A serene 40-minute drive north of Victoria, Arbutus Ridge Golf Club meanders nonchalantly between stately Vancouver Island homes on the edge of Mill Bay, a picturesque offshoot in the shadow of Saltspring Island. An excellent blend of price and playability, Arbutus offers terrific variety for golfers of any level; at just under 6,200 yards, it’s loaded with reachable par-5s and chances to go for broke.

It’s no pushover, though; the island green at the demanding 214-yard, par-3 17th has no doubt decided more than a few matches, while the brutal par-4 18th—426 yards, all uphill—tests anyone’s resolve. The best part? Barring a winter like the last one, which closed the course for a month, Arbutus is open year-round.

Why Go Now

Before Victoria’s sprawling, spectacular Bear Mountain moved in, Vancouver Island’s golf bargains were among the best-kept secrets in North America. Not even a 65-cent dollar of the day could lure American players, who erroneously assumed dirt-cheap green fees meant dirty golf courses. Bear Mountain changed the landscape, to be sure, but this island is still home to some of Canada’s best golf bargains.

Green Fees

Peak season (Apr. 25 – Oct. 4): Daily $60; Twilight $44; Sunset and Junior (under 18) $30; power carts $34.

Best Deals

Two golfers can stay in Victoria for two nights and play three of the region’s best courses—Arbutus, Olympic View Golf Club and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Bear Mountain Resort, where the new Valley course opens this year—for $375 per person during high season, including power carts on all three courses.

Broke Local Secrets

For local authenticity, Victoria native son Jordan Ray suggests a bowl of homemade soup and a sandwich at Hilary’s Cheese Company in nearby Cowichan Bay, where a variety of artisan cheeses are available, made strictly from the finest fresh local ingredients. “I’m not a cheese connoisseur by any means,” Ray says, “but this is good stuff.”

This story was originally published in the April 2009 issue of up! magazine as part of The Great Canadian Value Golf Guide, profiling the country’s 10 best courses for spend your golfing money. Check out other value golf spots in The Great Canadian Value Golf Guide 2009.