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2.7
20 Reviews (20)
5 Stars
9
4 Stars
10
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Conditions
1.9
Value
1.9
Layout
2.8
Friendliness
3.4
Pace
1.7
Amenities
2.7
28.6%
Recommend this course
19 out of 20 reviews
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0
Value
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Layout
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About

Holes 18
Type Resort
Par 71
Length 6820 yards
Slope 152
Rating 73.5

Bear Mountain Golf & Country Club boasts Victoria's only course co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and his son, Steve. The Mountain Course is a modern classic that is nestled in the foothills of Mount Finlayson. The scenic layout features rolling fairways that tumble through dense forests and views of the surrounding mountains, Victoria City, and Pacific Ocean throughout the entire course. Strategically placed bunkers and dramatic elevation changes present a formidable test to even seasoned players. The design skillfully combines challenge with playability, making it accessible to a range of skill levels. In 2009 the club added a second Nicklaus golf course called the Valley, making it the only 36-hole Nicklaus-designed facility in Canada. With more generous fairways, larger greens, and fewer bunkers, it is considered a gentler version of the original Bear Course.

Course Details

Year Built 2003
Golf Season Year round
Architect Jack Nicklaus (2003) Steve Nicklaus (2003)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Clubs Yes
GPS Yes
Pull-carts No

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Bunker Yes
Caddies No
Golf School Academy Yes - "Bear Mountain Golf Academy"
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Metal Spikes Allowed No
Fivesomes Allowed No
Single Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes
Dress code Proper golf attire required.

Food & Beverage

Bar, Snacks, Restaurant, Beverage Carts

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Showers, Lockers

Reviews

2.7
20 Reviews (20)

What Golfers Are Saying

Course Challenges Include:
Elevation Changes 7
Bunkers 6
This course/club is great for:
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 7
A Weekend Splurge 6

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Previously Played

Terrible conditions

Bunkers are full of weeds
Greens are burnt yet super slow
Pace of play is slow
Your ball will plug in the fairway in the summer
Extremely expensive for no reason

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap Don't know
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
Incentivized Review
5.0
Previously Played
Cold weather
Used cart

Still a favorite

A yearly trip to Bear Mountain has become almost a tradition for my son and me. We usually play both the mountain and the valley courses, but our last trip they were sanding/aerating the valley course.

Despite the changes and development to the Mountain course since it's opening the course remains challenging and beautiful. In fact the 14th hole, looking out over Victoria and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, is one of the most picturesque holes I have ever played.

There are a lot of elevation changes and you need to plan your shots. The greens have always been well maintained and played consistently when we have been there. The valley course is more forested than the mountain course at this point.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 23
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
British Columbia Advisor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

A bucket list experience

This is one of the most scenic and well designed courses I have ever played. Each hole presents a fun challenge and gives you a different exoperience. There are no shortage of tough shots but you never feel as though you dislike playing the course. Easpecially when you reach the back nine where you find one of the best views in all of golf and some really fun holes. A must play for any golf lover just be prepared to think out your shots.
The atmosphere arounbd the course is amazing and you will be treated like golf royalty. Can be a bit expensive but it is worth every penny once you take in the whole experience.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 16
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

An Incredible Course Diminished by Over-Development

All the reviews of this course make it worthy to be on any golfer’s play list in BC. If it did not have so much housing developed and so much construction underway, it would be in the top 10 courses I have ever played. It is very challenging and exceptionally picturesque EXCEPT for what has become a distracting amount of housing and condo development. I wish it was more like the Valley Course from a developement point of view. Set your expectations accordingly. Bear Mountain is a great resort and I can’t say enough good things about the staff and accommodations.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 96
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 250 Contributor
British Columbia Advisor
Previously Played
Used cart

Nice, but...

Not going to go on a long rant but I'll do a sort one.

With my experience and worldwide play, I would simply say that this course is overpriced and not in condition it needs to be for price. They are hopeful for an International audience and need it. The senior PGA is coming and they have significantly increased membership in prep for this. ($40k initiation fee!!)

Driving range was 6 mats as everything is still ongoing with construction, with what seems to be a decade plus on this hill. Very painful.

Nice views, good layout, but locals aren't paying the money and with increased housing and sales, I still see it being a tough go. Happy I've played it again but not making a point to come back.

I prefer the Valley course as well;) Everyone talks about this one but save some money and try the Valley.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Worth the ferry ride!

The tee boxes were not in good shape. Also the fairways were still wet. That day it was cart path only. But I could see in the summer this course being super pristine and playing tough. Keep it out of the thick rough! Jack made this course very challenging. I felt that hitting different clubs off the tee was a different change of pace from hitting driver 14 times. I was disappointed that it was early in the season so #10 did not have water surrounding the island green!

Conditions Fair
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 259
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Alberta Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Mountain Course

The two courses at Bear Mountain Golf Resort was the site for the 2013 Golf Town National Amateur Series Championship. Amateurs from across the country gathered here and were pretty impressed with the challenge both courses provided. Jack Nicklaus's design gives the golfer plenty of choices to play each hole. Those with the ability to manage their game accordingly and execute the right shot at the right time came out ahead. Great fun, spectacular views, 36 challenging holes make for one of the best golfing experiences on Vancouver Island.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 23
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
British Columbia Advisor
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great views with a great design

I loved this course for everything it had. I was only able to play one of the 18 hole courses but it showed me enough that I am hooked. A great course weaved through Bear Mountain provides a high degree of difficulty. That doesn't detract from the fun as it is designed well enough that despite the challenge each hole has a unique element that never always catches your eye and never frustrates you. The little par 3 island green is a fun little hole but the the real draw on this course the stretch of holes on the back nine that give you an amazing overhead view of Victoria and the harbour right out to the ocean. Also get great views of the mountains in Washington State. A must play for any golfer that want to enjoy a day that provides everything you could want from a golf course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 378
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Used cart

A bear of a golf course, heck of a ride

If you like elevated tees, big undulating greens, perfect conditioning and incredible views, this is your golf course. Around every bend there's plenty of eye candy on this Nicklaus Design gem overlooking the city of Victoria on Vancouver Island. While most look forward to the signature par-3 14th with views that go for miles, the entire course is a roller coaster ride through the most mountainous golf course site on the island. No doubt, the 36 holes at Bear Mountain represent the best of British Columbia resort golf.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 11
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Great View and Awesome Food!

Went here with a group of 8 for annual tourney and it was great. We also played the valley course. Super nice staff, didnt felt rushed at all. Some tricky blind fairways but GPS is included so no issue. Cleaned your clubs when you were done. Very relaxing and enjoyable weekend. You gotta try the burgers in the restaurant up top.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Awesome views with fabulous golf

We went online to book a golf course and decided to choose this one as we had seen it when hiking to the top of Mount Finlayson.
It was even more spectacular when playing.
Each hole had challenges but also each hole had awesome scenery to view. The course was in great shape even the greens that they had aerated only a few days before.
We enjoyed every minute and the staff was great from the front desk to the back shop boys.
Would return there in an instant.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 14
Handicap 10-14
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Bear Mountain is a great course with one of the best views anywhere

this is one of the best public courses in Victoria and it never gets boring playing this course. It is a challenge from every tee box no matter what level you are at. The course is always in great shape and is playable even in the winter months. I love playing here!!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Bring plenty of Balls

Had an enjoyable day with another 2 some that joined us. The course has a lot of blind spots and seems like the fairway bunkers are set up to catch average golfers. Lots of Deer and pretty scenery.... Mark G

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 638
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Golf Advisor
First Time Playing
Average weather
Used cart

The best on Vancouver Island

It's been almost a decade since I got to tee it up on the Mountain course, but nothing has changed. This is still the best golf experience on Vancouver Island.
Nicklaus probably went a little bit overboard in making it too tough for the average player. The setting is so spectacular, who cares? You feel like you're playing on the rooftop of the world when you reach some of the greens high above Victoria. The par-3s really stand out. Nicklaus copied Pete Dye's do-or-die island green with a tiny target surrounded by water at no. 11.
If you really don't have the game for Mountain course, try the sister Valley course, which has wider fairways and plays more gently with your ego.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great Course!

Enjoyed the course very much; has some real challenging holes! Over all condition is good.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 32
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course is good condition.

Beautiful setting, good pace, difficult narrow fairways in some places with uphill shots to the green. Stay out of the rough, tough to get out of. Expensive but worth it!

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 15
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great layout

The course was in great shape except being a little soggy. It make it tough on a 440 par four when your tee shot backs up. Other than that, the course offer 18 different holes. Had to wait for a family of deer to pass on one hole. The view from 14 green is amazing.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Featured
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great Play

Leave your ego at home and just enjoy the round and some of the best scenery in the world.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

Best on the island

First rate course but course was empty hence the price should drop accordingly. Better to have a busy course at a lower rate, than an empty course at a high rate.
Course was in top condition and the round was very enjoyable.
Disappointed with the changes on the nineth hole. It was a great par five.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

Signature hole - 14. What a view!

A must play course in Victoria. The hotel is beautiful, service was wonderful.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Difficulty Moderate
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Golf Packages

Gamble Sands Resort Stay & Play Golf Package

FROM $397 (USD)
BREWSTER, WA | Enjoy 3 nights' accommodations at The Inn at Gamble Sands and 3 rounds of golf at Gamble Sands - Sands Course and the new QuickSands Short Course.
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