Dog-friendly Vancouver: Things to do in Vancouver With a Dog

Whether you’re a pet parent looking for new spots to sniff out or you’re house sitting in Vancouver for a while, this city’s full of wag-worthy potential. From scenic hikes and beaches to pup-welcoming patios and parks, there’s no shortage of activities for Vancouver pet sitters and locals alike. Read on to discover the best of dog-friendly Vancouver…

Dog-friendly restaurants, Vancouver

A great meal and a four-pawed pal by your side? Vancouver makes this easy, with plenty of dog-friendly patios serving everything from fresh seafood to comforting pub fare. Here are a few of our favorite spots to dine with your furry friend.

Provence Marinaside

This French seafood restaurant in Vancouver’s Yaletown is a great choice for any meal of the day. Four-pawed pals are welcome on the pet-friendly terrace, where you can enjoy dishes like bouillabaisse, escargot, or mushroom ravioli.

Location: 1177 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y3, Canada

Steamworks Mount Pleasant

Steamworks goes all out for pooch pals, serving not just a bowl of water, but a special dog menu, too! While pups dig into their own meal, you can enjoy a salad, burger, or sandwich, all on their covered, heated patio.

Location: 2275 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 0K2, Canada

BAE SIDE @ Mahony’s False Creek

This is the ideal spot to settle in after a walk along the waterfront or some time at the nearby dog park. Tuck into pizza, shareable plates, and fresh salads while taking in views of the water at one of the top patios for dog lovers.

Location: 601 Stamps Landing, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3Z1, Canada

Six Acres

Somewhere between a cozy pub and a trendy bar, Six Acres offers a solid selection of drinks, brunch bites, and comforting evening eats. Pups are welcome on the outdoor patio, and live music plus happy hour (3 – 6 pm) make it a good reason to stop by.

Location: 203 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2, Canada

Tap & Barrel – Olympic Village

Great comfort food, a scenic patio, and space for your dog? Tap & Barrel has it all. The pup-friendly outdoor area overlooks False Creek and downtown Vancouver – perfect for a relaxed bite after a waterfront stroll.

Location: 75 Athletes Way, Vancouver, BC V5Y 0E4, Canada

The Flying Pig – Yaletown

This Yaletown favorite serves more than just pork – think seafood paella, mushroom pappardelle, steaks, and plenty of starters to share. Their dog-friendly patio is a lovely spot to linger over a drink and a meal with your pup.

Location: 1168 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2S2, Canada

Dog-friendly cafes, Vancouver

Coffee in a dog-friendly cafe? We’re sold! These Vancouver spots serve top-notch brews, tasty food, and outdoor seating where furry friends are welcome.

Coo Coo Coffee

The dog art on the walls says it all – this cafe loves its canine customers. They serve high-quality coffee, baked goods, and made-to-order sandwiches and wraps, all at reasonable prices.

Location: 477 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3E6, Canada

cowdog (oak)

Head to this takeout joint for dog-shaped snacks, cardamom buns, and their signature iced strawberry matcha. It may be on the pricier side, but they don’t accept tips because they pay staff a living wage.

Location: 3720 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 2M4, Canada

Le Marché St. George

This cozy European-style cafe has plenty of outdoor seating for pups and their humans. The menu includes a selection of classics like croque monsieur and crepes with a variety of fillings, all served with a friendly smile.

Location: 4393 St George St, Vancouver, BC V5V 4A3, Canada

The Mighty Oak

This small cafe is a great pit stop mid-dog walk, not only because your furry friend might get a treat! They serve up pastries and seasonal goodies, including popsicles in the summer, and their shaded outdoor seating makes it a comfortable hangout for you and your four-legged friend.

Location: 198 W 18th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 2A5, Canada

Greenhorn Cafe

Find an excuse to walk your pooch around the West End and stop by here for baked goods, fluffy waffles, or eggs just the way you like them. It’s a popular weekend spot, so try to swing by on a weekday if you’re after a quiet table.

Location: 994 Nicola St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2C8, Canada

Spanish Banks Beach at sunset

Dog-friendly beaches, Vancouver

You and your favorite furry are free to soak up some sun, sand, and sea at one of these beautiful dog-friendly beach spots.

Sunset Beach Park

True to its name, this is a great place to watch the sunset with your pooch pal beside you. The well-maintained beach is clean and spacious, making it perfect for a dog walk or a game of fetch.

Location: 1204 Beach Ave, Vancouver, BC V6E 1V4, Canada

Spanish Banks Off-Leash Dog Area

Just a short stroll from Spanish Banks Beach, this off-leash stretch is a must-visit for active pups. With soft sand to dig in, space to play, and easy water access, furry friends have plenty to do here while their humans enjoy the views.

Location: 4783 NW Marine Dr #4767, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E2, Canada

Hadden Beach

On the left of Hadden Park, this quiet beach is great if you’re looking to get away from the crowds. There are benches for humans to relax on and lovely views of the inlet while furry friends explore.

Location: 1000 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, Canada

Kitsilano Beach Park

While dogs aren’t allowed on the sand here, they are welcome on leash in the grassy park area just above the beach. It’s a great spot for a scenic walk, with plenty of space for sniffing and lounging under a tree.

Location: 1499 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC V6J 5N2, Canada

Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Dog-friendly hikes, Vancouver

Vancouver is surrounded by nature, meaning there’s no shortage of scenic hiking trails where your pup can tag along. From forest paths to waterfront strolls, here are some of the best dog-friendly trails Vancouver has to offer, both in the city and further afield.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park Trails

Just moments from the hustle and bustle of the city, this park offers 55km of leashed and off-leash trails, all of which are clearly marked.

Location: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada

Vancouver Seawall

This 10 km walk loops around Stanley Park, and is perfect for a leisurely walk with your pup on the leash. A popular starting point is Coal Harbour, then follow the trail for skyline views, landmarks, and plenty of photo ops.

Location: 1199 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6E 4T1, Canada

Sasamat Trail

Tucked away in an area quieter than some of the city’s bigger parks, this trail is a gentle walk through tall trees and lush ferns.

Location: Sasamat Trail (22), Vancouver, BC V6S 2M9, Canada

Lynn Canyon Park Trails

Ready for a bit of adventure? Cross the suspension bridge and wander through 617 acres of forest trails with your pup. There’s a 30-foot pool for a refreshing dip on hot days – just keep your dog on leash and be prepared for a few stairs.

Location: 3690 Park Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7J 1Z1, Canada

Norvan Falls Trail

Follow Lynn Creek all the way to the beautiful 30-metre Norvan Falls. This out-and-back trail is about a 14 km round trip, mostly flat, and a great way to spend a few hours surrounded by forest and flowing water.

Location: North Vancouver, BC V7G 2S4, Canada

Baden Powell Trail

Stretching around 30 miles (you don’t have to do it all!), this trail weaves through lush forest with mountain views along the way. It’s a solid option if you’re looking for a longer walk, and you can reach it via public transit from the city.

Location: Baden, Powell Trail, Vancouver, BC V7R 4X4, Canada

Stanley Park Seawall

Dog-friendly parks, Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver may be small, but it’s packed with green spaces for you and your pup to enjoy. From fenced enclosures to waterfront trails, here are some of our favourite spots to let your dog stretch their legs.

Devonian Harbour Park

Right at the start of the seawall, this scenic park has ponds, gardens, sculptures, and a pup-friendly beach beside the off-leash area.

Location: 1929 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6G 0A3, Canada

Coopers’ Park Dog Park

Fully fenced and divided into small and large dog zones, this park makes socializing safe and stress-free. Plus, the wood chip ground means no muddy paws, even on wet days!

Location: Vancouver, BC V6B 0A7, Canada

CRAB Park at Portside

Located across the water from North Vancouver, this dog-friendly park may be small, but it’s still a great place for a sniff around or a dip in the sea.

Location: 101 E Waterfront Rd, Vancouver, BC V6A 3Y5, Canada

Nelson Park Dog Park

This friendly neighborhood park right in the heart of downtown is fully enclosed, making it a safe place popular with local pup parents and their pooches.

Location: 1030 Bute St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1K5, Canada

Emery Barnes Park

This fully-fenced park is conveniently located near the heart of Yaletown, yet just far enough from the buzz of downtown to feel peaceful.

Location: 1170 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3M7, Canada

Stanley Park

Head inland from the seawall to explore forested trails with your leashed pup. It’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of the city while wandering these quiet, shaded paths.

Location: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada

Charleson Dog Park

With a mix of terrain – hills, woods, ponds, and even waterfalls – this riverside park has plenty to keep pups busy. Two (mostly) fenced off-leash areas give furry friends plenty of space for zoomies.

Location: False Creek, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3Z8, Canada

Kings Mill Dog Park

This relaxed, oceanside park has picnic tables for humans and plenty of space for pups to run. The area isn’t fully fenced, so it’s best for dogs with reliable recall.

Location: 1122 Spirit Trail, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3S1, Canada

The Aquabus Ferry to Granville Island

Dog-friendly activities, Vancouver

Think you’ve had your fill of dog-friendly places? Vancouver has plenty more to explore!

Ride the Aquabus Ferry to Granville Island

Hop aboard the pet-friendly ferry and cruise over to Granville Island. Once there, you and your pup can explore artisan studios, browse the Public Market, and grab a bite to eat from a local food vendor.

Cost: A strip of 20 “Aquabucks” is $30 CAD

Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada

Go snowshoeing together

If you’re visiting Vancouver in the winter, snowshoeing with your pup is a great way to make the most of the season. Popular spots like the Hollyburn Trail in Cypress Provincial Park and Dog Mountain on Mount Seymour welcome pooch pals on leashes.

Cypress Provincial Park: Cypress Bowl Rd, West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Dog Mountain Trail: 1700 Mt Seymour Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L3, Canada

Explore Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

If your four-pawed pal is okay with heights, this park is full of suspended walkways that hang above the river and other scenic highlights.

Cost: $71.95 CAD for adults

Location: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada

Ride the Hell’s Gate Airtram

This short but steep tram ride takes you high above the swirling water of Fraser River. It’s a scenic trip with dramatic views, and dogs are welcome to ride along!

Cost: $36.99 CAD for adults

Location: 43111 Trans-Canada Hwy, Boston Bar, BC V0X 1L0, Canada

Tips for pet parents in Vancouver

Keep a leash handy

Vancouver is super dog-friendly, but leash rules are strictly enforced in most areas. Look out for signage in parks and beaches, and let your pup run free only in designated off-leash areas (there are plenty!).

Use dog-friendly transit

Furry friends are allowed on public transit (like the SkyTrain or bus), as long as they’re kept on your lap in a small, hand-held carrier.

Plan ahead for trips away

Vancouver might be dog-friendly, but not all destinations are quite so accommodating for our furry friends. For those times when Fido needs to stay home, finding a verified, in-home sitter makes things easier for everyone involved. Pooch pals get to stay in the home they know and love, with dedicated care and 24/7 attention from a pet-loving sitter. Add to that the peace of mind you’ll enjoy on your trip away, and it’s a no-brainer!

How it works

Tips for pet sitters in Vancouver

Check tide times before heading to off-leash beaches

Spots like Spanish Banks Beach can disappear at high tide. If your furry friend loves the sand and sea, plan your beach visits around low tide for maximum splash time.

Bring supplies for adventures

Whether you’re out exploring the city or you’ve gone further afield, remember to bring water and a collapsible bowl for your pooch pal, as well as poop bags.

Try house and pet sitting in Vancouver

Has all this talk of Vancouver and dogs got you dreaming of pet sitting there? We’re not surprised! With so much to see and do in this beautiful city, and plenty of it open to pups, too, there’s no reason not to give it a go! Find out more by clicking the link below.