Course Stats
Par 71
Stanley Thompson Design
Opened in 1927
9,938 yards from the tips
Located in Banff, Alberta, Canada
Course Review!
My round at the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course
3 Things We Love 👍
World-class scenery—Canadian Rockies surround every hole
Feels like a once-in-a-lifetime round—worthy of the bucket list
Signature holes (especially Devil’s Cauldron) are among the best in the world
1 Thing to Consider 👎
High green fees may scare off casual golfers
Final Score: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ ¼ – Fairmont
Banff Springs Golf Course is like teeing off in a postcard.
Quick Recap: What is golfing Banff Springs really like?
Playing the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course is like teeing off in a postcard. Nestled in Banff National Park with the jagged Canadian Rockies looming above, it’s a masterpiece from Stanley Thompson that blends natural beauty with classic, design. It’s not just a golf round...it’s a pilgrimage. With historic roots, a legendary layout, and views that could make a scratch golfer forget their scorecard, Banff Springs isn’t just one of the most famous Canadian golf courses, it’s a legit world-class bucket list experience.
But don’t let the serene surroundings fool you, this course has teeth. From the treacherous Devil’s Cauldron to Thompson’s lip-heavy bunkers and deceptive green complexes, it’s a course that demands focus and rewards precision.
1. Instagram vs. Reality – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There’s no need for filters here. What you see online is exactly what you get...and then some. The mountains tower even taller in person, and the Devil’s Cauldron might be the most photogenic par 3 on the planet.
2. Clubhouse/Pro Shop Vibes ⭐⭐⭐½
The Banff Springs Golf Course pro shop shines with friendly staff, quality branded gear, and a stunning resort atmosphere that makes shopping part of the experience. While prices and selection reflect its luxury setting, the overall service and memorable environment make it well worth a visit.
3. Greens Personality ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Early summer brought excellent conditions, with greens rolling smooth and true. Even with a touch of chill in the air slowing them slightly, they remained enjoyable and easy to adjust to. The subtle slopes, especially on those par threes, add just the right amount of challenge, rewarding smart positioning.
4. Fairway Forgiveness ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Some landing areas are more generous than expected, giving confidence off the tee. The real challenge, and fun, comes on the approach, where Stanley Thompson’s bunkers demand precision and make every shot meaningful. With little room to roll one up, the greens reward accuracy and smart play, adding to the course’s character.
5. Pace of Play Reality ⭐⭐⭐½
Banff Springs Golf Course generally offers a smooth and well‑managed pace of play, with staff keeping things moving and the stunning scenery making every round enjoyable. While peak times can bring slower stretches, the overall experience remains relaxed and memorable in such a breathtaking setting.
6. Snack Shack Food Scene ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The food and beverage experience at Banff Springs Golf Course is highlighted by its scenic clubhouse patio, friendly atmosphere, and quality drinks that make finishing a round feel special. While prices and snack variety reflect the resort’s luxury setting, the overall dining adds memorable charm to the golf experience.
7. Signature Hole Swagger ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The par-3 4th, Devil's Cauldron, is everything it’s cracked up to be. Downhill over crystal-clear water, surrounded by bunkers, and framed by a 1,000-foot mountain, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of hole. You’ll take a hundred photos and still not do it justice.
8. Scorecard Survivability ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Banff Springs Golf Course delivers a thrilling test where smart play keeps your scorecard intact. With generous landing areas balanced by Stanley Thompson’s demanding bunkers and precision‑rewarding greens, the challenge feels fair, memorable, and ultimately survivable in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings.
9. Wallet Worthy ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Banff Springs Golf Course delivers a bucket‑list experience where breathtaking scenery and historic prestige make the round feel worth the splurge. While the premium price reflects its luxury setting, the unforgettable views and iconic design ensure the overall value shines through.
10. Brag-Ability Bucket List ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a course you absolutely tell your golf buddies about. It belongs in the same sentence as Pebble Beach and Bandon Dunes when it comes to scenic bragging rights.
Final Verdict: Is Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course Worth It?
Banff Springs Golf Course is widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking and memorable golf experiences in the world. Designed by legendary architect Stanley Thompson, the course blends strategic challenge with the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies, offering golfers wide fairways framed by towering peaks, dramatic elevation changes, and greens that reward smart play. Every hole feels unique, with signature par threes and par fives that leave lasting impressions and make the round feel like a journey through a postcard.
Beyond the course itself, the overall experience is elevated by the friendly and professional staff and the welcoming atmosphere of Stanley’s Clubhouse, where golfers can enjoy quality food and drinks while taking in panoramic mountain views. The pro shop adds to the charm, offering branded gear and souvenirs that make the day even more memorable. While the green fees and amenities reflect the resort’s luxury setting, most golfers agree the combination of history, scenery, and world‑class design makes it worth every penny, especially as a once‑in‑a‑lifetime bucket‑list round.
In short, Banff Springs isn’t just a golf course, it’s an unforgettable experience where the beauty of the Rockies, the prestige of its heritage, and the thrill of its design come together to create a round that golfers treasure long after the final putt drops.