features, brunch and a long list of refreshments provide plenty of reasons to dine on the course.
Just north of Trail is Birchbank Golf & Country Club and the inviting Birchbank Bistro. The restaurant specializes in comfort food including fish and chips, clubhouse sandwiches, salads and hearty entrees such as veal scaloppini and Italian beef stew. The newly renovated dining room is welcoming and spacious, while the large covered patio accommodates over 50 patrons. Strategically located overlooking the 9th and 18th greens, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner through golf season.
From Birchbank it’s a short drive up towards Rossland and the acclaimed Redstone Resort. The century-old log cabin clubhouse oozes charm, and is one of the most distinctive and historic buildings in the entire West Kootenays. The attached patio provides plenty of shade and has a stellar view of the first hole’s tee boxes and fairway. Inside or out, it’s a great way to enjoy Redstone’s focus on healthy food, with fresh paninis, homemade Borscht, and gourmet burgers.
Whether you’re aiming for an epic road trip to each club, or just swinging by a course or two, make sure you pencil in a meal while you’re on the links.
