Royal Niagara Golf Club: Old Canal Course

About the Old Canal Course

The Old Canal Course is one of three 9-hole layouts that together form Royal Niagara Golf Club's 27-hole facility in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Designed by Ted Baker and opened in 1999, this par-36 course stretches 3,553 yards through classic parkland terrain along the edge of the historic Welland Canal — one of the more distinctive natural boundaries in the region.

The layout is defined by sculpted fairways, undulating greens, and large bunkers that demand accurate approach play. Water hazards appear throughout the routing, adding further strategic weight to club selection and course management. The proximity of the Welland Canal gives several holes a sense of open exposure and visual scale that sets the Old Canal Course apart from its two companion nines.

At just over 3,500 yards, the course is accessible enough for mid- and high-handicappers, yet the combination of rolling greens and well-placed bunkers gives stronger players plenty to think about. Golfers visiting Royal Niagara can mix and match any two of the three 9-hole courses for a full 18-hole round, making the Old Canal a natural pairing target.

Niagara-on-the-Lake itself adds considerable appeal to any golf trip in this area. Known for its theatre scene, wine country, and well-preserved 19th-century streetscape, the town sits at the confluence of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario and draws visitors well beyond the golf season — making it a logical anchor for a multi-day Ontario road trip.