Banff Spring Golf Course Review

Course Stats

Par 71
Stanley Thompson Design
Opened in 1927
9,938 yards from the tips
Located in Banff, Alberta, Canada

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

3 Things to Consider 👎

High green fees may scare off casual golfers
Pace of play can drag, especially in tourist season
Some par 4s lack variety and repeat dogleg shapes

Final Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – 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 – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ (5/5)

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 ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

The clubhouse has that high-end Fairmont polish but still feels rooted in tradition. Clean, well-stocked, and dripping with history. Pricing on items was a bit overpriced (ie $10 for a souvenir poker chip), which is the tourist factor tax I guess.

3. Greens Personality ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Early summer conditions are excellent, with greens running smooth and true. With a chill in the air, they were running a little slower than expected, but we adjusted quickly. Just avoid the wrong side of the hole, especially on those sloped par threes.

4. Fairway Forgiveness ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Some landing areas are wider than expected, but the trouble lies in the approach. Stanley Thompson’s bunkers are like quicksand traps for bogey golfers, and there's not much room to roll one up on the green.

5. Pace of Play Reality ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Whether it’s tourist-heavy tee sheets, tight pacing, or players snapping photos every other hole, it’s not uncommon to see 5-hour rounds, especially in peak season. But...there is worse places to spend 5 hours than Banff.

6. Snack Shack Score ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

It’s more about fueling the body than feeding the soul. The halfway house gets the job done with solid grab-and-go options, but you’re not making a detour here just for the snacks.

7. Signature Hole Swagger ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)

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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Mid-handicappers might find themselves in trouble more than they’d like. Misses get punished, especially on the par threes and approach shots. The course isn’t unfair, it’s just not going to coddle you.

Final Verdict: Is Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course Worth It?

Fairmont Banff Springs is a storybook setting that delivers drama on every hole. Yes, it’s pricey. Yes, it can be slow. But from the first tee shot to your final putt, it’s unforgettable. Bring your A-game, your camera, and sense of awe and wonder...you’ll need all three.

Course Review!

My round at the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course