A small group of army officers returning to Belleville after World War I decided to establish a full country club modeled after those they had seen in Europe. They retained the services of Howard Watson, one of the pre-eminent Canadian golf course architects of that time, to design the first nine holes which opened in 1921. Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club quickly became recognized as a premier facility, attracting golfers from eastern Ontario as well as from New York State, who came across Lake Ontario by yacht.
Thirty years later, the famed Robbie Robinson was retained to design an additional nine holes, as Bay of Quinte evolved into a par 72 championship course. Over the years, the course has hosted numerous national and provincial championships.
During 2010, the course is being fully renovated. Golfers notice immediately the new white sand bunkers. All of the tees are being rebuilt. Several of the holes have been redesigned to provide additional distance and challenges for the low handicappers, but still provide a pleasurable learning experience for the novice golfer.