Surrey, British Columbia, is one of the only places in Canada that has the climate and facilities to play year-round golf. With the highest concentration of golf courses in Metro Vancouver, Surrey provides many great options for golfers throughout the year.
For those not familiar with the area, Surrey is not part of the City of Vancouver, but it is a distinct member municipality within the larger metropolitan area known as Metro Vancouver. Surrey sits south of the Fraser River, about 30 to 45 minutes southeast of downtown Vancouver. While Vancouver is the most famous city in the region, Surrey is the second-largest city in British Columbia by population and the largest in land area within Metro Vancouver. In fact, many projections suggest Surrey will overtake Vancouver in population in the next 5 to 7 years.
We visited four of the best golf courses in Surrey, and still have more wonderful courses to play on our next visit to Canada. Northview Golf and Country Club, Hazelmere Golf Course, Morgan Creek Golf Club, and Guildford Golf and Country Club provided a great diverse sampling of just a few of the fabulous golf courses that offer year round golfing in Surrey, conveniently located in Canada’s Metro Vancouver area.
Golf in Canada—In January? Surrey, British Columbia’s Year-Round Golf Secret
Northview Golf and Country Club in Surrey
Golfers looking for a memorable round in British Columbia will find something special at these two Arnold Palmer Signature Design championship courses. Golfers are in for a unique treat, since Northview Golf and Country Club in Surrey offers two of only three Arnold Palmer courses in all of Canada. Arnold Palmer himself played both courses during their grand openings in 1994 and 1995, adding a touch of golf history to an already impressive setting.
We played The Ridge Course, with rolling hills through Surrey’s beautiful natural landscape, where elevation changes, shimmering lakes, and narrow, tree-lined fairways reward thoughtful shot-making. This course’s storied history includes hosting the Greater Vancouver Open and Air Canada Championship.
For a different challenge, the Canal Course features gentler terrain but plenty of excitement, with water coming into play on almost every hole. Both courses reflect Palmer’s famous risk-reward philosophy, tempting golfers to play boldly while punishing wayward shots. Surrounded by classic West Coast scenery, the Ridge and Canal deliver challenging, enjoyable golf and a memorable experience for players of nearly every skill level.
Hazelmere Golf Club in South Surrey
Hazelmere Golf Club is much more than a beautiful golf course—it’s a welcoming destination where recreation, dining, and special occasions come together. It all starts in the traditional clubhouse, with the elegant Panorama and Garden rooms, cozy Fireside Room, and lively West Coast Bistro. Built in 1962 and extensively renovated in 2003, Hazelmere Golf Club is one of the premier facilities in Surrey. Whether lingering over Sunday brunch, celebrating a wedding with a view, or gathering for a family or business event, guests will find a setting that feels both relaxed and refined.
As a so-so golfer, I enjoyed the challenge of the four par-3 holes on the course. I hit the greens on three of my tee shots, but of course three and four putted to miss out on my chances of a rare (for me) birdie or par. I definitely need to work on my putting game! The thoughful layout and well manicured fairways and greens made for a fun and challenging afternoon of golf.
With its central location and extensive facilities, Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club offers a premier setting for golf tournaments of all sizes. The experienced team can help organize a corporate outing, charity fundraiser, or social gathering on this championship course. Hazelmere is part of the West Coast Golf Group, which also operates the outstanding Belmont Golf Course in Langley and Swaneset Bay Resort and Country Club in nearby Pitt Meadows. In addition to great golf, tennis lovers have plenty to enjoy as well. Hazelmere boasts one of the Fraser Valley’s premier tennis facilities, with four indoor courts offering year-round play.
From early tee times and friendly tennis matches to leisurely meals and quiet moments on the patio, Hazelmere invites visitors to linger a little longer. Come for the golf—and discover plenty of reasons to stay.
Morgan Creek Golf Club
Morgan Creek Golf Club is much more than a world class golf course. Yes, the 18 holes are magnificent, the scenery spectacular, and the fairways and greens are meticulously manicured. But Morgan Creek also is perfect for that wedding, banquet, or other special events that calls for a beautiful, unique venue. The restaurant, lounge, and tailored spaces make the entire facility a special place for special times. Even their website is a step above most of their competition.
Tom Doull, Director of Golf Operations at Morgan Creek, took us on a very fun and informative tour of the golf course and facilities. This popular course in South Surrey averages around 50,000 to 55,000 rounds a year, with play available year-round. The facility takes great pride in the immaculate condition of the course, a result of the strict adherence to the demanding maintenance schedule of the professional grounds crew.
On this beautiful fall afternoon, the sky was blue, grass was green, and splashes of fall colors shone throughout the landscapes. The popular course was filled this day, including the driving range, putting greens, and chipping greens. Morgan Creek also has a thriving youth and training program, with a complete weight room, simulators, and trained professionals on staff – everywhere you look you see golf done right. There are many reasons Morgan Creek Golf Club is the top-rated course on the Lower Mainland.
After our tour, we enjoyed lunch at Morgan’s on the beautiful terrace overlooking the course. I was very pleased with the fresh salad with grilled shrimp and scallops, a light and satisfying meal. Others in our group were happy with their fish tacos and salads. And the view!
Guildford Golf and Country Club
For more than half a century, Guildford Golf and Country Club has offered golfers a scenic escape in the heart of Surrey, British Columbia. Established in 1966, the 6,502-yard, par-72 championship course blends challenging golf with a wonderfully relaxed Pacific Northwest setting.
Mature trees frame the fairways, generous greens reward a well-placed approach, and a picturesque creek meanders through the property, adding both beauty and challenge to the round. With reasonable rates and a welcoming atmosphere, Guildford is an appealing choice for everyone from experienced golfers to casual players looking to enjoy a day outdoors.
The experience doesn’t have to end on the 18th green. Bunker’s Bar & Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual setting, while its seasonal outdoor patio overlooks the third hole—a perfect spot to relax over a meal or cold drink. A versatile banquet room also makes Guildford a popular gathering place for tournaments, celebrations, and special events. On the day we golfed an early 18 rounds, Guildford was hosting a tournament, and the staff and Marshalls kept the groups moving at a reasonable pace.
Fabulous Food in Surrey, British Columbia
In addition to great golf, we enjoyed a variety of fabulous food in the Canadian paradise of Surrey.
Afghan Kitchen, A Family Affair
Afghan Kitchen is a family-owned restaurant serving modern Afghan cuisine inspired by cherished family recipes and the flavors of home. Led by “Mum” Zohra and her three boys, Hassib, Ehsan, and Zabi, the Sarwari family opened Afghan Kitchen in 2017, bringing signature Afghanistan dishes to Surrey. Afghan Kitchen is a treasured Surrey Spice Trail partner, and we were so pleased to experience the warm Afghan hospitality of the Sarwari family that make this family-run restaurant a Surrey favorite.
Our first taste at Afghan Kitchen was the traditional cornbread, often served as a welcoming gesture to guests of the family. Moist, slightly sweet, and served with a delicious pistachio butter, this was world class cornbread! We continued with some fresh Bolani, a 10-inch pan-fried naan stuffed with potatoes, herbs, and spices served with chutney and yogurt. This flatbread was so warm and flavorful, and definitely got our juices flowing in anticipation of the upcoming tasty dishes. Everything was so delicious, and Zabi Sarwari graciously told us the inspiring story of Afghan Kitchen’s history, described the traditional dishes, and patiently answered our many questions.
Some of my favorite dishes included the delicious Mantu, steamed dumplings filled with ground beef mixed with onions and spices, and covered with a flavorful yogurt sauce. Another favorite of our group was the amazing fork-tender lamb shank, braised in a blend of spices for five hours with delicious results. We finished with a delicious slice of “Mum’s secret cake,” a tasty white cake that reminded me of the popular Tres Leches dessert familiar in many Mexican restaurants.
Afghan Kitchen also has a sister restaurant, Zarak, run by the family in nearby Vancouver. If you find yourself in Surrey, be sure to do yourself a favor and visit Afghan Kitchen or Zarak for a true culinary treat.
Baba’s Chicken, Home of the Best Butter Chicken
After perfecting decades of culinary excellence since starting in 1964, Baba Chicken recently brought the rich flavors of Punjab, Ludhiana, to Canada. This new restaurant in Surrey does a great job of sharing the true taste of India and savoring the authenticity of the Baba Chicken menu.
I loved the very first dish our lovely server brought out. The Chilli Paneer Baba Style, a wonderfully delicious mix of lightly fried cubes of paneer cheese tossed in a spicy sauce of soy sauce, chili sauce, bell peppers, onions, ginger, and garlic. So good! We were also served a wide variety of other dishes, including Baby Goat Curry in savory gravy, biryani, Tandoori Chicken, freshly made Naan, and several others. Of course, we also enjoyed some of the warm and soothing Baba Butter Chicken they are known for.
For authentic Indian food in a colorful setting with a friendly staff, Baba Chicken is Surrey’s go to place.
Gamamaru Shokudo, Surrey’s Fusion of Japanese and Korean
Gamamaru Shokudo is a modern Japanese-Korean fusion restaurant inspired by the vibrant food cultures of Osaka and Seoul. Gamamaru is a proud partner in the Surrey Spice Trail, and offers a lively dining experience featuring Japanese and Korean flavors, from izakaya-style dishes to hot pots and shareable plates. We started with a delicious corn cheese and steamed truffle edamame along with skewers of chicken, shrimp, and veggies.
We then shared smoked pork belly, seasoned squid and Tako salad, and Takiniku Nabe, Gamamaru’s signature hot pot with assorted meats and vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. Finally, we dug into the Army Stew, a Korean-style spicy stew heavy on flavor.
We all enjoyed our meal and their signature mascot, the “Legendary Well-Fed Toad,” which serves as a playful symbol of good fortune, bringing a cheerful and welcoming energy to the entire restaurant.
Par 4 Kitchen & Bar for Golf, Food, Drink, and Nightlife
Golf, a wide variety of food options, and a lively social scene come together at Par4 Kitchen & Bar, one of Surrey’s most entertaining places to eat, play, and unwind. We went for a few drinks and lunch, ordering from the assortment of sandwiches, pastas, pizzas, and other bar food. One of the unique features is its high-tech Full Swing Golf Simulator, featuring the same technology used by professionals in top training centers. We could choose from famous courses around the world and enjoy a surprisingly realistic round—without ever stepping outside. We did not play a full round on the simulator, but we each hit a few balls to get a feel for it.
The bar and dining area is the perfect place to watch the big game on multiple screens or explore the extensive daily Happy Hour menu with over 40 food and drink specials. In the evenings, customers can enjoy the energy of Trivia Nights, Karaoke, and ParTee Fridays, when a live DJ kicks off the weekend. Par 4 is part sports lounge, part entertainment venue, and all about having a good time.
Surrey, British Columbia is Canada’s Year-Round Golfing Destination
So come out to Surrey in the amazing Metro Vancouver area of Canada for fantastic year-round golf, amazing culture, spectacular landscapes, delicious food, and friendly folks.
