Resilience on the Fairway: How Talking Rock Stays Strong
By Andrew Penner
The view from the 15th tee at Talking Rock is always one to savour: the shimmering lake, the pine-coated mountains in the distance, and that beautiful, bunker-guarded green framed in golden grass. It’s a picture-perfect scene, for sure; a signature statement for what golf in the Kamloops region is all about.
While this fabulous Graham Cooke/Wayne Carlton-designed course has remained virtually unchanged since it opened in 2007, the infrastructure at this facility, including the beautiful, timber-framed Quaaout Lodge, has certainly undergone some devastating changes.
On May 22nd, 2022, a fire broke out in the accommodation wing of the Quaaout Lodge, quickly destroying 70 suites. While there were many people staying at the resort at the time, everyone got out safely. Although the damage completely changed the day-to-day operations at the resort, the Talking Rock Golf Course is alive and well. Thankfully, the lobby, restaurant, spa, conference rooms, and pro shop were saved by a firewall and the golf course was able to open just a few days later.
But the major challenges for this resort – which is owned and operated by the Little Shuswap Lake Band – didn’t end with that fire. A massive forest fire – the Bush Creek wildfire in 2023 – swept through the area and, although it left the resort largely unscathed, took a devastating toll on the surrounding community, destroying many homes in the tight-knit neighbourhood. Although numerous trees on the course were burned, altering the “look” of many holes, thankfully, just one washroom facility on the course was lost, and the golf course itself has remained in tip-top playing condition.
“After being devastated by two separate fires over two years, this community has really been tested,” said Cody Bell, the General Manager at the resort. “But the support from the community and surrounding areas has been higher than ever. 2024 marked one of our busiest years ever on the course.”
Unquestionably, the continuous operation of the course, which is consistently recognized as one of the top golf courses in the country (it always makes an appearance on SCOREGolf’s prestigious list of the Top 100 Golf Courses in Canada), has been a tremendous positive to the situation. However, as Bell points out, there are plenty of exciting things that will be happening in the years to come.
“Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl’eew has committed to rebuilding the lodge and bringing accommodations back to the resort,” said Bell, who began his tenure at Talking Rock shortly before the initial fire. “The design and footprint of the new lodge will be different.”
Although there are currently no timelines in place for a reopening of the lodge, the golf course, food and beverage operations, spa, and conference spaces are fully operational.
“We are constantly reminded by past guests just how much they loved staying at the Quaaout Lodge and how they can’t wait to stay here again,” said Bell. “Needless to say, I am very excited for the future and we can’t wait to release more information as soon as we can.”
Like many of you, over the past 18 years, or so, I’ve stayed at the Quaaout Lodge numerous times. From the awesome sunsets at the beach to the incredible quality of the food, it’s always a wonderful experience. And it truly was a sad day when news broke of the fire. And, of course, the soon-to-follow Bush Creek fire that impacted so many families in this special community.
However, fires also have a way of bringing new life, new hope, new starts. And, like you, I’m eagerly awaiting the rebuilding of the lodge. And, in the meantime, I will continue to thoroughly enjoy this phenomenal course…and the incredible views it generously serves up!
So when you’re planning your next Golf Kamloops getaway, make sure Talking Rock is on the list—not just for the jaw-dropping views and pristine fairways, but to support a community that’s shown the kind of heart and resilience we could all learn from. Swing by, play a round, and be part of something bigger.
