Calgary & Area Golf Road Trip: 7 Days in the Foothills and Prairie

Calgary and its surrounding region deliver a genuine range of golf terrain — from links-style prairie layouts to parkland courses tucked into river valleys and coulees. This itinerary moves in a loose loop: two days in Calgary proper, a swing south to Okotoks, a detour east to the badlands of Drumheller, and a return north through Airdrie and Carstairs. Seven courses anchor the route, with two days built around double rounds where the schedule and legs allow.

Day 1

Fly or drive into Calgary and shake off the road at Lynx Ridge Golf Club, a Bill Newis-designed par 71 on the city's northwest edge. A morning tee time keeps the afternoon free for settling in. Check into Grey Eagle Resort & Casino in Calgary, which puts several courses within easy reach for the days ahead. For dinner, Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar in Calgary is a reliable option after a travel day — straightforward, substantial, and close to the city centre.

Day 2

Day two stays in Calgary with a morning round at River Spirit Golf Club, a par 72 parkland design by Russ Olson. The course follows a river valley setting that rewards patient, accurate play. Afternoon golfers with energy left can add a late round at Fox Hollow Golf Club on the northeast side of the city. Stay again at Grey Eagle Resort & Casino. River Café in Calgary is a worthwhile dinner stop — set on St. Patrick's Island and known for its seasonal, regional menu.

Day 3

Move south out of Calgary toward Okotoks, stopping first at Sirocco Golf Club, a Bill Robinson links-style par 72 that plays exposed and wind-dependent — tee off mid-morning before afternoon gusts build. In the afternoon, check into Best Western Plus Okotoks Inn & Suites and make the short drive to Crystal Ridge Golf Club, a par 70 parkland layout within Okotoks. Heartland Café & Restaurant in Okotoks is a practical dinner option after a two-course day.

Day 4

Okotoks deserves a full day. Start with a morning round at D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club, a Ken Dye-designed par 72 links course that makes good use of the open foothills terrain. Afternoon play shifts to River's Edge Golf Club, an Ed Englehardt par 72 parkland design along the Sheep River. Stay a second night at Lakeview Inns & Suites – Okotoks, which keeps costs practical after a full double-round day. Heartland Café & Restaurant works again for a no-fuss evening meal.

Day 5

Head east from Okotoks into the open prairie, targeting Speargrass Golf Course in Carseland — a Gary Browning links design at par 72 that plays firm and fast across the landscape. From there, continue east to Drumheller, roughly two hours from Calgary, and check into Heartwood Inn & Spa in the heart of the badlands town. Dinner at Yavis Family Restaurant & PropRoom Lounge in Drumheller is the local standard — solid comfort food after a long driving and playing day.

Day 6

A morning round at Dinosaur Trail Golf & Country Club in Drumheller is the centrepiece of day six — a Sid Puddicombe par 72 parkland layout set among the coulees, unlike anything else on this trip. After the round, the nearby hamlet of Wayne is worth the short detour; the Last Chance Saloon there is a well-known local institution for a post-round beer. Drive back west and north toward Airdrie for the night, checking into Carriage House Hotel & Conference Centre in Calgary as a convenient overnight before the final day.

Day 7

Close out the trip with back-to-back northern rounds. Begin at Apple Creek Golf Course in Airdrie, a links-style par 72 well suited to a morning start. Then drive north a short distance to Carstairs Community Golf Club, a par 72 parkland course in Carstairs, for a relaxed afternoon round before heading home. If the schedule allows a final Calgary stop, Foxtrot at Spruce Meadows offers a polished dining experience to close out the week. Depart from Calgary International Airport, which sits roughly 30 minutes from Airdrie.