Under new ownership, Manitou Ridge is redefining destination golf.
by Nicole Hilton //
What sets Manitou Ridge apart is its state-of-the-art float plane, ready to pick up guests from their dock or local airport anywhere in Ontario.
Why battle cottage country traffic when you could trade it for a scenic flight over Ontario’s rustic, northern beauty? Manitou Ridge makes the journey part of the experience. This semi-private golf course on Manitouwabing Lake, 30 minutes east of Parry Sound, offers a serene escape with fly-and-play, stay-and-play, day-play and dining options. Whether you arrive by float plane or car, Manitou Ridge aims to deliver an experience as memorable as the course itself.
Manitou Ridge, formerly known as The Ridge at Manitou, was acquired in 2023 by the Toronto-based company Purposeful Golf, which also owns National Pines Golf Club in Innisfil. The course is nestled beneath a towering forest canopy and carved into ancient rock ridges. “Every hole on the course is unique,” describes Tim Middleton of Manitou Ridge. “The designer used the existing landscape to make it look like it has been there forever.” The most breathtaking view comes from the approach shot on the 18th hole, where the fairway stretches ahead with the clubhouse on the right, and an uninterrupted sightline of the lake.
What sets Manitou Ridge apart is its state-of-the-art float plane, ready to pick up guests from their dock or local airport anywhere in Ontario. “This is a premium experience,” says Middleton, who expects to book twice as many flights this season as last. “Other courses might offer scenic tours or restaurant partnerships, but we’re the only ones offering a fly-in, custom welcome gift and cocktail, dedicated concierge, round of golf, three-course meal, and fly home in a single-day package.”
While the experience may sound extravagant, Middleton is quick to note that it’s more affordable than many might think. The fly-and-play package is ideal for celebrating special occasions, entertaining clients, or enjoying an unforgettable family getaway. For those looking to extend their stay, Manitou Ridge offers accommodations at a nearby waterfront cottage that can sleep up to 11 guests. The golf course has also partnered with Audi Barrie to shuttle guests back and forth, making the trip to Manitou Ridge completely customizable if you’re not arriving by plane. This isn’t just another round of golf—it’s a reminder that the journey can be as exciting as the game.
