Kawarthas & Central Ontario: A Golfer's Guide

Winding through cottage country and quiet lakeshore towns, the Kawarthas & Central Ontario golf trail pairs accessible, character-filled courses with some of Ontario's most scenic inland water landscapes. Cedarhurst Golf Club, a Stanley Thompson–designed parkland track dating to 1922, anchors the western edge of the trail, while the venerable Sturgeon Point Golf Club — one of the oldest courses in the province — carries nearly 125 years of history along the shores of Fenelon Falls.

• Cedarhurst Golf Club: An 18-hole parkland layout in Beaverton co-designed by Stanley Thompson, with cedar-lined fairways and a demanding 243-yard par-3 third hole.
• Sturgeon Point Golf Club: Established in 1899 and designed by C.E. Robinson, this historic public nine-hole is among the oldest golf experiences in Ontario.
• Summerlea Golf Club: An 18-hole executive course in Port Perry featuring hilly terrain and panoramic vistas, ideal for a relaxed warm-up round or a second loop on a long golf day.
• Eganridge Resort, Golf Club & Spa: A 4-star lakeside resort on Sturgeon Lake offering on-site golf, a full spa, and fine dining — the natural basecamp for the Fenelon Falls portion of the trail.
• Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.: Craft beer and a meal in a 200-year-old building on the Trent-Severn Waterway — the ideal post-round destination in Fenelon Falls.

A logical way to travel this trail is to begin in Port Perry before moving north toward Fenelon Falls, saving the most historic ground for last. Summerlea Golf Club in Port Perry makes a fine opening act — an 18-hole executive course that plays to a par of 58 across hilly terrain. The rolling layout keeps rounds brisk and the panoramic views from above the 16th tee offer a memorable moment before golfers move on. Established in 1971 and stretching just over 3,000 yards, Summerlea suits players of all skill levels and serves as a pleasant shake-off-the-rust option at the start of a multi-day trip.

Heading west to Beaverton, Cedarhurst Golf Club steps the experience up considerably. Designed by the legendary Stanley Thompson alongside Bert Turcotte and opened in 1922, the 18-hole parkland course is one of the region's most storied layouts. Cedar-lined fairways give each hole a natural sense of enclosure, while the routing demands thoughtful shot-making throughout. The signature third hole — a 243-yard par 3 requiring a precise tee shot to a small green — is an early test of nerve and accuracy that sets the tone for the round. At 6,122 yards from the tips with a par of 70, Cedarhurst rewards players who manage their game from tee to green.

The trail's oldest stop is Sturgeon Point Golf Club near Fenelon Falls, a nine-hole public course designed by C.E. Robinson and established in 1899. Playing to a par of 36 over just under 3,000 yards, the course carries an atmosphere that no modern layout can manufacture — a genuine sense of golf's early traditions in Ontario cottage country. Its accessibility as a public course means visiting golfers can simply show up and play, making it one of the trail's most welcoming stops.

Day 1 — Port Perry: Arrive in Port Perry and play an afternoon round at Summerlea Golf Club, taking in the hilly executive layout and the sweeping view from the 16th tee. Afterwards, check in to the Great Blue Heron Hotel and settle into the lakeside pace of Port Perry before dinner.

Day 2 — Beaverton: Drive west to Beaverton for a morning tee time at Cedarhurst Golf Club, giving the Stanley Thompson parkland layout the time and attention it deserves. The cedar-lined fairways and testing par-3 third hole make for a round worth replaying in conversation afterward. Head into town for a meal at Stefano's Bistro for fine-dining European cuisine, or opt for the casual comfort of Jack Simcoe Bar & Grill for wings and cold drinks.

Day 3 — Fenelon Falls: Make the drive north to Fenelon Falls and tee it up at Sturgeon Point Golf Club, one of the oldest public courses in Ontario. The historic nine holes play quickly, leaving the afternoon free to explore the waterfront. Lunch or a post-round pint at The Locker at the Falls — with its large patio overlooking the falls — is a natural next step. In the evening, visit Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. for craft beer in a beautifully preserved historic building on the Trent-Severn Waterway. Stay the night at Eganridge Resort, Golf Club & Spa to round out the trip in style.

Day 4 — Departure: A leisurely morning at the Eganridge spa or a walk along Sturgeon Lake before heading home makes for a fitting close to a Kawarthas golf trip.

Fenelon Falls is the natural hub for an overnight stay on this trail, with several options ranging from resort-level comfort to charming heritage inns. Eganridge Resort, Golf Club & Spa on Sturgeon Lake is the premium choice — a 4-star property with on-site golf, a spa, and fine dining that allows golfers to extend the experience well beyond the fairways. For something with more local character, the Fenelon Inn places guests in a Victorian-era inn in the heart of downtown, within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants. Budget-conscious travellers will find the Stone Fountain Motel a practical roadside option close to Cameron Lake and Highway 35, while the Balsam Lake Boutique Motel offers a quieter ten-room retreat near the Trent-Severn Waterway. In Port Perry, the Great Blue Heron Hotel is a modern 4-star property minutes from Lake Scugog and a sensible base for golfers starting the trail at Summerlea.

From the rolling executive fairways of Port Perry to a century-old nine-hole by the falls at Fenelon Falls, the Kawarthas & Central Ontario golf trail rewards travellers who appreciate history, scenery, and unhurried rounds in cottage country. Start planning the itinerary and let the lakes do the rest.