Why Disc Golf Is the Perfect Covid-Friendly Sport (and Where to Find Courses in Canada)

May 14, 2021

If nature is your happy place, welcome to the surprisingly fun sport that can be played in the woods or with mountain views.

What is disc golf?

In short, it’s a super fun sport played on an outdoor course. The rules are similar to regular golf, but instead of a ball and golf club, you use a disc (aka frisbee) and you try to get it to the target (usually a wire basket) in the least number of throws possible. It can be played safely during the pandemic, thanks to being outdoors and not requiring players to get close to one another at any point in the game. But if you’re with members of your household, we encourage hugs all around for those rare hole-in-ones!

If you’re curious, look into local courses (they are all across Canada) or check out these favourites across the country:

Mikisew Provincial Park, Ontario

A family favourite in Ontario is Mikisew Provincial Park, which is a gorgeous place to camp, hike and play disc golf all in one trip. The course itself is a forest-lovers dream, as it weaves through woods of evergreen trees. The 18-hole course was designed to offer a beginner/intermediate disc golf experience. If you’re brand new to the sport, Mikisew recommends warming up on their original nine-hole course. Discs are available to rent (or buy) at the park office. If you try disc golf and realize you love it, you’re in luck: there is another disc golf course around the corner in Tom Thomson Park in South River, just 15 minutes from Mikisew.

Canmore Nordic Center, Alberta

If stunning scenery is your motive for playing disc golf, you’ll want to make a beeline for this gorgeous, rugged course that weaves through trails and forest with majestic mountain views. This course is as difficult as it is beautiful, so bring your A-game (or be prepared to happily lose while enjoying the views).

Grouse Mountain Disc Golf Course, British Columbia

This course on top of Grouse Mountain is a true beauty and worth it for the views alone. Thanks to being located on a ski hill it is pretty open, making for an easier view to the holes. If you want to save some cash and you’re in the mood for a challenging hike before your disc golf game, you can do the Grouse Grind, a 2.9-kilometre trail (with about 2,830 stairs) up the face of Grouse Mountain. Or you can spend the money to take the Skyride. Either way, it’ll be an adventure.

Mont-Sainte-Anne, Québec

Located at the base of Mont-Sainte-Anne, this disc golf course offers both ease and challenge, with slopes, hills and changing terrain. With a great layout and gorgeous views, you’ll love the variety of each hole. Make sure you take a moment to enjoy the view from the 12th hole, which overlooks the chalet and St. Lawrence river.

Clifton Estate Disc Golf Course, Nova Scotia

If you think you’d enjoy a little history along with your disc golf game, you’ll love this free course on the grounds of Haliburton House Museum. The estate once hosted garden parties, games, and other society gatherings. The sprawling 34-acre grounds feature nine baskets and plenty of lovely things to look at.