The following article was contributed by freelancer Pamela King.

If all dogs go to heaven, then all dogs just might be coming to Vancouver. Previously rated the #1 dog-friendly city in North America by Dog-Friendly.com, Vancouver makes a great choice for dog guardians travelling with their canine companions. From the West End to the East Side, dog parks and beaches abound. And the best part? Many are close to (or sites of) food, shopping and special events.

For visitors and locals alike, here are five picks for a fantastic summer day with friends and family – Fido included.
Strathcona Park

In the dog days of summer, nothing beats a day at the dog park. A scoop or two of Vancouver’s best gelato doesn’t hurt, either. Head to Strathcona Park and let your dog run free. While you’re there, catch a community softball game or wander through Cottonwood Garden, Vancouver’s first community garden and now one of many. Next, skip across Venables Street to La Casa Gelato, home of 218 flavours of Italian ice cream. Taste-test flavours like Guinness beer,  balsamic vinegar and pear and Gorgonzola… then purchase a sure-thing, like strawberry rhubarb pie (pie crust included).

Sunset Beach

If you’re staying at one of the many pet-friendly hotels downtown, treat yourself and your dog to a walk through the city centre or along the seawall, then finish with a splashy game of fetch at Sunset Beach (driftwood provided). Dog-friendly Granville Island is a three-minute boat ride away – and yes, False Creek Ferries welcome dogs aboard.
Vanier Park

Located on False Creek across from Sunset Beach, Vanier Park offers an off-leash beach, on-leash paths, stunning views and wind speeds made for kite-flying. In fact, the wind blows so well here, Vanier hosts the Pacific Rim Kite Festival every June. Test the breeze while the boating buff in your travel crew visits the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Don’t have a kite? Just hang out with your dog and watch the windsurfers and kayakers float by.

Nelson Park

Nelson Park features an enclosed dog run for neighbourhood (and visiting) pooches. Come down on a Saturday morning and stick around for the West End Farmer’s Market to see what local farmers and artisans have on offer. Fresh produce, baked goods, preserves and cheeses make the perfect midday picnic. Pick up hand-crafted jewelery, silk-screened T-shirts and wood carvings, too. Afterwards, wander down nearby Davie Street and indulge at one of its many cafés, like the delightful Boulangerie Cho Pain. In the West End on August 1st? Get in the spirit of Pride and join the party at the 2010 Vancouver Pride Parade & Festival.Trout Lake Park

Boasting off-leash hours from 6 in the morning ’til 10 at night, Trout Lake is a mecca for our friends with four legs. Along with playing host to Vancouver’s pooch population, it’s an excellent picnic spot and site for community events. On July 24th, the park will light up for the Illuminares Lantern Festival. Illuminares isn’t an event for dogs who spook easily or don’t like crowds, so leave your pup to cozy up at the hotel while you attend this glowing spectacle.

For a complete information on off-leash dog parks and pet-friendly accommodation in Vancouver, check out Tourism Vancouver’s pet-friendly travel tips.