Pet-friendly Parksville: things to do with a dog

Live on Vancouver Island with a furry companion, and wondering what there is to do in your nearby cities? Look no further as below is the ultimate guide to pet-friendly Parksville, BC.

Whether you’re house sitting in Parksville or you’re welcoming pet sitters soon who’ll be getting to know the area, stay right where you are. Below find a list of dog-friendly restaurants in Parksville, plus beaches, hikes, and walking trails.

Dog-friendly restaurants in Parksville, BC

After a day out exploring the local beaches, parks and hiking trails, you’re sure to need somewhere to grab a bite to eat with your furry companion. For a list of Parksville’s pet-friendly restaurants, take a look below.

Lefty’s Fresh Food

Whether you’re looking for breakfast or lunch, Lefty’s Fresh Food will have you eating your greens and relaxing with your canine companion, right by your side.

Location: 280 Island Hwy E, Parksville, BC V9P 2G4, Canada

Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company

This dog-friendly brewery is perfect for beer lovers, and if you’re after somewhere that serves up well-reviewed pizza and house-smoked meats, look no further.

Location: 109, 425 Stanford Ave E, Parksville, BC V9P 1V9, Canada

Happy Jack’s Restaurant

Perfect if you’re in the mood for burgers, Happy Jack’s will have you choosing from breakfast and brunch classics, all the way through to lunch and dinner of poutine, club sandwiches and delicious burgers.

Location: 834 Island Hwy W, Parksville, BC V9P 2B7, Canada

Black Goose Inn

Curious about British cuisine? Check out the Black Goose Inn on Resort Drive for homemade pies, ploughmans or bangers and mash.

Location: 1051 Resort Dr, Parksville, BC V9P 2E4, Canada

The Bayside Restaurant & Lounge

If you’re after somewhere slightly upmarket, look no further than The Bayside Restaurant & Lounge to choose from a varied menu of linguine, fish and fresh salads. Dogs are allowed on the outdoor patio area, but it’s worth phoning up first to make sure they still welcome four-legged guests.

Location: 240 Dogwood St, Parksville, BC V9P 1E1, Canada

Dog-friendly beaches Parksville

Love nothing more than ocean views and quality time with your furry friends? Well whether you’re a pet parent or pet sitter, it’s safe to say that a walk at the beach is one of the most popular pet-friendly activities. Below find a list of dog-permitted beaches, and remember to always stay up to date on local rules before planning your day out.

Parksville Beach

For ocean views with your furry friends, head to Parksville Beach where dogs are allowed on a leash. Popular with dog owners, pet sitters and dog walkers alike, a walk at the beach can be the perfect place to exercise your four-legged friends. Note that dogs aren’t allowed on the beach under any circumstances between March and April, as this is the Brant geese migration period. 

Location: 193 Island Hwy E, Parksville, BC V9P 2H5, Canada

Qualicum Beach

Dogs are allowed on the coastal reserve at Parkville’s Qualicum Beach - just a 10-minute drive from the city centre. Like Parksville Beach, dogs are welcome on a leash for most of the year, apart from March to April - during the Brant geese migration period.

Location: Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

Most of the Rathtrover Beach and parkland is open to leashed dogs, apart from the sandy day-use area along the eastern shore of the park. Dogs are also not permitted in the park during the Brant Geese migration period in the spring.

Location: 1240 Rath Rd, Parksville, BC V9P 2E2, Canada

Walking your dog at the beach: key considerations

Pet owners and sitters should be aware of the restrictions around dogs at the beaches in Parksville. We advise heading to a visitor centre for up to date rules, but be aware of the following:

• Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
• Dogs are not permitted on Parksville’s beaches during the Brant geese migration period, which is between March and April.
• Dogs are not permitted on the east shore of Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park at any time of year.
• Always come prepared with waste bags, treats and drinking water for your furry friend, and always clean up after your dog.
• If you’re looking for somewhere to let your dog run free, head to Parksville’s off-leash dog park - it’s complete with picnic tables and is perfect for a game of fetch.

Dog-friendly hikes in Parksville

Nothing beats a day out hiking with your four-legged companion, and Parksville is surrounded by stunning natural beauty to soak up. Below find a list of popular hiking trails and places to walk your dog near Parksville.

Top Bridge Regional Park Trail 

Popular with hikers, bikers and dog walkers alike, this forested trail offers up impressive views of the Englishman River over the suspension bridge. 

Location: Parksville, BC V9P 2A8, Canada

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park trails

This provincial park is perfect for getting into nature with your pooch - it’s filled with moderate trails and waterfalls. Just be sure to keep your dog on a leash, and steer clear of the beaches where dogs are not permitted.

Location: 4001 Alberni Hwy, Qualicum Beach, BC B9K 1X7, Canada

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park trails

Along with its dog-friendly beach on the northern side (outside of the Brant geese migration period), there are multiple forested trails for leashed dogs and their pet parents to explore at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.

Location: 1240 Rath Rd, Parksville, BC V9P 2E2, Canada

Parksville Boardwalk and Walkway

If beach views are more your thing or you simply live nearer to the coast, Parksville’s boardwalk is a popular place for joggers and dog walkers. It’s a mix of boardwalk and paved paths, so it’s considered an easy walk. Just remember to keep your pooch on a leash at all times.

Location: Parksville, BC V9P 2H1, Canada

Wesley Ridge Trailhead

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike with your pooch, check out Wesley Ridge Trailhead - under a 20-minute drive from Parksville. Keep your dog on a leash at all times, and soak up the sweeping forested views from the top.

Location: Nanaimo, BC V9K 1S5, Canada

Parksville Wetland Trail

This city park is perfect for getting into nature with your dog in Parksville. Just outside of the city centre, the spot is popular with dog walkers and joggers - just remember to keep your dog on a lead.

Location: Parksville, BC V9P 2V7, Canada

Walking your dog in Parksville: key considerations

It’s always worth planning your dog walk ahead of time, especially if you’re house sitting in Parksville and new to the area. Keep the following in mind when planning your pet-friendly walk:

• Check local signage for any recently-enforced restrictions - Parksville is filled with natural wildlife, so it’s important to follow the local rules to avoid disturbing it.
• Always bring poop bags, and naturally, always clean up after your dog.
• Pack treats and drinking water if you plan on taking a longer hike.
• Keep your dog on a leash unless you’re in a specific off-leash area.

Tips for pet parents

• Double check local rules. Parksville is an area surrounded by natural wildlife - some with a delicate ecosystem, so always double check local rules when planning your pet-friendly Parksville day out.
• Always bring waste bags. While many parks sometimes have doggy bags available, bring your own just in case and always clean up after your dog.
• Plan ahead for your vacation. Now that you’re full to the brim with ideas for your dog-friendly Parksville day out, what about when the time comes for your vacation? Well as vets agree pets are happier at home, why not give them the staycation of their dreams with an in-home pet sitter? Click below to learn more.

Tips for pet sitters

• Ask pet parents for tips. The rules around where dogs are permitted can get a little confusing, so remember you can always ask the pet parents where they usually walk their pooch.
• Be aware of the Brant geese migration. If you’re house sitting in Parksville between March and April, dogs are not permitted on Parksville’s beaches, so always follow local rules and signage.
• Explore Parksville through house sitting. Fancy exploring Parksville’s stunning beaches, or hiking its areas of natural beauty and paying nothing for accommodation? Click below to find out how to get your house sitting adventure started.