strategy and nature
Bootleg Gap Golf is a stunning 27-hole public golf facility located in the heart of the Rocky Mountain trench in Kimberley, BC. The course offers breathtaking views of surrounding mountain ranges and pristine natural landscapes.
Designed by the renowned Les Furber and opened in 2002, Bootleg Gap is a diverse Par 72 layout. The course is famous for its "split personality"—the front nine offers spacious, parkland-style driving holes, while the back nine (specifically "The Gap") transitions into a tighter, strategic riverside challenge along the St. Mary River.
The course combines strategic layout with natural beauty, providing a memorable golfing experience for players of all levels.
PAR
72
TEE BOXES
5
LENGTH
7,157
yards
bootleg gap
SIGNATURE HOLE 12
This breathtaking par-3 is the crown jewel of the "Gap"—a sequence of holes carved into the floor of the St. Mary River valley. From an dramatically elevated tee box, golfers are treated to a panoramic view of the Purcell Mountains and the iconic St. Mary River Hoodoos.
Playing this hole requires both nerve and precision. The descent to the green is roughly 50 feet, making club selection a challenge as the wind often swirls within the valley walls. The long, narrow green is protected by strategic white sand bunkers and framed by the rugged, light-colored erosional pillars that give the region its distinct character. Whether you stick the green or find the sand, the sheer scale of the landscape makes Hole 12 an unforgettable highlight of any Kootenay golf itinerary.
GETTING HERE
Bootleg Gap Golf Course is located in Kimberley, British Columbia, tucked away in the scenic St. Mary River valley in the heart of the East Kootenays.
Bootleg Gap Golf Course
400 315th Ave, Kimberley, BC V1A 3L4
Reaching us is part of the adventure. All seven of our championship golf courses are located within a 25km radius of each other between the cities of Kimberley and Cranbrook, making this the ultimate "stay and play" destination in southeastern British Columbia.
By Air: The Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) is a convenient 20-minute drive from Bootleg Gap, offering direct daily flights from Vancouver, Calgary, and Kelowna.
By Car: If you are driving from Alberta, we are within easy reach of Calgary and Edmonton via Highway 93 and the Trans-Canada Highway 1. For those traveling from the United States or Southern BC, Highway 95 connects Kimberley to the Crowsnest Highway, providing a scenic route through the heart of the Kootenay Rockies.
Faq's
Does Bootleg Gap have more than 18 holes?
Yes, Bootleg Gap is a full 27-hole facility, making it unique among the seven courses in the Kimberley Cranbrook consortium. It features an 18-hole championship course and a separate 9-hole Recreational course, which plays as a hybrid par-34 layout with a mix of par 3s, 4s, and one par 5. The Rec 9 is especially popular with beginners and golfers looking for a quicker round.
What is the history behind the name "Bootleg Gap"?
The name pays homage to the area's colourful local heritage, specifically Bootleg Mountain, which looms over the course, and the region's storied history with bootlegging during Prohibition-era mining camps. The "Gap" portion refers to the dramatic river gorge the back nine courses through along the St. Mary River, where the course transitions from open parkland to a tight, canyon-like challenge.
What practice facilities are available at Bootleg Gap Golf?
Bootleg Gap features one of the best practice facilities in the Kootenay Rockies region, including a large driving range, short game practice area, and putting greens. The course also has an on-site restaurant called the Bootleg Grill, making it a complete golf destination for a full day out.