A Golfer's Getaway: Northeastern U.S. Golfers, Discover Canada’s Hidden Gem
- The Hungry Golfer
- Apr 15
- 4 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
Welcome to one of Canada’s most underrated golf destinations.
If you’re a recreational golfer from Michigan, New York, Vermont, Pennsylvania, or anywhere in the northeastern U.S., here’s a little secret from just across the border: the Bay of Quinte and Prince Edward County region in Ontario is an absolute slice of golfing paradise. Picture lush fairways, challenging layouts, post-round wine tastings, and an exchange rate that makes your U.S. dollar feel like a VIP pass to great value.
World-Class Golf That Won’t Break the Bank
Let’s start with what brought you here: the golf. The Bay of Quinte region features a collection of high-quality courses that rival many courses you'd find in the U.S., without the price tag. Thanks to a favourable exchange rate, your green fees, meals, and accommodations can stretch a lot farther up here. Think more birdies, fewer budget headaches.
Take Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort, for example. Recently ranked among Canada’s top public courses, it offers an upscale experience with wide rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and postcard-worthy views. It’s the kind of course that makes you want to play 36 in a day. If you do, we won’t judge.
Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club is another must-play. It’s a classic parkland-style course with mature trees, beautifully maintained greens, and a layout that rewards accuracy over brute force. Established in 1921, this club has history, charm, and challenge in equal measure.
Next up is Trillium Wood Golf Club. Set on a forested property just north of Belleville, this course offers a fantastic mix of hole designs that keep you thinking from tee to green. The elevation changes and undulating greens make it one of the most enjoyable rounds in the region.
Timber Ridge Golf Course in Brighton is one of those hidden gems you love to stumble upon. Its back nine weaves through forest and water features, while the front nine gives you room to let the driver rip. It’s always in great shape and never feels crowded.
Rounding out the region is the Picton Golf & Country Club, perched on the edge of Picton Bay in Prince Edward County. It’s a friendly, scenic course with surprisingly tricky greens and a laid-back vibe that makes it perfect for a relaxed day of golf with friends.
Stay, Play, and Enjoy the Rest of the Day
Of course, a good golf trip isn’t just about the scorecard. The Bay of Quinte and Prince Edward County area is packed with charming accommodations—from motels, hotels, cozy B&Bs, and boutique inns to short-term vacation rentals and lakeside resorts.
When you’re not golfing, you're eating. This region punches well above its weight in the culinary department. Farm-to-table dining, lakeside patios, artisan bakeries, and mouth-watering takeout options abound. It's not uncommon to find a restaurant in a converted barn serving dishes that could make a New York City foodie weep.
The 19th Hole... and Then Some
If you need a little recovery after your round (or just want to keep the good times rolling), you're in luck. Prince Edward County is a world-class wine region known for cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Dozens of boutique wineries are scattered throughout the countryside, offering tastings, tours, and that laid-back, small-town hospitality.
Prefer a pint to a pour? No problem. The area is dotted with craft breweries, cideries, and small-batch distilleries. Whether you're sipping a crisp dry cider made from local apples or sampling gin infused with foraged botanicals, there's no shortage of unique flavours to explore. Cheers to local flavours and lower scores.
Getting Here is Easy
If you’re driving up from the northeastern states, getting to the Bay of Quinte region is a breeze. Belleville is just over one hour from the Thousand Islands Bridge or two hours from the Peace Bridge. Once you cross into Ontario, it’s smooth highway driving straight down Highway 401 to the courses. No airports, no chaos—just load the clubs, hit the road, and let your golf adventure begin.
Golfers, This Is Your Season
This season, skip the overcrowded, overpriced courses back home and head north, where golf feels less like a transaction and more like a tradition. Whether you’re chasing your personal best or just looking for a relaxing long weekend with friends, the Bay of Quinte and Prince Edward County region is ready to welcome you.
Despite the fact that the current American president seems keen on making Canada the 51st state, we know there are millions of kind-hearted Americans who love Canada just the way it is. We feel the same way about you. So, let’s skip the politics and focus on the important things: fairways, friendships, and post-round pints.
Pack your clubs, bring your appetite, and let your U.S. dollar work overtime. We are very proud of our local golf courses, and we would love to show them to you.
We look forward to meeting you.
Need a Place to Stay While Visiting the Bay of Quinte and Prince Edward County Region?
If you are visiting the Bay of Quinte/Prince Edward County Region for a golf getaway, here are two very useful links to find a place to stay.
For the Bay of Quinte Region, visit: https://bayofquinte.ca/visit/boq-accommodation/
For Prince Edward County, visit: https://www.staypec.com/members
Stay at The Hungry Golfer's two-bedroom cottage in Wellington. Perfect for one or two couples. Located in the heart of Prince Edward County's wine region.
Stay at a Golf Course by visiting The Hungry Golfer page "Stay at a Golf Course.
Stay Well, Stay Safe, and Have Fun
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