Top Five: Dog-Friendly Activities in Vancouver

Kitsilano Dog Beach
Kitsilano Beach is a favourite with locals thanks to the soft sand, views of downtown and the North Shore, and let’s not forget the people watching! Hidden just around the point is Hadden Park Dog Beach, AKA “Kits Dog Beach,” an off-leash area for doggos to run around and go for a dip. It’s also right on the sea wall, which means you can make your visit part of a much longer walk. If you’re looking for an off-leash area closer to the hotel, Nelson Park is two blocks from The Burrard, and includes a fenced area for pups to roam free.

Aquabus and Granville Island
For dogs that prefer to stay dry while experiencing the water, taking an Aquabus ferry from downtown over to Granville Island is a fun idea. From The Burrard, walk down to the foot of Hornby Street to take the ferry over. Once you’re on Granville Island, take your dog over to the Granville Island Pet Treatery for a healthy snack. Explore the district’s artisan studios and public areas. If you’re looking for a human snack, look no further than the many restaurants and cafes offering take out windows and to-go options.

Explore our Local Neighbourhoods
The Burrard sits right on the edge of two neighbourhoods that are easy to explore for both you and your dog. On one side is the West End and Davie Village, taking you down to English Bay, and in the other direction is Yaletown — leading to False Creek. Both make a lovely stroll, with lots of green spaces to take a break, and stores for window shopping. Many places will have water bowls outside, and maybe even a jar of treats at the ready.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Wrapping around the University of British Columbia, Pacific Spirit Regional Park sure feels a lot further than the 15 minutes it will take you to drive from The Burrard. With 55 kilometres of trails winding through temperate rainforest, along sandy beaches, and across towering cliffs, this is the place to take your dog on a serious run – as evidenced by the estimated 360,000 doggie visits they get each year! A few areas are off-limits to four-legged friends at different times of the year/week, but most are either on-leash or leash-optional.

Snowshoeing North Shore Mountains
If you’re planning ahead and coming to Vancouver during the winter months, pack your dog’s snow boots and head for Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains. There are lots of snowshoeing trails where dogs are welcome, including the Hollyburn Trail in Cypress Provincial Park, and the appropriately-named Dog Mountain Trail on Mount Seymour. In most cases, your dog will need to be on-leash, and because these areas are usually unpatrolled, make sure that you are prepared for backcountry travel.