Best Things To Do With Your Dog In Vancouver
Summer is quickly approaching, and we’re all gearing up for the fun-filled activities we want to do with our dogs this year. For those of us lucky enough to live in Vancouver, there are tons of great options – from day hikes to beach lounges.
If you’re planning on spending some time in Vancouver with your pup this summer, check out some of these awesome spots!
Spanish Banks Beach
Spanish Banks Beach is one of Vancouver’s most well known waterfront locations. Not only are the possibilities here endless, but you could easily spend an entire day just exploring. The beach itself stretches for kilometres along Pacific Spirit Regional Park – which is Vancouver’s largest protected natural space – and there are many dog friendly sections to let your pup run loose. If you get a chance to visit while tide is out, and don’t mind getting a little muddy, you can experience some of the best beach days of your life. Bring a picnic and plan on spending a few hours here watching your dog run along the sand, or even go for a swim yourself. You can also enjoy a lovely view of the city – one you won’t be able to see from anywhere else.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Pacific Spirit Regional Park (PSP), as we briefly mentioned above, is Vancouver’s largest protected wildlife area. You’ll find it between Point Grey and UBC, as it stretches for over 2,000 acres along woodlands and the ocean. Here you’ll find hundreds of hiking trails – both off leash and on – beach access, bike paths, and woodland stair climbs. It truly is a breathtaking place. Though PSP is dog friendly, be sure to bring supplies for a day hike here, and beware of on-leash and wildlife signs. This is the closest to the woods as Vancouver can get, so don’t be surprised if you run into any wildlife. Also, don’t forget your map! The trails are well marked, but it’s easy to get lost in the thick trees – a great adventure for you and the pup!
Hiking in North and West Vancouver
It’s no wonder that Vancouver is one of the greatest places to live on earth. We have the city skyline, beaches, and access to nearby mountains. There’s no better place to be with your pup. Even if you live right in the heart of the city, you can easily escape to the mountains in less than an hour – just drive North!
After crossing the Lions Gate Bridge, heading North is bound to land you on some stellar hiking trails. The mountains of North and West Vancouver are filled with thousands of trails that are dog friendly, and range from beginner to expert. Pack a day bag and take your pup on the hike of his life. We suggest checking out Lynn Canyon or Capilano River Park for a mixture of walking and swim time. Bring lots of water!
Hadden Park and Dog Beach
Another one of Vancouver’s best dog beaches is Hadden Park. This is possibly one of the most well known, and well populated, so it’s best suited for dogs who like to make friends. Located in Kitsilano, this beach is just minutes from downtown, and walking distance from West 4th’s shopping district. Here you’ll find a large, sandy beach, with driftwood logs to lounge on, and a nice ocean breeze. It’s the perfect place to throw a ball, or let your pup make friends with the other beach goers. Unlike any dog beach in Vancouver, Hadden Park is completely separated from the human beach. So, anyone here is dog friendly and happy to meet your pup. If you do plan to bring any food, be sure to clean up after yourself, and try not to distract the other dogs – a lot of pet parents bring their pups here for socialization training.
If you’re a sunset lover, the view here will blow you away. There’s really no place quite like it.
Dog Friendly Events
If you aren’t already convinced that Vancouver is the most dog-friendly city in Canada, just wait until we tell you about our events.
Vancouver hosts dozens of dog-friendly events each year, including Pet-A-Palooza – one of Canada’s largest pet events. This is where you’ll get to meet all of the West coast’s most enthusiastic pet parents. Here you’ll find dozens of vendors, giveaways, contests, and more, as well as thousands of dogs and their owners. Each year, over 10,000 people attend Pet-A-Palooza in Vancouver alone. That’s a lot of dogs!
Dogs are also welcome at many of Vancouver’s human festivals, including music events, food festivals, and flea markets. Keep an eye on Vancouver’s event schedule to see which ones you can attend with your pup. We have yet to come across a non-dog-friendly event!
Window Shopping Downtown
If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, taking a walk through downtown Vancouver is always a great option. There are so many sights to see, and architecture to enjoy. You can easily spend an entire day just looking at all the different buildings, or browsing along BC’s greatest shopping streets.
Many shops, especially in the downtown core, are dog friendly, and will often welcome you to bring your pup inside – which is always a better option than leaving them tied out front. Most stores will even have water or treats for your pup, and staff are always happy to meet their furry customers. Vancouver is also home to many pet stores. So, bring some recyclable grocery bags and take your pooch on a mini shopping spree! Some of our favourite pet friendly stores include Winners/Homesense, Sephora, Moonlight Dog Cafe, and Bones Pet Store.
For more tips on fun things to do with your dog, check out our other blogs!