Pet-Friendly Whistler, BC: Things to Do in Whistler With a Dog

Live in the mountain town of Whistler, or thinking about house sitting as a pet sitter there? You’re in for a treat! In this guide to pet-friendly Whistler, we’ll explore the dog-friendly trails, parks, patios, and events that make this alpine town the ideal destination for nature lovers and their pets.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about dog-friendly Whistler!

Dog-friendly restaurants in Whistler

While pups can’t join you inside restaurants (unless they’re service dogs) due to health regulations, there are plenty of dog-friendly patios in Whistler to choose from. Here are some of the best spots to relax and refuel with your four-legged friend.

Stonesedge Kitchen

Come here for big portions of delicious food at great value. This warm, welcoming restaurant serves seasonal Pacific Northwest dishes and craft cocktails, as well as brunch classics.

Location: 4122 Village Green #13, Whistler, BC V8E 1G9, Canada

Hunter Gather

Staff will make you feel right at home on the dog-friendly patio, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Expect hearty, locally sourced dishes like brisket, shawarma, and poutine.

Location: 4368 Main St #101, Whistler, BC V8E 1B6, Canada

Tapley’s Neighbourhood Pub

A longtime favourite with pet parents, Tapley’s has a welcoming patio, pub grub, and a team of friendly staff. Look out for bingo nights, live music, and plenty of screens to catch the game.

Location: 4119 Golfers Approach, Whistler, BC V8E 1A3, Canada

Dubh Lin Gate

Dog bowls outside a pub are always a good sign! Grab a seat on the cozy patio complete with fire pits and heaters, and dig into traditional Irish fare like their Steak & Guinness Pie. Don’t miss Happy Hour from 5–7pm, Sunday to Friday.

Location: 4320, 170 Sundial Crescent #170, Whistler, BC V8E 1M9, Canada

La Brasserie

You and your pup will feel right at home on this patio, where you can enjoy brunch favourites like eggs benny and pancakes, or comfort food like fondue and pulled pork. They’ve even hosted Doggie Brunch fundraisers in the past!

Location: 4232 Village Stroll, Whistler, BC V8E 1H4, Canada

Arazi Restaurant

This might be one of the fancier spots in town, but that doesn’t mean Fido’s not welcome outside! Blankets and water bowls will be brought out for furry friends, while you can enjoy oysters, fresh seafood, and elegant fixed-price menus with wine pairings.

Location: 4222 Village Square #110, Whistler, BC V8E 1H4, Canada

Caramba Restaurant

Known for its wood-fired pizzas, seafood, and delicious Mediterranean dishes, there’s a clear European feel to this place. Simple, quality ingredients and a dog-friendly patio are all you need!

Location: Town Plaza, 4314 Main St #12, Whistler, BC V8E 1A8, Canada

Lost Lake, Whistler

Dog-friendly hikes in Whistler

With stunning mountain views, lush forests, and sparkling lakes, Whistler is made for outdoor adventures with a four-legged furry! Whether you’re on the hunt for a short stroll or an all-day outing, here are some of the best dog-friendly trails in Whistler and the surrounding area.

Valley Trail

This is Whistler’s main multi-use path – a paved, 40 km network that links the town’s neighbourhoods, lakes, and parks. It’s a good option for winter hikes in Whistler as it’s easy to access and offers flat, dog-friendly trails to places like Lost Lake, Alta Lake, Rainbow Park, Alpha Lake, and Nita Lake.

Location: Whistler, BC, Canada

Lost Lake Trails

Just a short walk from Whistler Village, this walk loops around the lake and along a network of forested trails. The main circuit takes about 1.5 hours to complete, but you can easily spend the whole day exploring side trails. Don’t miss Canine Cove, an off-leash dog beach complete with a floating dock and a dog ramp!

Location: Whistler, BC, Canada

Ancient Cedars Trail

This gentle 5 km return hike leads to a grove of massive ancient cedar trees and a viewpoint looking out over Cougar Lake. It’s best enjoyed from spring to fall, as access to the trailhead can be tricky in winter.

Location: Whistler, BC V0N 1B9, Canada

Riverside & Farside Trails

Located in Whistler’s Interpretive Forest, these two trails follow both sides of the scenic Cheakamus River. A suspension bridge connects the two routes, offering epic views of the surrounding wilderness.

Riverside location: Cheakamus Lake Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0K6, Canada

Train Wreck Trail

This easy hike (under 5 km out and back) takes you through a forest to a series of old train cars, now covered in graffiti and art. The trail starts just south of the Village near Function Junction.

Location: Whistler, BC V0N 1B1, Canada

Sea to Sky Trail (Whistler Section)

Part of a larger 180 km trail that runs from Squamish to D’Arcy, the Whistler section covers 33 km between Brandywine Falls and WedgeWoods Estates. You’ll pass forests, waterfalls, and stunning viewpoints, and there are lots of opportunities to explore smaller sections.

Location: Squamish-Lillooet, BC V0N 1B1, Canada

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park

Located about 20 minutes south of Whistler, this park has well-maintained dog-friendly trails (on leash) and a stunning 70-meter waterfall as the reward.

Location: BC-99, Whistler, BC V0N 0A0, Canada

Rainbow Park, Whistler

Dog parks in Whistler

Whistler is packed with outdoor adventures, but many of its trails and parks require furry friends to stay on leash. If your pup needs some off-leash freedom for zoomies and games of fetch, these Whistler dog parks are a must-visit! Many even include dog-friendly beach access, so pooch pals can combine adventures on land with water activities.

Bayly Park Dog Off-Leash Area

This fully fenced dog park has plenty of room for four-legged furries to stretch their legs and make new friends. There’s a double-gated entry to keep escape artists safe, and gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains.

Location: 1080 Legacy Way, Whistler, BC V8E 0A5, Canada

Alpha Lake Park

Located within a larger, family-friendly park, the off-leash area at Alpha Lake is a favourite among local furries. There’s lake access for pups via their very own pontoon, soft sand for digging in, and a bridge connecting to the rest of the park, where leashed pooches are free to explore the trails.

Location: Whistler, BC V8E 0B2, Canada

Rainbow Park

Rainbow Park is known for its beautiful surroundings, but four-legged friends will be most excited about Barking Bay – an off-leash area with wide grassy fields and direct access to the lake.

Location: Valley Trail, Whistler, BC V0N 0A0, Canada

Canine Cove

Just a short walk from the Lost Lake parking lot, Canine Cove is a small beach where pups can play off-leash and take a refreshing dip.

Location: Lost Lake Trail, Whistler, BC V8E 0Z5, Canada

Other dog-friendly activities in Whistler

Already explored the dog-friendly trails and parks with your pup? There’s still more to see! Why not get stuck into Whistler’s winter sports scene, which is full of snow-fueled adventures that your pooch pal can enjoy alongside you.

Hit the trails at Whistler Olympic Park

Once the site of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Nordic events, this winter wonderland is now a popular place for outdoor activities. It features over 30 km of dog-friendly cross-country ski trails and 20 km of snowshoe routes, making it the largest off-leash area in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. Trails are clearly marked to show where four-legged explorers are welcome, with options ranging from easy greens to more challenging blues and browns.

Stop by the front entrance to grab passes for you and your pup, then follow signs to the designated dog parking lot, located just past the entrance. You can rent skis or snowshoes at the Day Lodge if you don’t have your own.

A few tips:

Stick to the designated off-leash areas.
Pack water and snacks – your pup will be working just as hard as you.
Watch for signs your furry friend’s feeling cold, and consider dog booties or paw wax for extra protection.
Always clean up after your pup – waste bags and bins are available at the parking lot.
Planning to stay late? While the park offers night skiing on Wednesdays, the dog-friendly trails aren’t lit, so aim to return before dark.

Location: 1500 Callaghan Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B0, Canada

Explore the Village

Whistler Village is a great place to have a stroll all year-round, just make sure your furry friend stays on a leash at all times. Some shops are pet-friendly (check before entering), and there are plenty of dog-friendly patios for you to sit down for a bite together.

Location: 4295 Blackcomb Wy, Whistler, BC V8E 0Z8, Canada

Dog-friendly events in Whistler

Whistler has a very dog-loving community, and local shelter Whistler Animals Galore (WAG) hosts a variety of fundraisers throughout the year, including Mother’s & Father’s Day brunches, Halloween parties, and black tie events.

Dog Day at Whistler Olympic Park

For one day only, Porter’s Glide transforms into a winter playground for pups and their people, all in support of WAG. Activities include agility courses, training Q&As, raffles, and vendor stalls.

Date & time: March 8, 2025, 10 am-2 pm. (Next date TBC)

Location: 1500 Callaghan Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B0, Canada

WAGfest

Kick the day off with a 5km run around Lost Lake alongside your leashed pup, then stick around for a full lineup of dog-friendly activities in aid of WAG. Enjoy agility games, browse local vendors, and grab a BBQ lunch before ending the afternoon with yoga in the park.

Cost: $25 registration fee for the run; all other activities are free.

Date & time: August 24, 2025, 9 am-2 pm.

Location: 4540 Blackcomb Wy, Whistler, BC V8E 0X8, Canada

Whistler Village

Tips for pet parents in Whistler

Make sure your pet’s licensed. Wearing a valid license from your home community helps local authorities return lost pets faster, and shows you’re a responsible pet parent.
Dress for the weather. In winter, short-haired or smaller dogs may need a coat or booties to stay warm. In summer, keep them cool with plenty of water, and never leave them alone in a parked car.
Pets must not be left unattended anywhere in Whistler. Furry friends must be accompanied at all times, and leaving them tied up is not allowed.
Plan ahead if you’re going away. Your furry family members deserve the same love and attention even if you’re out of town, so why not find a verified, in-home sitter to take care of them while you’re away?

Finding a pet sitter

How it works

Tips for pet sitters in Whistler

Keep pets indoors after dark. Whistler is home to wildlife like coyotes, bears, and cougars. Never let your furry friend out at night, as they can be seen as prey.
Stick to dog-friendly hiking trails. Not all trails in Whistler welcome dogs. Avoid areas like Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, Rainbow Alpine trails, Skywalk Trail, and all Provincial Parks.
Always keep pets on a leash (unless in designated zones). Keep pups leashed unless you’re in an off-leash area – this helps protect wildlife, other dogs, and the pet in your care.
Explore Whistler as a house and pet sitter. Looking for a unique way to experience Whistler? By caring for pets in exchange for a place to stay, you can enjoy all the beauty and adventure this stunning part of British Columbia has to offer.

Finding a house sit