Top Five Golf Courses in the Bay of Quinte / Prince Edward County Region
The Bay of Quinte region has over one dozen golf courses to choose from. These five stand out as the most popular golf courses that have helped the Bay of Quinte / Prince Edward County regions become such a popular golf destination in eastern Ontario.
Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort – 501 Harmony Road, Corbyville, ON, Canada
Located a 10-minute drive north of Belleville, Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort is this region’s crown jewel of golf courses and one of the best golf courses in Eastern Ontario. This picturesque golf course features a traditional parkland layout. Thanks to superior conditioning, Black Bear Ridge is always in great shape. A new fleet of electric carts, complete with GPS, has arrived for the beginning of the 2023 golf season. Golfers can look forward to riding in style at Black Bear Ridge this season. Can’t wait!
Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort has the best practice facilities in the Quinte region. There are two driving ranges, two practice greens, numerous places to practice your bunker game, and three practice holes. There is also a fully stocked pro shop and a welcoming clubhouse with a restaurant and bar. Perfect for all events. In addition to its 18-hole championship course, there is also a nine-hole executive par 3 golf course and banquet facilities for both private and corporate events throughout the golf season.
Designed by renowned architect and founder Brian Magee, the Magee Championship Course offers a challenging yet enjoyable golf experience with numerous natural water hazards in play. Players can play the holes from five different tee boxes. Don’t be afraid to play the forward tees on some holes. They call it “The Bear” for a reason.
Black Bear Ridge opened for play in 2005 and has received numerous accolades for its design and superior fairways and greens ever since. There are over 2,300 golf courses in Canada and Black Bear Ridge was ranked as # 63 by ScoreGolf Magazine’s list of the 2022 Top Ten Golf Courses in Canada.
In August of 2021, Black Bear Ridge Golf Course was acquired by Black Bear Ridge GP Inc. Managing Director Alex Sharpe and Vice President Cale Fair have announced a very ambitious $1.54 billion plan to create a resort-style golf community with the Magee 18-hole championship course as this new community’s centrepiece.
It’s an exciting new chapter in the story of Black Bear Ridge” says Cale Fair, Vice President of Black Bear Ridge. “We’re nurturing Brian Magee’s vision and adding a modern, energized spin on this iconic location and re-introducing BBR as an exciting new brand in both Golf & Hospitality worlds. Our new ‘laid-back luxury accommodations’ are perfect for large groups; whether you’re searching for a golf-lovers haven or looking for a jump off to nearby Prince Edward County and the Bay of Quinte Region.”
Be sure to put “The Bear” on your “Must Play” list for 2023.
Trillium Wood Golf Club – 1289 Hwy 37, Corbyville, ON, Canada
This is a stunning 18-hole golf course located outside of Belleville on Highway 37 just north of Harmony Road. It is located around the corner from Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort. There are banquet facilities at Trillium Wood Golf Club for both private and corporate events throughout the golf season.
Designed by Canadian golf course architect Steven Ward, Trillium Wood Golf Club opened for play in 1998. Practice facilities include a driving range and a practice green. There is also a fully-stocked pro shop. This golf club has an electric cart fleet with GPS. Thanks to the superior conditioning by the maintenance team at the Trillium Wood golf club, this course is always in great shape with lush fairways and true greens.
There are five sets of tee boxes at Trillium Wood Golf Club, ensuring a fun and pleasant experience for golfers at every skill level.
The clubhouse features a terrific restaurant and bar that serves delicious food and drinks, making it perfect for events and as a place to relax after having played a round.
Bar none, Trillium Wood Golf Club has the best wood-fired pizza in the area. Order one for your foursome after your round. It will be a huge hit.
Bay of Quinte Golf – 1849 Old Hwy 2, Belleville, ON, Canada
Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club is a beautiful 18-hole golf course situated just west of Belleville along the shores of the Bay of Quinte. This golf and country club offers a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience for players of all skill levels making it one of the top five golf courses in the area. New for 2023 will be a new electric cart fleet making your round of golf that much more enjoyable.
Designed by Canadian golf course architect Graham Cooke, the course is known for its excellent greens, challenging bunkers, natural water features, rolling hills, and wooded areas.
In 2010 the Bay of Quinte Golf Club was sold by its members to Roger Lichty, a well-known businessman in the region. Since assuming ownership, Lichty has built a new clubhouse and an on-site restaurant. Work is near completion of adding 9 new holes with another 9 holes to follow in a few years from now. By the end f 2027, Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club will offer 36 holes of golf making this golf club a true golf oasis. Several of the new holes will be incorporated into the current 18-hole routing sometime during the 2023 golf season. Rumour has it that these new holes are going to be a real treat for golfers.
The on-site restaurant, Nineteen Restaurant + Patio, has a lovely dining room and patio overlooking the green at the 18th hole. Watch golfers come in on the #18 hole as you enjoy a cold drink and meal after your round. Nineteen Restaurant is a great venue for smaller private or corporate events throughout the golf season.
Bay of Quinte Golf Club also offers two Stay & Play accommodations for larger groups. The Dormie House, which sleeps 12, is located along Hwy # 2 close to the #11-hole tee boxes. The second, The Big House, which sleeps 22, is conveniently located just two doors down from the main entrance of the golf club.
Both Dormie House and The Big House are featured later in this article as two of the top five private accommodations for larger groups in the Bay of Quinte/Prince Edward County region.
Timber Ridge Golf Course – 19 Timber Ridge Drive, Brighton, ON, Canada
Timber Ridge Golf Course is a picturesque 18-hole golf course located east of Brighton. The course offers a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience for players of all skill levels. Timber Ridge has banquet facilities for both private and corporate events throughout the golf season.
Designed by Canadian golf course architect Steven L. Ward, this golf course is known for its rolling hills, natural hazards, elevated tees, and undulating greens. Enjoy sweeping vistas on some holes on this traditional parkland layout designed course. From the tips or the forward tees, this is one of those golf courses that must be played.
Timber Ridge Golf Course also offers practice facilities such as a driving range and putting green. The clubhouse at this golf club features a fully stocked pro shop, a banquet room and a licensed restaurant that is known for delicious food and drinks. Relax on the country club patio overlooking #18 Green as you enjoy a cool beverage after your round.
Picton Golf & Country Club – 734 County Rd 49, Picton, ON, Canada
Picton Golf & Country Club is a beautiful 18-hole golf course located on the eastern outskirts of the town of Picton, Prince Edward County. At any skill level, playing this course is a very pleasant experience. Bring lots of balls though, the many natural water features and thick rough are both popular places to lose golf balls.
Established in 1907, the architect of the initial nine holes was George Cumming (a mentor of the world-renowned golf course architect Stanley Thompson). The second nine holes was designed by Fred Purcell. Golf course architect Steve Ward pulled both nines together to create the Picton Golf & Country Club, the beautiful course that we enjoy today.
Picton Golf & Country Golf Club offers a challenging golf experience with sweeping vistas and narrow fairways with numerous water hazards. Picton Golf and Country Club also offers a putting green and a fully stocked pro shop.
The clubhouse has that country club feel and features The View, a restaurant and bar that offers delicious food and drinks, making it a perfect place to relax after you have played a round of golf. Enjoy your post-round refreshments on the large deck overlooking Picton Bay and the 18th green.
Maximize your golf getaway with the perfect place to stay
Now that you going to be playing a round or two at one of the best golf courses in this area, you will need a place to stay.
If you are looking for a couple’s golf package, or are in a group of 10 or fewer golfers, there are many options for private accommodation. Sandbanks Vacations’ home and cottage rentals have a wide variety of private accommodations throughout the region. You can also check out Prince Edward County’s accommodation association, StayPEC, for details on places to stay in Prince Edward County.
If B & B’s are your preferred places to stay, you will find many options at The Bed and Breakfasts of PEC.
For larger groups planning a golf stay-and-play getaway to this area, the availability of private accommodations is in very limited supply.
Here is a list of the top five private accommodations in the region that will help you when planning your golf getaway.
Top five private accommodations for groups of 12-16 in the Bay of Quinte / Prince Edward County Region
Wallace House – sleeps 20 – located at Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort
Wallace House features a signature design by Carlo Colacci and boasts 9 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, comfortably accommodating up to 20 guests. Each of the bedrooms is equipped with 1 queen bed and 1 XL twin adult bunk, while the master room includes 2 bunk combinations, perfect for families or large groups.
The property also features a fully equipped chef’s kitchen and BBQ, for cooking and dining in style. The outdoor deck is the perfect place to relax and unwind, complete with an integrated fire pit.
Guests can also enjoy an extensive menu and additional services available from Black Bear Ridge, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, corporate retreat, or simply a weekend getaway with friends, this property is the perfect destination for your next vacation.
Wallace House is on the property at Black Bear Ridge. Practice holes are right in your front yard and you can easily walk to # 1 for your tee times. Club storage is available at the clubhouse and there is no resort amenity fee.
Carter House – sleeps 16 – located at Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort
Carter House is a stunning property designed by Carlo Colacci, featuring 8 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, comfortably accommodating up to 16 guests. Each bedroom is equipped with 1 queen bed and 1 XL twin adult bunk, with the master room featuring 2 bunk combinations.
The property boasts a fully equipped chef’s kitchen and BBQ, along with an outdoor deck complete with an integrated fire pit. Carter House is also outfitted with Cornhole boards and board games, making it the perfect destination for guests looking for both relaxation and entertainment.
Carter House is very close to Wallace House and the Black Bear Ridge Clubhouse. Enjoy easy access to practice facilities right in your front yard or take a short walk to the clubhouse and pro shop for tee times and snacks. There is no resort amenity fee at this golf club.
Cliffhouse on the Bay – sleeps 16 – located just south of Picton on Hwy 49
Cliffhouse on the Bay is a beautifully renovated 8-bedroom, 5+1-bathroom property, offering ample space for up to 16 guests. The upper floor features 2 large bedrooms with queen size beds and a shared 4-piece bathroom. The main floor includes 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with the spacious master bedroom boasting a king-size bed and a trundle bed for children.
The kitchen is every chef’s dream, equipped with a 4 ft cooktop, 6 burners, and a 9 ft island. Guests can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the bay from the kitchen, living and dining rooms and the property also includes 2 living rooms, a sitting room, and a bonus room with a pool table.
The property is perfect for those looking for relaxation and comfort, with ample outdoor seating, picnic tables, and a fire pit for making S ‘mores. Located less than a 10-minute drive from the Picton Golf & Country Club, Cliffhouse on the Bay is also close to restaurants, wineries, and breweries.
Dormie House – sleeps 12 – located at Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club
Dormie House is a spacious 3000 sq. ft short-term rental property located adjacent to the golf club and practice area, offering guests beautiful views of the 11th hole. The fully equipped kitchen boasts a five-seat island and all the amenities needed to prepare delicious meals. Dormie House features six bedrooms and three full bathrooms, accommodating up to 12 guests with up to 12 beds available. The dining room provides seating for twelve, perfect for enjoying meals with family and friends.
Guests can enjoy the large natural gas Weber BBQ on the private wrap-around deck, and there is a complimentary high-speed internet connection and HD smart televisions with cable TV available for entertainment. The property also includes in-house laundry facilities, making it a convenient choice for families and large groups. The private parking area can accommodate up to ten vehicles and is equipped with a trailer connection, making it easy for the golf club guests with boats or trailers to park.
Great food is just a short golf cart ride away from Dormie House. Take out or dine in at Nineteen Restaurant right on the Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club property.
Located just west of Belleville on Hwy 2, Dormie House is your perfect golf destination to enjoy your next golf stay and play package.
The Big House – sleeps 22 – located next to the Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club
The Big House is a spacious 4600 sq. ft property with views of the golf course and a large backyard recreation area. The fully equipped kitchen features a four-seat island and all the necessary amenities for preparing meals for guests. The property boasts 11 bedrooms and six bathrooms, accommodating up to 22 guests with up to 22 beds available. The dining room provides seating for 22 guests, perfect value for large groups or family gatherings.
Stay-and-play guests can enjoy the large natural gas Weber BBQ on the private patio or relax in the lounge area with a gas fireplace and table tennis. The Big House features backyard amenities such as a fire pit, horseshoe pit, and grassed playing area with a volleyball net. In-house laundry facilities and complimentary high-speed internet and HD television with cable TV, are also available.
The private parking area can accommodate up to 15 vehicles and is equipped with a trailer connection, making it easy for guests with boats or trailers to park. The Big House is perfect for large groups and families looking for a spacious and comfortable vacation rental. With all the amenities needed for a relaxing stay, including a fully equipped kitchen, indoor dining room, and outdoor BBQ, guests can make the most of their stay and enjoy the stunning views of the golf course and backyard recreation area.
Don’t feel like cooking tonight. Guests can easily walk to Nineteen Restaurant at the Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club for terrific food.
Indulge in the local food scene during your stay-and-play getaway
The Quinte area and Prince Edward County offer a diverse and vibrant food scene, with a variety of restaurants serving up delicious cuisine. From fine dining to casual cafes and family-friendly eateries, there’s something for everyone in this region.
For those seeking upscale dining experiences, there is a great selection of fine dining restaurants in Belleville and Prince Edward County. These restaurants offer creative and innovative menus featuring local farm-to-table ingredients and often have extensive local wine lists to complement the food. Great fun, great food and great value. What more could one ask?
For tips on where to eat in Prince Edward County, check out our article Eating Your Way Around Prince Edward County: The Best Spots for Dining in or Out.
Need a lift?
For group transportation from your stay-and-play accommodations to that favourite restaurant or pub, consider using Sandbanks Vacations shuttle services. Leave the road driving to us so that you can focus on your drives from the tee blocks.
Add a wine tour to your golf getaway
A wine tour with Sandbanks Vacations is an excellent addition to any golf getaway!
Sandbanks Vacations can help create a customized wine tour itinerary that takes you to the best wineries in the area, each with its unique character and charm. You’ll have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy stunning views of the countryside.
For a complete package, our Brewery and Golf Tour is the perfect blend of greens and brews! Discover Prince Edward County’s thriving craft beer and cider scene as you hop between three drink stops, treating your taste buds to a variety of unique handcrafted brews. And once you’ve had your fill of delicious ales and ciders, we’ll head over to Wellington on the Lake Golf Course, where the scenic hills and peaceful views set the stage for an unforgettable day of relaxation and fun.
If you prefer to exercise during your wine-tasting tour, try our Sip & Cycle Bike Tour. Enjoy wine tastings while leisurely cycling 18-20 km along the Millennium Trail and quiet country roads. A truly pleasant experience.
We’re here to help you plan your golf getaway
If you’re planning a golf getaway to the Bay of Quinte/Prince Edward County region, Sandbanks Vacations is your perfect planning partner. With years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the local golf courses and private accommodations, the team at Sandbanks Vacations can offer customized itineraries that cater to your preferences and interests.
Get in touch with the team today at info@sandbanksvacations.com.
