DOG FRIENDLY Hikes Near Vancouver

Vancouver is a city within nature, which means there are tons of dog friendly trails, places for dogs to explore, sniff, sniff-each other, run free and claim their territory! From short walks to long alpine trails, thee is a trail for every dog, from your Chihuahua to your German Shepherd.

Below you’ll find a list of the best dog-friendly hikes near Vancouver. You’ll find a selection of trails including walks, forest trails and alpine hikes. I only tend to list hikes and adventures that I’d be willing to do again, so hopefully that gives you a gauge on whether they’re worth doing.

If you want to simply search all dog friendly hikes in BC, based on a specific criteria or location, check out the Hike Explorer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my dog have to be on a leash?

It depends on the trail. I would recommend always having a leash with you just in case, or in case local rules have changed. Every trail on this website is marked with one of the following three dog categories:

Yes (On Leash)
Yes
No

With this information, I hope you can find a dog friendly trail that works for you. The following link should direct you to a pre-filtered list of all the dog friendly trails within roughly an hour of Vancouver.

Need a Trail Map?

If you’re hiking in nature, Google Maps probably isn’t going to cut it. I recommend and use All Trails for short and well-traveled hikes. All Trails+ offers functionality to download an offline map, which is helpful as you’ll quickly lose phone signal and data away from the city. All Trails + offers a free 7-day trial which is especially helpful if you’re just visiting for a week.

One benefit of All Trails is that they show trail maps for hikes and trails all over the world, so even when you get home, you can still use it for inspiration.

If you’re hiking in the city, you can probably get away with google maps. It’s possible to download an offline Google Map if you’re just visiting and don’t have cellular data.

Staying Safe on Vancouver Hikes

Check the trail map in advance, research recent conditions so that you know what to expect.
Leave a plan with someone. Tell them where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
Be prepared to turn around if conditions change. Don’t put your life at risk.

Best Time To Hike in Vancouver

Summer is my favorite time to hike in Vancouver, though there really isn’t a bad time to hike here. With a variety of trails across a range of environments, it’s never hard to find a suitable trail for the time of year and the conditions. Here are the average weather conditions for Vancouver.

Average monthly minimum and maximum temperature in Vancouver, Canada

Average monthly rainfall, snow, precipitation in Vancouver, Canada

Peak Summer Season: June - September

June through September is considered the peak season for hiking, with July and August being the busiest months. Whilst July and August can be a bit hot to tackle the bigger peaks of south western BC, most of the hikes around and near Vancouver are very doable in the summer heat.

Autumn (Fall): October - November

As the summer heat fades and the autumn rains arrive, the weather becomes more changeable and pretty bleak, often for days or weeks on end. Whilst you can still enjoy a good trail, a good waterproof is absolutely essential. Trust me, a cheap waterproof is not going to keep you dry in a BC rain-shower.

Winter: December - February

Full winter in Vancouver itself is not the snowy onslaught you might expect by looking at the rest of Canada. The coastal location means that the city itself remains relatively snow free, with maybe a couple of snow dumps each winter lasting a few days. For hiking, this means Vancouver’s urban trails are accessible all year round. For trails in mountain areas, it really depends on the trail. Check the trail map and description before you go.

Spring: March - May

The spring starts to bring warmer temperatures, a welcome break from the cold and damp coastal winter air. With the warmer temperatures comes more rain, so always take a rain jacket. There may still be snow on some trails, so check individual trail descriptions to work out when each trail can be done.

Forecast for Vancouver

Useful Links

Hike Explorer – Search and filter all hikes in BC.

BC Parks – BC’s official outdoors website.

BC Parks Camping Bookings – Book a campsite at any campground.

Translink – For public transport links around Metro Vancouver.

EVO Car Pooling – A car share network that allows you to pick up and drop off a rental car at the click of a button on your app.

Vancouver Hiking – Facebook group for hiking in Vancouver.

Vancouver Hiking Reddit – Reddit thread for hiking in Vancouver.

Google Map of Hikes Near Vancouver – Explore hikes in your familiar mapping tool.

Highlights of DOG WALKING Vancouver

Off Leash Trails

Sometimes it just isn’t a proper walk until they’re off-leash, smelling every nook and cranny to their heart’s content.

Due to wildlife and other trail users it can sometimes be difficult to find a good no-leash, dog friendly hike.

Below is a pre-filtered list of those I have listed on this website.

Search for off-leash dog hikes near Vancouver.

Winter Snow Fun

I’m not sure I ever met a dog that didn’t love playing in the snow. From sliding along to digging holes to no where and disappearing into clouds of white stuff, they bloody love it!

The snow is only really around for 1/3 of the year, and even then you’ll need to go looking for it in the mountains, so here’s a pre-filtered link for you below, where you’re likely to find snow in the winter.

Search for dog-friendly alpine hikes near Vancouver.

Featured Hikes Near Vancouver

View Table of Hikes by Stats Only

Pacific Spirit North

2.5km

70m elevation

Dogs: Yes (On Leash)

Pacific Spirit South

6.5km

70m elevation

Dogs: Yes (On Leash)

UBC Foreshore

9.0km

200m elevation

Dogs: No

Grouse Grind

2.0km

850m elevation

Dogs: No

Lighthouse Park

4.0km

200m elevation

Dogs: Yes (On Leash)

Lynn Valley Bridges

5.0km

200m elevation

Dogs: Yes (On Leash)

Quarry Rock at Deep Cove

4.0km

200m elevation

Dogs: Yes (On Leash)

St Mark’s Summit

11.0km

450m elevation

Dogs: Yes (On Leash)

Stanley Park Seawall

10.0km

20m elevation

Dogs: Yes (On Leash)

Sea to Summit

5.5km
+950m Elevation
3hrs
Point to Point

1hrs from Vancouver

GPX

Highlights: Alpine, Forest, Mountain Peak, Views

Sea to Summit

5.5km
+950m Elevation
3hrs
Point to Point

1hrs from Vancouver

The Sea to Summit trail in Squamish begins near the shores of Howe Sound and leads up to stunning viewpoints and covers a variety of terrain and views. Generally done as a point to point hike with the return descent via the gondola, you’ll be rewarded with some great views down over the water below. […]

Season:
1
-
12

GPX

Tunnel Bluffs

11km
+500m Elevation
4hrs
Out & Back

0.75hrs from Vancouver

GPX

Highlights: Forest, Ocean, Views

Tunnel Bluffs

11km
+500m Elevation
4hrs
Out & Back

0.75hrs from Vancouver

The hike to Tunnel Bluffs will reward you with insane views, for relatively little effort. With an unbroken view of the Howe Sound, the main viewpoint makes a great stop for sunset. The hike meanders up through forest service roads and is accessible for a significant portion of the year. Note: A steeper version of […]

Season:
4
-
11

GPX

Crooked Falls

5.5km
+500m Elevation
2.5hrs
Out & Back

1.5hrs from Vancouver

GPX

Highlights: Forest, River, Views, Waterfall

Crooked Falls

5.5km
+500m Elevation
2.5hrs
Out & Back

1.5hrs from Vancouver

Crooked Falls is a popular hike located on the southern banks of the Squamish Valley. With its shady forested trail, moderate stats and a rewarding cascading waterfall at the end, it’s a great option for a hot summer’s day – particularly if you want to be hit by a refreshing wall of spray. The trail […]

Season:
5
-
11

GPX

Lighthouse Park

4km
+200m Elevation
2.5hrs
Exploration

0.5hrs from Vancouver

GPX

Highlights: Beach, Forest, Ocean, Swim Spot, Views

Lighthouse Park

4km
+200m Elevation
2.5hrs
Exploration

0.5hrs from Vancouver

Lighthouse Park is a great viewing point to look back over English Bay and the city of Vancouver. The network of trails make it easy to walk for as little or as much as you’d like. From a 1km walk to a bigger 6km hike, make it your own. With plenty of little side paths […]

Season:
1
-
12

GPX

Pacific Spirit North

2.5km
+70m Elevation
1.5hrs
Exploration

0.25hrs from Vancouver

GPX

Highlights: Forest

Pacific Spirit North

2.5km
+70m Elevation
1.5hrs
Exploration

0.25hrs from Vancouver

Pacific Spirit Park is a coastal rainforest typical of the Pacific North West. As you wander through these trails, you’ll see countless huge trees and be amazed by the variety of mosses and lichen you find hanging from the branches. If you’re lucky, you might even see a garter snake (small and harmless). In the […]

Season:
1
-
12

GPX

Mount Gardner

17km
+730m Elevation
7hrs
Out & Back

GPX

Highlights: Alpine, Forest, Lake, Mountain Peak, Views

Mount Gardner

17km
+730m Elevation
7hrs
Out & Back

Mount Gardner on Bowen Island offers a trail that winds through evergreen forests, opening up to stunning views as you reach higher elevations. The path is well-signed, guiding hikers through the dense growth of the Pacific Northwest to the summit’s rewarding vistas. For the keeners among you, you can following the marked trail (on this […]

Season:
1
-
12

GPX

Lynn Valley Bridges

5km
+200m Elevation
2hrs
Loop

0.5hrs from Vancouver

GPX

Highlights: Forest, River, Swim Spot, Views, Waterfall

Lynn Valley Bridges

5km
+200m Elevation
2hrs
Loop

0.5hrs from Vancouver

Lynn Canyon is one of my favourite places to take guests visiting Vancouver. For those not wanting to tackle alpine walks with significant elevation, Lynn Valley has some great trails that allow you to get out in nature and explore the coastal rainforests of BC. There are many different trails in the area, though this […]

Season:
1
-
12

GPX

Stanley Park Seawall

10km
+20m Elevation
2.5hrs
Loop

0hrs from Vancouver

GPX

Highlights: Beach, City, Forest, Ocean, Swim Spot, Views

Stanley Park Seawall

10km
+20m Elevation
2.5hrs
Loop

0hrs from Vancouver

The Stanley Park Seawall forms the outer edge of Vancouver’s Stanley Park, and has become synonymous with Vancouver’s reputation for outdoor living. The park is visited by cyclists, walkers and skaters alike and is easily accessible for an afternoon stroll of all abilities. There are countless natural wonders to admire from a casual stroll around […]

Season:
1
-
12

GPX

Ambleside Centennial

7km
+25m Elevation
2hrs
Out & Back

0.5hrs from Vancouver

GPX

Highlights: Beach, City, Ocean, Swim Spot, Views

Ambleside Centennial

7km
+25m Elevation
2hrs
Out & Back

0.5hrs from Vancouver

This easy access walk gives you a different perspective on the city of Vancouver. Starting from Ambleside Park, you’ll explore the beach front of West Vancouver, looking across the water to the Lions Gate Bridge and Stanley Park, and to the right, out onto English Bay. The walk is accessible for all, has lots of […]

Season:
1
-
12

GPX

DOG FRIENDLY Hikes Near Vancouver

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

Highlights of DOG WALKING Vancouver

Off Leash Trails

Winter Snow Fun

Featured Hikes Near Vancouver

Sea to Summit

Sea to Summit

Tunnel Bluffs

Tunnel Bluffs

Crooked Falls

Crooked Falls

Lighthouse Park

Lighthouse Park

Pacific Spirit North

Pacific Spirit North

Mount Gardner

Mount Gardner

Lynn Valley Bridges

Lynn Valley Bridges

Stanley Park Seawall

Stanley Park Seawall

Ambleside Centennial

Ambleside Centennial

Planning an adventure?

DOG FRIENDLY Hikes Near Vancouver

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

Highlights of DOG WALKING Vancouver

Off Leash Trails

Winter Snow Fun

Featured Hikes Near Vancouver

Planning an adventure?

Regular Adventures in Your Inbox

Login to Take Me To The River