Robert WebbOne of the many great things about having a dog is how Fido’s needs force you to get out there and take in some fresh air, get some exercise and maybe even socialize a little. As it turns out, those things are great for your dog’s health too. Luckily, in Vancouver there’s no shortage of dog parks to choose from. Whether you want to return to the same place day after day or explore every dog park the city has on offer, your canine pal is sure to love you for it. So say it outloud with us: walkies!
Vancouver’s Best Dog Parks
The best dog parks are off-leash, enclosed, and large so your dogs can frolic around safely. There’s plenty of options!
1. Pandora Park
Pandora Park features a spacious off-leash dog park that’s fully fenced and double-gated for safety. The park also has low-spout water fountains, so your dogs are hydrated all day while you’re playing.
The park has plenty of benches to lounge on and a few large-shade trees to provide shade on a hot day. There’s also plenty of room for dogs to run around, and the park’s ground is hard-packed soil, which makes it easy for dogs to run and play on.
Other features of this park include basketball courts, picnic areas, a children’s playground, and many more. There’s also a water spray park where you and your dog can cool off.
Pandora Park also has views of the North Shore mountains and the city to the west, and it’s close to Vancouver’s East Village.
If you get hungry after playing with your dog at Pandora Park, there are plenty of cafes and international food options along E Hastings Street, which is only a 2-minute walk away.
Why You Should Take Your Dog Here
- Off-leash areas
- Accessible walking paths
- Large shade trees
- Open lawn areas
- Fully fenced and gated off-leash enclosure
2. John Hendry Park at Trout Lake
John Hendry Park is a large 27-hectare park in Vancouver that residents also call Trout Lake. This park has plenty of open spaces where dogs can run and play.
The off-leash areas are away from the lake, and they also have a dog beach where you can have a relaxing off-leash walk on the paved paths lined with trees and shrubs.
In addition, John Hendry Park also has concession stands and even a nearby farmer’s market on Saturdays, where you can score fresh produce, local products, and vegan options.
Why You Should Take Your Dog Here
- Wide range of active and passive recreation opportunities
- Large off-leash areas
- Jogging and walking trails
- Picnic sites
- Farmer’s market on Saturdays
3. Spanish Banks Park
Spanish Banks is an off-leash dog park with scenic views of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains. This park is about a half-kilometer long and has an unfenced grass field and a beach.
The off-leash area is not fenced in, allowing you and your pet full access to the water. There’s also plenty of sand and logs to sit on.
Keep an eye out for the signs outlining the off-leash area, as the gravel paths and grassy areas where people picnic are right next to it.
You can also grab a spot at the Spanish Banks East concession, where you can enjoy a full meal and snacks. This includes burger joints, fish and chips, and plenty of healthy options.
Why You Should Take Your Dog Here
- Off-leash park and beach
- Large grassy area
- Gravel paths
- Plenty of picnic tables
4. Charleson Dog Park
Charleson Dog Park is a big unfenced field next to the Vancouver Seawall. This off-leash dog park gets a bit muddy during rainy days, so we recommend you drop by this park during the summer season.
Should it get too hot, there’s a beautiful waterfall and pond where you and your dog can cool down. There are also relaxing pathways surrounded by greeneries with spectacular views of the downtown shoreline.
Numerous cycling and jogging trails, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. This park is also close to Science World and Granville Island, about a 30-minute walk to an hour away.
Why You Should Take Your Dog Here
- Abundance of plants
- Walkways and jogging trails
- Off-leash area
- Sports fields
- Nearby Science World and Granville Island
5. Nelson Dog Park
Nelson Dog Park was redeveloped in 2007, and since then, has grown to include an off-leash dog area on the park’s west side, surrounded by decorative metal fencing.
They also have an off-leash grassy area with park benches. While there’s plenty of room for dogs to run around, large puddles form after rain showers, so prepare for a wet dog.
The park’s grounds are made of a gravel and dirt mix, which is excellent because it drains quickly and keeps messes at bay.
This park is a few blocks from Robson Street, where you can go shopping, visit art galleries, and score unique items at gift shops.
Why You Should Take Your Dog Here
- Fully-fenced and gated
- Playgrounds
- On-leash and off-leash grass areas
- Plenty of park benches
Dog Park Etiquette and Things to Consider
If you’ve ever taken your dog to the park, you know that there are some unspoken rules of etiquette that everyone should follow.
From picking up after your pet to following park rules, these simple tips will help make sure that everyone has a good time – and that the park stays clean and safe for all.
- Make sure your dog is fully-vaccinated and healthy. This will help protect them from diseases that they may be exposed to at the park and will prevent other dogs from getting sick.
- Know the dog park rules. Doing so will make everyone’s experience at the dog park a good one.
- Be considerate of other people and dogs. Some people (and dogs) may not want to be bothered, so respect their space.
- Always pick up your dog’s poop. No one likes to step in dog poop, so be sure to clean up after your furry friend. Not only is it polite, but it’s also the law in many places.
- Pay attention and ready your leash. It’s important to remember that not all dogs are comfortable being off their leash. Don’t let your furry friend out of your sight and watch how they interact with other dogs.
- Don’t take puppies to the park. They have a lot of energy and can be rowdy, so we recommend waiting until they’re at least four months old. If you do take your puppy to the park, make sure they are supervised at all times.
Vancouver has plenty of great options for people looking to share their love with their pets. We hope this list can help you pick the best dog park for you and your pup!
Here are a few related articles that we believe might be helpful:
