A Guide To Off Leash Dog Parks In Vancouver BC (+Richmond and the Lower Mainland.)

April 13, 2013
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A Guide To Off Leash Dog Parks In Vancouver BC (+Richmond and the Lower Mainland.)

Off Leash Dog Parks in Vancouver

 

It’s understandable that you can’t spend every day playing and relaxing at Jet Pet Resort.

Nevertheless, daily walks should be part of a routine for a healthy and happy dog. You don’t just want to stick to the same walks, though; you should try different routines to tease and stimulate you and your dog’s senses. Instead of just walking around the block, take your dog to a park or beach in Vancouver. Even better, you could bring friends, family, food and have a whole day out with your pooch. If you don’t have enough time to regularly take your dog on adventures, try planning an afternoon play date at the closest doggy daycare so they can get their energy out while supervised by professionals.

There’s plenty of places to walk around which is dog friendly. Most importantly, off leash excursions are a must for; maintaining and improving fitness, exploring and discovering new sights and smells, experiencing the great outdoors and perhaps most importantly, giving your dog a chance to socialize with other dogs.

Did you know: There are over 40 off leash dog parks and dog areas in Vancouver and Richmond alone! And with dozens more in the surrounding communities, there are plenty of places to play, swim, socialize, explore and hike.

Vancouver is a dog haven and has many off-leash destinations.

golden retriever playing catch in Off Leash Park

Top 7 Off-leash Dog Parks in Vancouver

If you’re looking to spice up your morning or evening walk, here are some great dog destinations to allow your dog to roam free off-leash.

  • Andy Livingstone Park

Andy Livingstone Park is situated on the perimeter of Chinatown and is located in downtown Vancouver. It’s open 7 days a week from 7 AM-11 PM; however, timings may vary according to the season. It offers a fully fenced off-leash dog area where you can allow your canine to roam free and have fun. 

Moreover, you can let your dog play while you sit and relax on the park bench with a book or cup of coffee. This park even comes prepared with dog poop bags and bins to help you clean up after your canine.

  • Charleston Park

Charleston Park is a stunning park situated on False Creek with stunning skyline views of Vancouver. Alongside its spectacular views, it also boasts a large unfenced field where you can let your dogs run around freely without their leash. There is also a waterfall and pond where you can let your dogs run around and get wet. It’s open most days, 6 AM-10 PM; however, times are subject to change based on the season.

  • New Brighton park

If you live in East Vancouver, you might wish to take your dog on a walk around New Brighton park. This park also contains a large off leash area located at the west end of the park overlooking the North Shore Mountains. The off leash area is fully fenced and gated to make sure your dog remains in the park. 

  • Pandora Park

Another great off leash hotspot is Pandora Park, located in East Vancouver. This park is open between 6 AM-9 PM; however, times can change based on the season. It has a large 25 hectare space that allows dogs to run about freely.

  • King Crest Park

If you’re seeking a grassy park to take your dog with lots of open spaces, then you should check out King Crest Park. This park contains an unfenced off leash dog area full of grass and is great for kicking a ball or playing fetch with your dog. 

In King Crest Park, you can also enjoy playing sports in a sports court, chilling on picnic benches and letting your dog run in and out of the trees. King Crest Park is situated at the Dumfries intersection and is open 7 days a week.

  • Fraser River Park

Fraser River Park is a picturesque park to take your dog out in, and it has stunning views of Fraser River. There are lots of picnic areas and wooden walkways to explore. 

But what’s even better is the dog off-leash area, as you can let your dog roam in an area of the park, and there’s a off-leash beach area where you can let your dog cool off in the water. Talk about the best of both! Fraser River Park is located at the bottom of Kerr street, and there’s a lot of free parking around it.

  • Sunset Park

If you live in Vancouver’s West end, you might want to take your pooch to Sunset Park. This park is open 7 days a week, 6 AM-10 PM, and has its own beach. The beach has a small, off-leash area where you can let your dogs run about, roam, and swim. 

You read above just a small snippet of some epic off leash places in Vancouver to try with your dog. In addition to this, check out our quick reference list that highlights each lower mainland community, its dog parks and its by-laws. 

The next time you’re looking for a happening or new off leash spot to try out with your dog, visit this list and remember to bookmark it for future reference.

FAQS

Are dogs allowed off-leash in Canada?

If you live in other areas of Canada and are curious about what areas you can explore with your dog freely, you need to check with your city’s regulations. Some parks in Canada require your dog to be on a leash and supervised constantly. 

In contrast, some parks and beaches are more dog friendly, encouraging off leash areas. Most of the time that your dog will be allowed off-leash, you will see signs for a dedicated off-leash area.

Where can I walk my dog in Vancouver?

There’s an abundance of places you can walk your dog in Vancouver; if we covered them all, it would take a few articles to write. You can visit Dog Mountain, Derby Reach National Park, Hadden Park, Cooper’s Park, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, and a lot more places to give you an idea. 

Are dogs allowed on Vancouver beaches?

While there are many parks in Vancouver containing beaches, there are only a select amount of beaches you can take your dog off-leash in. Those beaches are Hadden Park, Sunset Park, Spanish Banks Beach Park, John Hendry Park and New Brighton Park. Other ones you can take your dog to, but most likely, they will have to remain on their leash.

What stores in Canada allow dogs?

At Jet Pet Resort, we know it can be difficult to leave your dog at home for long periods of time, especially when you’re doing the shopping. To help save their boredom and distress, there are a few stores you can do your shopping with dogs in. 

Here are some places that may allow your dog: Chapters (downtown Vancouver), Forever 21 (Robson Street), Bed, Bath and Beyond stores, Canadian Tire, garden centres, local restaurants and cafes. It’s always a good idea to call up the places you intend to shop in advance and see if they accept dogs.

Are dogs allowed at Queen Elizabeth Park?

Yes, you’re allowed to take your dog into Queen Elizabeth Park as long as they remain on their leash. There is an off leash area located near to the tennis courts as well.

Are dogs allowed at Kitsilano beach?

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed off their leash at Kitsilano beach. This means if you’re visiting with your dog, you can only stick to the sand area.

Can dogs swim at Trout Lake?

Trout Lake is located in John Hendry Park. The park itself requires your dog to be on a leash, but the lake does have an area where your dog can swim. If you wish for your dog to swim there, you’ll have to visit the north end of the lake to do so.

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Did you know: There are over 40 off leash dog parks and dog areas in Vancouver and Richmond alone! And with dozens more in the surrounding communities, there are plenty of places to play, swim, socialize, explore and hike.

Jet Pet Resort has put together the following quick reference list for dog owners that highlight each lower mainland community, its dog parks and its by-laws.

So the next time you are looking for a new off leash spot to try out with your dog, visit this list and remember to bookmark it for future reference.

Simply click the name of the community you wish to explore. A new window will pop up taking you to the community page where all off leash parks, areas and bi-law information can be found.

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