Best of 2016: Top 25 golf courses in Canada

We're counting down the top-rated course in Canada according to your reviews in 2016. There is no shortage of great golf destinations worthy of international interest, whether it's Cape Breton Island or to the west around Vancouver Island or the Okanagan. In Ontario, easy escapes from Toronto like Niagara Falls and Muskoka also have plenty of great golf courses to play.

In order to make our Golf Advisor Top 25 courses in Canada, courses needed at least five reviews submitted in 2016. We took a composite score of their overall and subcategory averages. Then we applied weight to the review based on how prolific their accounts are. So users who are Local Golf Advisors or badged merit profiles' reviews matter more. About 300 courses across Canada had five or more reviews and were eligible.

The results, determined by your reviews, feature a handful of courses that also make the national magazine rankings (like Score Golf's Top 100). Our list however features some lesser known value courses and shorter courses that may be more appealing to all handicaps and budgets. Golfers of any ability can rate courses on Golf Advisor. But some of Canada's favorite architects can be found on this list, like Doug Carrick, Les Furber Thomas McBroom and Stanley Thompson.

Course layout: Tobiano Golf Course
Course conditions: Tobiano Golf Course
Value: Cowichan Golf & Country Club
Off-course amenities: Glen Abbey Golf Club
Pace of play: Fox Golf Club
Staff friendliness: Woodland Links Golf Course

Otterville, Ontario
What they're saying: "Tight and rolling fairways, no flat lies, lots of bunkers and long carries. A real test."

Oliver, British Columbia
What they're saying: "Very scenic, winding it's way through the desert, high up on the side of the mountain."

Campbell River, British Columbia
What they're saying: "Amazing golf course in amongst wildlife and large fir trees."

Kemptville, Ontario
What they're saying: "The course is a great layout and the conditions were perfect."

Morrisburg, Ontario
What they're saying: "The best, toughest, best conditioned course in eastern Ontario."

Minett, Ontario
What they're saying: "An astoundingly beautiful golf course with iconic central Ontario scenery."

Salmon Arm, British Columbia
What they're saying: "Nothing boring about Canoe Creek. Greens were fantastic. Scenery and course design were way above average."

Seaforth, Ontario
What they're saying: "Very interesting & different holes with lots of challenges for different shot making.

Ben Eion, Nova Scotia
What they're saying: "Absolutely stunning views of the lakes, with hole 6 having an amazing tee shot."

Sun Peaks, British Columbia
What they're saying: "Beautiful and serene scenery withcreeks flowing and creating some challenges. Saw a beautiful fox running across the fairway."

Genelle, British Columbia
What they're saying: "If you are getting beat up by the Kootenay courses, try this one. It is delightful."

Kanata, Ontario
What they're saying: "Perfect course conditions and was empty for some reason on a beautiful day."

Maple, Ontario
What they're saying: "Definitely in the top 3 public courses I have played in Canada."

Blind Bay, British Columbia
What they're saying: "I enjoyed the wide fairways and the beautiful Mountain and lake views."

Ennismore, Ontario
What they're saying: "What a great golfing trip to Peterborough or Lindsey!!!"

Eganville, Ontario
What they're saying: "Best greens in the Ottawa Valley by far; a true test of your golfing abilities and course management."

Inverness, Nova Scotia
What they're saying: "One of the biggest compliments that I can give a course of this quality is that the inland holes are just as great as the holes along the ocean."

Gananoque, Ontario
What they're saying: "A Muskoka golf feel without the long drive up north and crazy prices."

Windermere, Ontario
What they're saying: "I chose to play Windermere partly to add another notch to my Stanley Thompson designed courses belt."

Castlegar, British Columbia
What they're saying: "The odd bear will wander out of the forest, but gives you an excuse to sit on the cart and enjoy your favourite beverage and a cigar if so inclined."

Golden, British Columbia
What they're saying: "Beautiful. Quiet. Plays fair but challenging. A true gem."

Huntsville, Ontario
What they're saying: "While Muskoka boasts some of the best championship courses in the country, Deerhurst Highlands is a 'wedge' above the rest."

Corbyville, Ontario
What they're saying: "The layout is both interesting and challenging, while not being overly difficult."

Niagara Falls, Ontario
What they're saying: "Hands down the most immaculate course in Niagara."

Kamloops, British Columbia.
What they're saying: "Not for the feint of heart. There are huge elevation changes as the course winds up and down through the sagebrush with no two holes alike."