Vancouver is a nature lover’s paradise, and what better way to explore it than with your furry best friend by your side? British Columbia boasts endless parks, trails, and mountains that cater to our four-legged companions. In this article, we’ve curated a list of top picks for dog walks in Vancouver and surrounding areas, as recommended by dog owners.
If you’re looking for off-leash areas near the water, Vancouver has no shortage of great options. Barnet Marine Park is a popular destination for families with dogs, offering a beach area, picnic spots, and a playground. Be sure to double-check their seasonal off-leash areas, as they may vary. Another great spot is Confederation Park, which features two fenced-off areas for dogs to run and socialize freely. The park also has a water park, pool, mini train, lawn bowling, and library, making it an ideal spot for the whole family to spend the day.
For those seeking a more tranquil walking experience, the Pitt River Regional Greenway offers a serene nature walk with plenty of wildlife to see, including ducks, ospreys, seals, muskrats, and a variety of birds. Buntzen Lake, the first hydroelectric reservoir in British Columbia, is another peaceful spot with many trails to explore. It’s always bustling with families and dogs on sunny days, making it a great spot for socializing.
While dogs aren’t allowed on the beach during the summer season, White Pine Beach is a lovely spot to spend the day with the family. The park features picnic areas and a concession stand, and you can watch the kids play in the water while your pup rests in the shade. Golden Ears Provincial Park is another must-visit spot, with easy trails that provide a great learning experience for the whole family. The park offers camping options for those who want to make a weekend out of it.
What are some more amazing spots to walk your dog in Vancouver?
Pacific Spirit Regional Park: Located on the west side of Vancouver, Pacific Spirit Regional Park offers over 50 kilometers of trails for you and your dog to explore. This park has a variety of landscapes, including forests, beaches, and marshes, and offers stunning views of the ocean and mountains. There are also several off-leash areas throughout the park for your dog to run and play.
Spanish Banks Beach: If you and your dog love spending time at the beach, Spanish Banks Beach is a must-visit spot. This beach is dog-friendly year-round, and offers off-leash areas for dogs to run and play in the sand and water. With views of the North Shore Mountains and English Bay, this beach is a beautiful spot for a walk or picnic with your furry friend.
VanDusen Botanical Garden: While you might not immediately think of a botanical garden as a dog-friendly spot, VanDusen Botanical Garden welcomes well-behaved dogs on leash. This beautiful garden is home to a variety of plants, flowers, and wildlife, and offers over 22 hectares of space to explore. With plenty of walking paths and open spaces, your dog will love exploring this unique spot.
Queen Elizabeth Park: Located in the heart of Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. With its stunning gardens, fountain displays, and panoramic views of the city, it’s a great spot to take your furry friend for a leisurely stroll. There are several trails to choose from, and the park is also home to the Bloedel Conservatory, which features exotic birds and plants from around the world. Keep in mind that dogs must be on a leash in the park.
Lighthouse Park: If you’re looking for a scenic spot to take your dog for a walk, Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver is definitely worth checking out. The park features several trails that wind through dense forests and along the rocky shoreline. The highlight of the park is the historic lighthouse, which dates back to 1874 and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the area. Dogs are allowed on the trails but must be kept on a leash.
No list of dog-friendly spots in Vancouver would be complete without mentioning Stanley Park. This iconic destination offers a variety of attractions, including a seawall that will take you around the downtown core, Siwash Rock, a water park for the kids, the Lost Lagoon, golf, and even lawn bowling. With so much to see and do, there’s no shortage of activities for the whole family, including your furry friend.
These are just a few of the top choices from dog owners all over British Columbia. Do you have a favorite spot for walking your pooch? Share it with us in the comments below!