From the moment my car rounds the bend and I catch my first glimpse of St Eugene Resort and Golf Club I have a feeling I’m in for a treat. This is my first time golfing in the Kootenay Region and after making the scenic 4-hour drive through the mountains from Calgary, I’m excited to spend the weekend with my friend Tara at a place that I’ve heard people speak only fondly about. 

The resort’s marketing manager Matt Pesce greets us warmly and promptly gives us a tour of the property which includes 125 rooms, a championship golf course, an outdoor swimming pool, event space and a casino. The beautiful brick building has many old photos hanging on its walls reminding visitors, or likely in many cases informing them, of its troubled past. But while the black and white images provide a gentle reminder of this black mark on Canadian history, Matt proudly assures us the estate has been transformed into a place of good. According to the resort’s brochure, the St. Eugene Mission “is the only project in Canada where a First Nation decided to turn the icon of an often-sad period of its history into a powerful economic engine by restoring an old Indian Residential school into an international destination resort for future generations to enjoy”. 

As our tour ends the rain begins to lift. Eager to get some fresh air after the long car ride, my friend and I decide to jump on the course and try to squeeze in 9 holes before dinner. The vibe in the clubhouse is casual and welcoming, and the group of folks dressed as clowns finishing up on 17 and 18 tell us this is a fun place to be. 

Once we jump in the cart the first thing I notice is how GREEN everything is! Coming from a dried-out Cowtown, the lush grass and leafy trees are a welcome sight. While the first few couple of holes are quite open with sightlines to much of the back 9, the 3rd hole moves us into a quieter, more forested area of the grounds. I’m no expert but the course looks to be in great shape and we thoroughly enjoy our couple of hours playing the front, recording a few pars, and unfortunately more than a few bogeys!   

We return to our cozy but spacious rooms to get ready for dinner in the Numa restaurant and lounge. The rustic dining room is bustling when we arrive and as we settle into the lively atmosphere we both order a Watermelon Mojito off the cocktail menu.