This is a year-round Vancouver sport. With five public 18-hole courses and half a dozen pitch-and-putt courses in the city and dozens more nearby, no golfer is far from his or her love. The public University Golf Club, 5185 University Blvd. (tel. 604/224-1818), is a great 6,560-yard, par-71 course with a clubhouse, pro shop, locker rooms, bar and grill, and sports lounge. You can also try calling A-1 Last Minute Golf Hot Line (tel. 800/684-6344 or 604/878-1833) for substantial discounts and short-notice tee times at more than 30 Vancouver-area courses. There's no membership fee. A number of excellent public golf courses, maintained by the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation (tel. 604/257-8400; www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks), can be found throughout the city. Langara Golf Course, 6706 Alberta St., around 49th Avenue and Cambie Street (tel. 604/713-1816), built in 1926 and recently renovated and redesigned, is one of the most popular golf courses in the province. Greens fees top out at C$45 (US$34) for an adult, with discounts for youth, seniors, and weekday tee times. To reserve, call tel. 604/280-1818 up to 5 days in advance or call the city at tel. 604/257-8400 during office hours for more information.

Leading private clubs are situated on the North Shore and in Vancouver. Check with your club at home to see if you have reciprocal visiting memberships with one of the following: Capilano Golf and Country Club, 420 Southborough Dr., West Vancouver (tel. 604/922-9331); Marine Drive Golf Club, W. 57th Avenue and S.W. Marine Drive (tel. 604/261-8111); Seymour Golf and Country Club, 3723 Mt. Seymour Pkwy., North Vancouver (tel. 604/929-2611); Point Grey Golf and Country Club, 3350 SW Marine Dr. (tel. 604/261-3108); and Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, 4300 SW Marine Dr. (tel. 604/266-4141). Greens fees range from C$42 to C$72 (US$32-US$54).