9 lesser-known dog-friendly spots in and around Vancouver

While 2020 hasn’t turned out exactly as we’d pictured, it has given us a new appreciation for local spots and hidden gems we might previously have overlooked.

So while you’ve probably walked the same neighbourhood routes over and over again for the last few months, the reopening of our province means it’s now time to start exploring those lesser-known destinations beyond our own backyard.

If your social bubble includes a furry friend, don’t fret — there are many adventures waiting for you that you’ve likely never heard of, even if you’ve lived here your whole life.

To guide us to the best dog-friendly spots in and around the city, we’ve teamed up with a new SUV that embodies freedom and adventure: the Kia Seltos. After all, if there’s anything we’ve learned from the past few months, it’s that owning a personal vehicle gives you freedom.

Whether you’re looking to get your sweat on or relax on the patio, we’ve got you (and your little dog, too) covered.

Dog-friendly beaches

 

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Living by the water offers tons of opportunities for Vancouverites to post up and relax, and your dog can join you at many of the scenic spots, too.

Take Crab Park, for instance. Located over a short overpass at the bottom of Main Street in Gastown, the dog-friendly green space is ideal for a high energy walk. Watch the helicopters land in the harbour as you zip up and down the beach together.

Looking to travel a little further afield? Chances are it’s been ages since you’ve visited Spanish Banks. There’s a wide expanse of pebbly beach that’s designated as off-leash where your pup can play in the surf.

Make a drive out of it and head to McDonald Beach Park in Richmond. The area by the Fraser River features kilometres of off-leash turf for you to play on (pro tip: low tide is the best time to visit). Plus, your pooch will love the extra time it can spend during the drive with its head out the window.

Patios for your pooch

 

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Sometimes your dog just wants to get outside and people-watch (or is that pup-watch?). For days when a beach visit feels like too much of an investment, post up at a dog-friendly patio instead.

One of our favourite spots to find a cool treat in the heat of summer has to be Rocky Point Ice Cream in Port Moody. Not only can you enjoy a scoop of Salted Caramel or Toasted Coconut on their patio, but the establishment offers ‘K9’ flavour doggie cones for visiting pups. Grab a cone and take a walk along the nearby waterfront.

Craving something a little more savoury? MeeT on Main has an open concept patio with plenty of room for physical distancing, and your dog is welcome to join you.

Hikes outside the city

 

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Dog-friendly hikes aren’t just confined to the North Shore. Find your freedom with a trip outside the city to one of the region’s many routes you can conquer with your pet.

Crooked Falls promises an epic payoff, ending at a spectacular waterfall that’s perfectly Instagram-worthy. This hike is located in Upper Squamish, making it perfect for a day trip and a cruise up the Sea-to-Sky. Be sure to snap a photo of your dog at the end of the trail!

If you’ve already climbed up Dog Mountain in North Vancouver, Elk Mountain should be next on your list. Located in Chilliwack, this eight-kilometre climb (round-trip) leads you to one of the most scenic viewpoints in the Valley. Bring extra water for your dog to drink as there aren’t any creeks as you approach the top.

Only want to spend an hour and a half on the trail? Take on the Abby Grind in Abbotsford, which as you might imagine is a counterpart to the popular Grouse Mountain trail. It’s less steep and not as punishing as the Grouse Grind, but equally as rewarding with a gorgeous viewpoint at the top.

Vancouver is the ultimate springboard for urban adventure, and the Kia Seltos wants to connect you with all the opportunities our city (and surrounding region) has to offer.

 

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The all-new Seltos subcompact SUV is real you enabled. The designers prioritized features like smartphone connectivity, available all-wheel drive (for those winter road trips on the Coquihalla), and an available Advanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system for a vehicle that fits your lifestyle. Simply put, there’s a lot to love.

To learn more about how you can customize the Kia Seltos and to find a Dealer near you, visit Kia.ca.