There is a moment on the drive up from the Greater Toronto Area, usually right as the concrete of the highway gives way to the exposed granite cliffs of Highway 11, when the air changes. The city noise fades completely, replaced by the crisp scent of fresh white pine and the deep blue expanse of cottage country.
For golf enthusiasts, this transition sparks a familiar excitement. Muskoka golf represents the pinnacle of Canadian course design: rugged landscapes, dramatic elevation changes, and pristine fairways carved straight out of the Canadian Shield.
While there are several notable golf courses in Muskoka, one legendary experience stands above the rest, hidden in plain sight on the waters of the Lake of Bays. Historically restricted to members, Bigwin Island Golf Club now opens its docks to guests staying at Port Cunnington Lodge.
If you are looking to trade your usual weekend tee time in the GTA for an unforgettable Muskoka golf vacation, this guide details how to unlock the Ultimate Golf Experience.
The Bigwin Island Legacy: A Century of History
Long before it became a premier championship golf course, Bigwin Island was a legendary playground for high society. In the 1920s and 30s, the island hosted the grand Bigwin Inn, a sweeping resort destination that drew international royalty, Hollywood icons like Clark Gable, and big bands of the swing era.
The original golf course was designed by Stanley Thompson, Canada’s master golf architect. Though the old inn has faded into history, the island’s glamorous, exclusive atmosphere remains fully intact. In 2001, renowned architect Doug Carrick re-imagined the terrain, designing a world-class 18-hole championship course that pays homage to its historic roots while testing every club in a modern golfer’s bag.
The Journey: A Ferry Access Experience
Part of what makes golfing at Bigwin Island so distinct is how you get there. You cannot simply drive up to the pro shop. Your round begins on the water.
Guests enjoying a stay at Port Cunnington Lodge can bypass the public docks entirely. Your day starts at the historic resort waterfront, where you will board a private round-trip ferry shuttle service. Cruising across the crisp waters of Lake of Bays, watching the island come into focus on the horizon, offers a peaceful transition into your game.
Course Design: Carved into the Canadian Shield
Doug Carrick’s design takes full advantage of the island’s sweeping elevation changes and lake views. The course is structured with sweeping fairways framed by thick stands of mature hardwoods and dramatic, rugged rock bunkers.
- The Signature View: The par-4 6th hole offers a spectacular tee shot. Standing on an elevated box high above the fairway, you are treated to a panoramic vista of the Lake of Bays stretching out toward the horizon.
- The Playability: While the course rewards accurate driving and strategic placement, wide fairways ensure it remains highly playable for various skill levels.
Before hitting the first tee, players receive full access to Bigwin’s state-of-the-art driving range and manicured putting facilities to fine-tune their swing.
Seamless Stay & Play: Port Cunnington Lodge
The most seamless way to secure a tee time on this historic island is by booking an Ultimate Golf Experience Package at Port Cunnington Lodge. Nestled just minutes away on the mainland shore, PCL provides a classic lakeside retreat with luxury cottages, fine dining, and authentic Muskoka hospitality.
Instead of dealing with third-party bookings, the lodge’s front desk coordinates your access, private shuttle, and package details.
Package Pricing & Availability
This exclusive partnership unlocks access to the course, practice facilities, power carts, and the historic Bigwin Clubhouse dining room.
| Season / Dates | Days of the Week | Rate Per Round (plus H.S.T.) |
| Spring Shoulder (May 19 – June 10) | Monday – Thursday Friday – Sunday | $300 $375 |
| Peak Summer (June 15 – Sept 3) | All Week Long | $350 |
| Fall Shoulder (Sept 8 – Oct 8) | Monday – Thursday Friday – Sunday | $300 $375 |
Important Details for Your Day: Course and range access begins after 1:00 PM. Weekend tee times are limited and subject to availability following the member lottery, which finishes every Wednesday afternoon. Green fees and cart payments are processed directly at the Bigwin Golf Shop upon check-in.
Your Premium Golf Basecamp: Lodging at Port Cunnington
A memorable Muskoka golf vacation is only as good as where you rest and recharge between rounds. Instead of rushing back down the 400-series highways to the GTA after your 18th hole, checking into Port Cunnington Lodge allows you to stretch your day into a true luxury retreat.
Our property is specifically designed to accommodate everything from a solo golf trip to full corporate group retreats, offering an array of premium Muskoka lodging options that blend classic lakefront charm with upscale, modern comforts:
- Private Lakeside Cottages: Ideal for golf groups or families, our multi-bedroom custom cottages feature expansive screened-in porches, stone fireplaces, full kitchens, and breathtaking panoramic views of Lake of Bays.
- Luxury Chalets & Suites: Perfect for couples or smaller groups seeking a sophisticated stay, boasting plush bedding, bright airy interiors, and deep soaking tubs to unwind after a demanding day on the fairways.
Whether you choose a historic lodge suite or a private, multi-bedroom chalet close to the water, you are stepping into a peaceful oasis built on a century-old tradition of authentic hospitality.
Unwind After the 18th Hole
After wrapping up your round and taking the ferry back to Port Cunnington Lodge, the classic cottage country experience continues. You can relax on the porch of a private cabin, enjoy a lakeside dinner featuring fresh local ingredients, or sit down by a bonfire to watch the stars come out over Lake of Bays.
Ready to plan your escape from the city? Our PCL team can assist guests with a concierge booking service for other great golf venues to maximize a Muskoka Golf Trial Experience please inquire to Front Desk via phone 1-800-894-1105.