Dog Friendly Québec: Things To Do in Québec With a Dog

Planning a trip to dog-friendly Québec City? The city is ready to surprise you and your furry friend with idyllic trails, inviting cafes, stunning beaches, and more. This guide covers the best dog-friendly parks, eateries, and activities to ensure a tail-wagging good time.

Plus, if you're looking for house sitting opportunities in Québec or need a reliable Québec pet sitter, we’ve included some helpful tips at the end.

Best dog parks in Québec

Québec has some top dog parks where your pup can move, sniff, and socialize in well-planned outdoor environments. Here are our top picks.

Pointe-aux-Lièvres Dog Park – Québec City

This fenced riverfront park features a gravel surface that helps prevent muddy paws after rain. There's enough room for dogs to pick up speed, plus benches under shaded trees for breaks between play. Locals appreciate its quieter atmosphere on weekdays.

Location: 25 Rue de la Pointe-aux-Lièvres, Québec, QC G1K 2L1, Canada

Parc Canin Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures

This double-gated park is designed for size-specific play and includes two distinct areas for small and larger breeds. The night lighting makes evening visits easy, and the park’s open layout encourages dogs to interact naturally.

Location: Rue de Liverpool, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, QC G3A 2C8, Canada

Shannon Dog Park

Shannon Dog Park features a gravel enclosure with shaded tables, water, and basic agility areas. Waste bins are available and a nearby river island adds an opportunity for swimming. Parking is $20 per day.

Location: Shannon, Quebec G3S 0W4, Canada

Dog-friendly restaurants in Québec City

Whether you're fueling up for a trail walk or winding down after exploring the city, these restaurants make space for you and your dog. Each offers a distinct flavor of Québec.

Café-Terrasse La Nouvelle-France

Tucked off a busy Old Town lane, this café stands out for its dedicated $8 dog menu – complete with meatballs your pup will drool over. For humans, the French onion soup comes highly recommended. Staff often provide umbrellas or towels for wet dogs and go out of their way to accommodate walk-ins with pets.

Location: 8 Rue du Trésor, Québec, QC G1R 3X3, Canada

Restaurant Le Petit Château

Just steps from Le Château Frontenac, this restaurant earns points for its dedicated dog-friendly terrace, adorned with flowers and music. While fondue isn’t available outside, favorites like onion soup, savory crêpes, and sweet options such as maple-butter crêpes still shine. It's best suited for dogs accustomed to some foot traffic and a bit of noise.

Location: 5 Rue Saint-Louis, Québec, QC G1R 3Y8, Canada

Le Hobbit

Le Hobbit leans into creative plates and rich flavors. Dishes like Çilbir (poached eggs over garlic yogurt and crispy chickpeas) and tartiflette with bacon and creamy sauce stand out. Dogs are welcome at select outdoor tables, especially midday during quiet hours. The team is flexible and often improvises non-menu drinks for guests.

Location: 700 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec, QC G1R 1P9, Canada

Dog-friendly cafés in Québec

Québec City offers restful cafés where dogs can tag along – many with outdoor seating, water bowls, and even the occasional treat. Try any of these recommended establishments.

Café Harmonia

Located in Lévis, Café Harmonia is a haven for dog lovers. The café welcomes dogs and features a boutique filled with pet products, including dog ice cream. While you enjoy a chai latte or a vegan marinara wrap, your dog can socialize in the spacious upstairs lounge.

Location: 8171 Rue du Mistral, Lévis, QC G6X 0A3, Canada

Café Mila

Situated in the Limoilou district, Café Mila is a fully vegan café that warmly welcomes dogs. With a variety of plant-based pastries and sandwiches, it's a treat for vegan enthusiasts. The spacious indoor seating ensures a comfortable experience for you and your pet, making it ideal for leisurely brunches.

Location: 986 3e Ave, Québec City, Quebec G1L 2X1, Canada

Cantook Micro Torréfaction

Cantook Micro Torréfaction stands out for its exceptional coffee and pet-friendly atmosphere. Dogs are welcome inside, allowing you to savor their rich, smooth brews without any concern. Their flat white, hazelnut chocolate chip cookies, and iced chai are highly recommended.

Location: 575 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec, QC G1R 1P5, Canada

Dog-friendly activities in Québec City

Québec City is packed with fun, dog-friendly activities. From riverside walks to pet-friendly events, there’s plenty to keep tails wagging.

Jacques-Cartier Beach Park

This riverside park features shaded trails, open grassy areas, and shallow river access suitable for dogs that like to wade. Leashed dogs are allowed on all walking paths, including the high-elevation Strikes Trail, which offers picturesque views of the St. Lawrence River. Gas BBQs are permitted, and benches and toilets are available.

Cost: Free

Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Location: 3636 Chem. du Pavillon, Québec, QC G1Y 1W3

Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec

The Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec is a historic cable railway linking Old Quebec’s Lower and Upper Towns, right beside the iconic Château Frontenac. Affordable and dog-friendly, it offers stunning views of the city and river. Visitors rave about the fun, scenic ride – perfect for all ages and a memorable way to explore Quebec City.

Cost: $5 per person

Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Location: 16 Rue du Petit Champlain, Québec, QC G1K 4H4, Canada

Montmorency Falls

Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the dramatic cliffs, roaring mist of the falls, and the sky-high suspension bridge that sways gently above it all. The steep terrain and towering staircases are perfect for energetic, adventurous pups with a head for heights. With sweeping views and thunderous cascades, it’s a sensory overload – best enjoyed on quieter weekdays if your dog isn’t a fan of crowds.

Cost: $8.00 (parking), cable car extra

Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Location: Québec City, Quebec G1C 2H1, Canada

Best dog-friendly walking trails in Québec

Some dogs need steady inclines, while others do better with shaded loops and predictable footing. These dog-friendly trails across the Québec region offer a variety of environments, from riverbanks to forested paths, for active pets and their people.

Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier

This national park is unmatched if you're looking for elevation and dramatic river valley views. Dogs are allowed on select trails, like Les Cascades, where you'll follow structured boardwalks through fir forest and rock-lined slopes. The incline is moderate but constant, which is ideal for high-energy breeds.

Location: 103 Chem. du Parc National, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, QC G3C 2T5, Canada

Length: 4 km (Les Cascades)

Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park

The park's wide trails are best suited for calm walkers or older dogs. They loop past five ponds and a historic orchard. Dogs are allowed only in summer, and only on specified routes. Look out for turtles sunning themselves by the ponds.

Location: 330 Rang des Vingt-Cing E, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC J3V 4P6, Canada

Length: 8.2 km

La Chouenne Trail – Grands-Jardins National Park

La Chouenne Trail in Grands-Jardins National Park is a 4.6 km round-trip hike that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Dogs are permitted on this trail year-round, provided they are leashed. The trail is moderately challenging, with an elevation gain of approximately 230 m, and typically takes about two hours to complete. It's popular among hikers seeking a shorter ascent with rewarding vistas.

Location: 21 QC-381, Saint-Urbain, QC G4A 1C2, Canada

Length: 4.8 km round-trip

Top dog-friendly beaches in Québec

Most dog-friendly beaches in Québec offer full access, but many include shoreline zones, nearby trails, and designated pet areas. The options below vary by setting – some urban, some remote, but each provides a specific benefit for pet owners planning a pet-friendly getaway.

Plage Saint-Zotique – Montérégie Region

This structured centre touristique carefully manages dog access. Leashed pets are allowed in grassy waterfront zones and along designated sand paths, but not in the main swimming area. A perimeter trail offers approximately 2 km of shoreline walking.

Location: 105 81e Ave, Saint-Zotique, Quebec J0P 1Z0, Canada

Venise-en-Québec Municipal Beach

Unlike more developed lake beaches, this one offers an unstructured layout. There are no gates, no hard fencing – just quiet water and local use. Dogs can access the edge of Lake Champlain (on leash) and walk along the pebbled banks. There’s little shade, so avoid peak sun hours.

Location: Venise-en-Québec

Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park Beach

This park offers a hybrid option: a beach-adjacent trail where dogs are permitted, and a non-swimming shoreline where dogs can access the water’s edge. Popular with locals for weekend hikes, it’s a good half-day stop – not a lounge-all-day kind of beach.

Location: 20099 Boul Gouin O, Pierrefonds, QC H9K 1C6, Canada

Baie de Beauport – Québec City

This urban beach balances access with oversight. Dogs are allowed in designated, clearly marked areas. However, watch out, security is tight; off-leash moments can result in fines. Still, it’s one of the few sandy options within Québec City limits.

Location: Québec City, QC, Canada

Annual dog events in Québec

Québec’s canine calendar is far from quiet. From outdoor training expos to city festivals featuring vendor stalls and breed parades, these events create spaces where locals and travelers can connect over their love of dogs. If you're planning a dog-friendly trip, try to time it with one of these community highlights.

Wooftown Festival

This festival is held annually at Parc Jean-Drapeau. It features agility courses, live demonstrations, pet product showcases, and a 1K social walk. Local rescue groups also use the event to promote adoptions. Most booths offer water bowls and shaded rest areas for dogs. Make sure to bring cash – some vendors don’t accept cards.

Cost: Free

Date and time: June (exact weekend varies)

Location: Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montréal

Dog Day at Domaine Maizerets

This September event offers access to trainers, mobile vet services, and a full adoption meet-up area. Held in the heart of Old Québec, it draws local shelters and ethical breeders for Q&A sessions. There’s a leash check-in zone and treat giveaways throughout the afternoon.

Cost: Free

Date and time: First weekend of September

Location: Domaine de Maizerets, Québec City

Dog-friendly wineries in Québec

If your idea of a break includes vines, views, and space to unwind with your dog, several vineyards across Québec provide just that. These places maintain safe outdoor areas where you can relax while keeping your pet close, ideal for a laid-back, dog-friendly afternoon.

Vignoble Sainte-Pétronille

Located on Île d'Orléans, this winery overlooks Montmorency Falls and offers tasting sessions on a raised deck. The grounds include gravel paths leading toward orchard rows – perfect for short walks between pours. One of their signature whites is Le Voile de la Mariée, a crisp blend of Vidal and Seyval.

Location: 8705 Chem. Royal, Sainte-Pétronille, QC G0A 4C0, Canada

Domaine Bergeville

This certified organic winery produces traditional-method sparkling wines in the Eastern Townships. Dogs can remain with you around the picnic tables and garden seating. Bring a mat or portable bowl if your dog prefers to settle on grass during your stop. Their standout cuvée, Brut Nature Rosé, is made from Marquette and Frontenac grapes.

Location: 1030 Chem. Sherbrooke, Hatley, QC J0B 2C0, Canada

Vignoble de la Bauge

This rural vineyard near Brigham also features farm animals like deer and alpacas. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor tasting zone, which includes walking access to a fenced field trail. Expect a relaxed pace with minimal foot traffic. Visitors often try Le Rosé des Sables, a dry rosé made from Sabrevois grapes grown on-site.

Location: 155 Av. des Érables, Brigham, QC J2K 4E1, Canada

The best dog-friendly bars in Québec

Québec’s bar scene blends craft beer, local spirits, and a growing appreciation for canine companions. At these bars where dogs are welcome, outdoor seating areas give pups a place to rest while you sip. Each venue follows city regulations, so keep your dog under control – but showing up with a leash won’t raise any eyebrows.

La Barberie – Saint-Roch District

This leafy microbrewery terrace lets dogs relax on cool concrete while you explore small-batch brews. Staff often provide water bowls, and the low foot traffic on side streets makes it calmer for dogs who get overwhelmed in busy settings.

Location: 310 Rue Saint-Roch, Québec, QC G1K 2S7, Canada

D'Orsay – Old Québec

Right near historic landmarks, D'Orsay’s patio gives dogs space to settle while their owners enjoy comfort dishes like mussels and craft beer. Bring your own bowl – there’s no dog menu – but the pavement stays shaded and breezy for most of the afternoon.

Location: 65 Rue De Buade, Québec, QC G1R 4A2, Canada

Diner Saint-Sauveur – Saint-Sauveur Neighborhood

This retro joint allows pups inside, making it a rare weather-proof option in Québec City. Regulars say the floor gets slick in winter, so grip leashes tightly. Still, it’s a hit for brunch with your dog curled under the table.

Location: 450 Rue Saint-Vallier O, Québec, QC G1K 1K8, Canada

Tips for pet parents

Québec City offers a rich mix of green spaces, riverside walks, and seasonal variety, making it a great place to raise a dog or travel with one. However, living here with a pet means staying ahead of local regulations, climate shifts, and space limitations. These tips will help dog parents stay prepared and give their pets the comfort they deserve.

Take advantage of national parks for low-traffic, long-leash walks

When city sidewalks get crowded, head to nearby national parks like Jacques-Cartier or Frontenac for quieter, more spacious walks. These areas often feature designated trails where longer leashes are permitted, allowing dogs greater freedom to explore while staying within local leash laws.

Make the most of seasonal hotspots

Certain areas in Québec City shine at specific times of the year. In warmer months, the Touristique du Lac is a favorite among active dog breeds thanks to its open paths and lakeside views. During colder days, indoor attractions like the Aquarium du Québec offer nearby shelter and a refreshing change of scenery for pet parents – while giving their dogs a chance to rest.

Find a reliable pet sitter

Heading out of town without your pup? Consider welcoming a trusted home pet sitter. A house sitter provides one-on-one care in your pet’s familiar environment, reducing anxiety and maintaining their routine.

Finding a pet sitter

How it works

Tips for pet sitters in Québec City

Pet sitting in Québec can be your chance to explore one of Canada’s most beautiful and historic cities through a local lens. Here are some smart tips for making the most of it.

Learn the neighborhood walking routes

Ask the pet parent about their furball’s usual walking routes. Many dogs have favorites, and familiarity helps them feel settled. These walks also give you a scenic way to explore areas like Saint Antoine, where riverside paths and quiet corners make for calming strolls.

Keep up with the daily routine

Québec’s weather can vary greatly, but dogs still rely on steady routines. Stick closely to walk times, feeding schedules, and play habits. This consistency helps keep dogs calm – especially in neighborhoods full of parks and distractions.

Discover local dog-friendly cafes

Saint-Roch and Montcalm offer several cafés with outdoor seating areas where dogs can rest beside you. While exploring, be sure to visit the area near Auberge Saint-Antoine. The surrounding streets blend culture and comfort, making them perfect for a pup-friendly coffee break. Many nearby cafés are happy to provide water bowls and a relaxed place to unwind.

Explore Québec through house sitting

Live like a local by house sitting in Québec! It’s a clever way to explore the city while caring for lovable pups in the comfort of their own home. You bring the belly rubs, they bring the tail wags. Win-win!

Finding a house sitter