Kananaskis Country Golf Course

Regularly voted “Best Value in North America” by Golf Digest, this 36-hole layout (403/591-7272 or 877/591-2525, www.kananaskisgolf.com) is bisected by the Kananaskis River and surrounded by magnificent mountain peaks. It comprises two 18-hole courses: Mount Kidd, featuring undulating terrain and an island green on the 197-yard fourth hole, and Mount Lorette. Both courses measure more than 7,000 yards from the back markers. The course opened in 1983 at a cost of almost $1 million per hole. The bunkers alone—filled with pure white silica from British Columbia—cost $350,000. Renowned golf-course architect Robert Trent Jones, who designed the layout, described the Kananaskis River Valley as “the best spot I have ever seen for a golf course.” After marveling at the surrounding mountains, few will disagree with his statement. Just don’t let the 142 sand traps, water that comes into play on more than half the holes, or the large rolling greens distract you. Greens fees are $75 (Albertan residents pay $55), and a cart is an additional $15 per person. Golfers enjoy complimentary valet parking and use of the driving range, a restaurant and bar with awesome mountain views, and a well-stocked golf shop.