Got a furry friend who’s always excited for an adventure? Then, dog-friendly Kelowna has everything you need for a great day out with your pup. From exploring the waterfront to grabbing lunch at dog-friendly restaurants in Kelowna, there’s no shortage of places to explore together.
Plus, we’ll share how you can stay in a charming home by opting for house sitting opportunities in Kelowna, and how locals can find a dependable Kelowna pet sitter for hassle-free getaways.
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Best dog parks in Kelowna
Dog-friendly Kelowna has some fantastic parks where dogs can run, swim, and sniff to their heart’s content. Here are some of the best suggestions for anyone looking for safe and fun parks in Kelowna.
Cedar Creek Park
Cedar Creek Park has Kelowna’s largest off-leash dog beach, grassy upper fields, and lakeside trails. It’s perfect for active dogs who love to swim and run. While not fenced, it offers vast space and scenic views. Bring water and a towel – the trails can get dusty, and the beach is rocky.
Location: 5200 Lakeshore Rd, Kelowna, BC V1W 4J2, Canada
Mission Recreation Park
Mission Recreation Park features separate areas for big and small dogs, with space to run and socialize. The park also has walking paths, shaded seating, and green space. It can get busy, but it’s clean and welcoming. It's ideal for locals or visitors enjoying dog-friendly Kelowna with active pups.
Location: 4105 Gordon Dr, Kelowna, BC V1W 4Z1, Canada
Gerstmar Park
Gerstmar Park is a quiet, pet-friendly space with off-leash zones and access to Mission Creek Greenway. Shady trees and grassy areas make it ideal for relaxed strolls. It’s best for calm pups or seniors looking for space without the crowd; the peaceful setting suits laid-back routines and nearby neighborhood walks.
Dog-friendly restaurants in Kelowna
If you're exploring dog-friendly Kelowna and looking for eateries where your pup is as welcome as you are, you're in luck. The city offers several dog-friendly restaurants in Kelowna with inviting terraces, attentive staff, and special menus for your canine companion. Here are some top spots to try out a meal with your furry friend.
DunnEnzies Pizza Mission
DunnEnzies Pizza is a local favorite located in the Mission area, known for its relaxed atmosphere and welcoming attitude toward dogs. Their spacious backyard deck, shaded by a large tree, provides a comfortable setting for both pets and their humans. They offer water bowls and a special dog menu featuring treats like pupcakes, pupsicles, and puppy pizza slices.
Location: 4638 Lakeshore Rd, Kelowna, BC V1W 1X5, Canada
Cantina del Centro
In the heart of downtown Kelowna, Cantina del Centro serves authentic Latin American cuisine, focusing on Mexican flavors. Their pet-friendly courtyard is perfect for enjoying tacos and tequila with your leashed companion. With over 70 varieties of tequila and mezcal, it's a vibrant spot for you and your pup.
Location: 271 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6N2, Canada
Maestro's Mediterranean
For a more upscale dining experience, Maestro's Mediterranean at Manteo offers a spacious, umbrella-shaded paved area with welcome leashed dogs. They even have a dedicated dog menu featuring puppuccinos, dirty rice, meat and potatoes, and doggy chow. The setting is spectacular, with lakefront views, and the staff is known for their warm hospitality towards both humans and their canine companions.
Fun dog-friendly activities in Kelowna
Kelowna offers a variety of dog-friendly activities that both you and your furry companion can take in. From cider tastings to social lounges, here are some top picks.
Scenic Road Cider Co
This North Kelowna cidery blends a peaceful outdoor setting with craft cider flights. Dogs on a leash can relax beside orchard picnic tables while their humans sample mulled apple, cherry, and other seasonal blends. While the cidery doesn’t have a kitchen, food trucks are often parked nearby, and outside food is welcome. Cider flights are available by the glass.
Cost: Tasting fees vary
Date and time: Tuesday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Location: 772 Packinghouse Rd, Kelowna, BC V1V 2E1, Canada
Sperling Vineyards
Sperling Vineyards offers biodynamic wine tastings in a peaceful garden surrounded by vines. Leashed dogs can relax under shady trees while owners enjoy scenic views and live music on weekends. Fresh water bowls are available, making it a calm and refreshing part of any dog-friendly Kelowna outing.
Cost: Tasting fees typically $10, waived with bottle purchase
Date and time: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM (Monday by appointment)
Location: 1405 Pioneer Rd, Kelowna, BC V1W 4M6, Canada
So Fetch Canine Social Club
So Fetch is an indoor lounge and treat bar for dogs and humans. It features a specialty menu, including Barkuterie Boards and frozen Posh Pawfaits. Outside food is allowed, and the vibe is relaxed year-round.
Cost: Prices vary based on menu selections.
Date and time: Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Best dog-friendly walking trails in Kelowna
Some dogs just need space to explore. These dog-friendly hikes in Kelowna offer a combination of open-air adventure and leash-friendly trails, perfect for a trail-loving pup and their human.
Kettle Valley Rail trail
This scenic trail follows an old railway line and crosses 18 wooden trestle bridges and two tunnels. The wide gravel path offers amazing canyon views and gentle grades and is ideal for leashed dogs. There’s no water or services along the way, so come prepared for a long day out.
Location: Kettle Valley Railbed, Naramata, BC
Length: 12 km one way
Thompson Flats trail
Just outside the city, this 4 km loop winds through a quiet forest. It’s an easy hike for dogs who prefer calm trails in warmer months. In winter, it transforms into a snowshoe or cross-country ski route. Some sections allow off-leash walking, perfect for dogs with good recall. This is an excellent pick for anyone exploring the dog-friendly hikes Kelowna offers year-round.
Location: Gillard-Forestry Rd, Kelowna, BC V1W 5J4, Canada
Length: 4 km loop
Kalamoir Regional Park trails
In West Kelowna, Kalamoir Regional Park is suitable for on-leash trail walks with dogs and off-leash lake play. The lower lakeside trail is wide and easier to walk, while the upper trail is narrower, with steep areas and patches of prickly pear cactus that can injure paws. Dogs must remain leashed on trails, with one natural, unfenced dog beach available for swimming.
Location: 3041 Collens Hill Rd, West Kelowna, BC V1Z 1X5, Canada
Length: Approx. 3.8 miles (6 km) of linked trails
The best dog-friendly cafes in Kelowna
Looking for a dog-friendly cafe in Kelowna to try out a strong brew without leaving your pup behind? Here’s where you and your dog can both feel welcome.
The Beanery Cafe
The Beanery Cafe is a community hub known for fresh-baked pastries, strong coffee, and friendly patio seating. Vegan options and daily breakfast specials round out a simple but reliable menu. The outdoor tables are shaded, quiet, and set slightly back from the road, which is great for dogs that get overstimulated in busier spots.
Location: 13016 Victoria Rd N, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0, Canada
Milk Shed Coffeehouse
Milk Shed Coffeehouse stands out with its loft-style charm and large deck. There's plenty of outdoor space for leashed dogs, and the deck layout, fresh croissants, and friendly staff make it a good dog-friendly cafe.
Location: 4629 Lakeshore Rd #101, Kelowna, BC V1W 1X3, Canada
Bright Jenny Coffee
Bright Jenny Coffee is known for its warm breakfast sandwiches and zucchini muffins. It has a fenced patio with picnic tables, umbrellas, and enough space for multiple dogs to settle in. As one of the standout dog-friendly coffee shops in Kelowna, Bright Jenny provides a welcoming atmosphere for both humans and their canine companions.
Location: 984 Laurel Ave, Kelowna, BC
Annual dog events in Kelowna
If your pup thrives on excitement and social gatherings, Kelowna offers annual events that cater to canine enthusiasts.
Dirty Mutter
Dirty Mutter is an adventurous event where dogs and their humans tackle a fun-filled obstacle course together. Expect muddy trails, challenging obstacles, and laughs as you and your furry friend navigate the course.
Cost: Varies
Date and Time: Annually(Time varies)
Location: Rescue Ranch Society, 2454 Brentwood Road, Kelowna, BC
Kelowna Kennel Club Annual Dog Show
The Kelowna Kennel Club hosts an annual dog show featuring a variety of breeds competing in conformation events. This four-day event offers spectators a chance to see top-tier dogs in action.
Cost: Free for spectators
Date and Time: Annually (schedules vary)
Location: 384 Fitzpatrick Road, Kelowna, BC
The best dog-friendly pubs in Kelowna
These dog-friendly pubs in Kelowna offer a welcoming atmosphere where patrons can enjoy meals and drinks without leaving their canine companions behind.
Train Station Pub
Leashed dogs are permitted on the shaded outdoor courtyard. Dog amenities include water bowls, treats, and a dedicated menu featuring grilled chicken and beef patties. The human menu offers a variety of dishes, including burgers and salads.
Location: 1177 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1Z5, Canada
McCulloch Station Pub
Leashed dogs are allowed on the outdoor veranda, which offers views of nearby hills and a beach volleyball court. The pub serves house-made beef dips, burgers, and steaks. Additional amenities include pool tables and shuffleboard inside.
Location: 2789 K. L. O. Rd, Kelowna, BC V1W 4A5, Canada
Post Haus Pub
Post Haus Pub in Kelowna allows leashed dogs to roam its uncovered Outdoor seating area. The space is casual, with wide gaps between tables. Water bowls are available on request. Popular dishes include jambalaya and schnitzel.
Dog-friendly wineries in Kelowna
Kelowna offers several dog-friendly places to try wine tastings without leaving your canine companion behind. These wineries provide pet-friendly outdoor spaces, guidelines for pet owners, and amenities to ensure a pleasant visit for humans and dogs.
Ancient Hill Estate Winery
Ancient Hill Estate Winery permits leashed dogs on its outdoor seating area, which offers panoramic views of the valley. While the winery does not serve full meals, it provides an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase. Dogs are not allowed inside the wine shop.
Location: 4918 Anderson Rd, Kelowna, BC V1X 7V7, Canada
The Hatch
The Hatch welcomes leashed dogs in both the tasting room and outdoor seating areas. Water bowls are provided. The winery offers a casual atmosphere, featuring unique artwork and a variety of wines. Visitors are advised to keep their dogs leashed and under control during their visit.
Location: 3225 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna, BC, Canada
Kalala Organic Estate Winery
Kalala Organic Estate Winery allows leashed dogs inside the wine shop and in the outdoor picnic area. This West Kelowna winery does not have a restaurant but offers a picnic space where visitors can bring their own food. Water dishes are available for dogs.
Dog-friendly beaches in Kelowna
There are several dog-friendly beaches in Kelowna where dogs can swim, exercise, and socialize. Here are some beaches to consider for your next visit.
Lake Avenue Dog Off-leash Beach
Lake Avenue Dog Off-leash Beach offers a small, sandy area for dogs to spend time. The beach is partially fenced, which may not be ideal for dogs prone to running off. The rocky shore makes it better suited for short visits, where your pup can swim and play.
Location: 124 McTavish Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5W3, Canada
Poplar Point Dog Beach
Poplar Point Dog Beach is a small, enclosed beach providing a safer environment for dogs who may not stay close off-leash. The water is shallow for a long distance, making it ideal for dogs that feel at ease with fetching and swimming. As with other dog-friendly beaches in Kelowna, mornings and early afternoons are less crowded.
Location: 589 Poplar Point Dr, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1Y2, Canada
Boyce-Gyro Beach Park
Boyce-Gyro Beach Park is one of the busiest beaches in Kelowna, located along the shores of Okanagan Lake. Dogs are allowed only on the paved pathways and grassy areas, not on the sandy beach. The park features playgrounds, zip lines into the lake, shaded picnic spots, sports courts, and a rental shop for inflatables and water activities. Parking is paid and can be limited during the summer months.
Tips for pet parents
Whether you live in Kelowna with a dog or are planning a visit, here are essential tips for caring for your pet while exploring the city.
Get familiar with Kelowna’s off-leash rules
Kelowna has designated off-leash parks, beaches, and trails. Before letting your dog roam, check official city maps and posted signs, as some areas have seasonal or time-based restrictions. Keeping a leash handy ensures you can maintain control when moving between leash-required and off-leash zones.
Be ready for sudden weather changes
Kelowna's weather can change quickly between seasons. Use paw balm or booties in winter to protect your dog’s paws from salted sidewalks. In summer, carry water and avoid walking on hot pavement during peak afternoon hours, as it can cause severe paw burns.
Find a reliable pet sitter
If your travel plans mean leaving your dog behind, why not welcome an in-home pet sitter? Dogs are happier at home after all, and vets agree! Make sure to click below to find out more.
Finding a pet sitter
Tips for pet sitters in Kelowna
Exploring Kelowna while pet-sitting? Follow these tips to make your experience enjoyable and responsible.
Understand the pet’s daily routine
Before the owners leave, learn the pet’s schedule, feeding times, bathroom breaks, walks, and sleep habits. Sticking closely to their routine helps keep them calm, healthy, and less stressed during your stay.
Check ID tags and microchip details
Before the owners leave, confirm that the dog’s ID tags are updated with the correct contact numbers. Ask if the dog is microchipped and note the chip number. Accurate information speeds up a safe return in case of an accidental escape.
Establish a safe space inside the home
Set up a quiet, comfortable area where the dog can rest undisturbed, especially if visitors come or there are loud noises outside. Familiar bedding, favorite toys, and access to fresh water help reduce anxiety and create a calm, secure environment.
Explore Kelowna through house sitting
There’s nothing quite like experiencing Kelowna as a house sitter. There are often plenty of opportunities for house sitting in Kelowna, plus you get to look after an adorable pet! Go on, find your Kelowna pet sitting adventure today!
Finding a house sit
