Carleton was established in 1963 by Mort Kalin who had the vision to bring a community together through golf. Originally called Rideau Carleton Golf and Yacht Club, the club was one of the first golf communities built in North America. Two farms totalling 240 acres were purchased, a nine-hole golf course surrounded by housing was created with professional Bob Paluzzi, and a club was born. Additional land was later purchased to support the remaining nine holes, which opened in 1966. A year later, Carleton became a member-owned private club.

The original clubhouse was built in 1964 but was destroyed by fire in 1989. The current clubhouse, built on the same foundations, opened in September 1990.

With visionary leadership from the Board of Directors and Management Team, over the last few years Carleton has undergone significant transformation. Major investments have been made in the last few years. A new patio overlooking the river was added in 2021. Then, in 2022, Carleton transformed into a year-round golfing facility with the launch of the indoor academy, a new halfway house, as well as improvements to the golf course in line with the master plan developed by renowned golf architect, Ian Andrew. Members currently enjoy an entirely new fleet of golf carts and trolleys. We are committed to ongoing investments in our infrastructure; in 2025, our dining room received a successful facelift with the installation of new windows, and the course saw notable improvements following the construction of new bunkers and forward tees.

There is no doubt that now is an exciting time of growth for Carleton. Join us and become part of our future.