Photo Credit: Opus Hotel
If you’ve walked anywhere in Vancouver, a common sight is seeing people out walking their dogs – I love when I get say hello to canine friends while I’m out getting my step on. It’s no surprise that you will see dogs everywhere, as Vancouver has often been voted one of North America’s most dog-friendly and paw-pular cities. So if you’re planning a holiday to Vancouver, here are six reasons why you won’t need to hire a dog-sitter – treat your pup to a Vancouver vacation!
The Westin Bayshore is one of many pet-friendly hotels in Vancouver | Photo Credit: Velvet & Vino
1. Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Share your harbour or city view with your canine best friend at one of the many pet-friendly hotels in Vancouver. Your pup deserves some pampering, too! There will usually be a $25~ per night charge added to your room rate and most provide complimentary dog beds, treats, and bowls for food and water. Pet-friendly hotels in the city include:
- Coast Coal Harbour Hotel
- The Westin Bayshore Hotel
- Opus Hotel
- The Loden Hotel
- The Burrard
- Hampton Inn & Suites
- Hotel Vancouver
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Top Tip: Be sure to call to check on what is offered for your pet, as well as size and number of pet restrictions.[/perfectpullquote]
Click here for other pet-friendly hotel options in Vancouver!
Photo via BC SPCA
2. Dog-Friendly Parks
Because we know that dogs need their exercise and some social time with their fellow furry comrades, pups are welcome at all of Vancouver’s parks, so don’t hesitate to explore the city’s green spaces. And though technically not considered a ‘park’, Vancouver’s seawall is an incredibly paw-pular (Yep, I did that again… How can I not?) dog walk, and borders several park areas in the city. Click here for a list of parks, including Pacific Spirit Regional Park, David Lam Park, and Stanley Park.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Top Tips: Always pick up and dispose of your dog’s waste. Also be sure that your dog license is up to date.[/perfectpullquote]
3. Off-Leash Dog Parks and Beaches
As mentioned about, several of Vancouver’s parks have an off-leash area for your pup to run around in. There are very few things more joyous than seeing a dog splash into the water to get their stick or ball and come back looking so proud of themselves. Gove your dog that joy; click here for an up-to-date list of off-leash park and beach areas in the city!
Dogs are welcome at most craft breweries in Vancouver | Photo Credit: Yasmine Hardcastle
4. Dog-Friendly Attractions
Click on your pup’s favourite leash and get exploring! Some great ways to experience Vancouver with your dog are:
- Stanley park
- Granville Island
- Hiking: Click here for a list of Vancouver and area’s dog-friendly hikes.
- Shopping: Many shops, particularly in the West End and Kitsilano neighbourhoods, welcome your pups, and will also have a water bowl available.
- Craft Breweries: Most craft breweries in the Vancouver area welcome dogs, at the very least on their patios*.
*Be sure to call and check!
Treat your dog to a specialty cookie | Photo Credit: The Granville Island Pet Treatery
5. Dog Bakeries
If this isn’t a thing where you live, it’s very definitely a thing in Vancouver. We love to spoil our dogs! Some options for getting special treats are:
- The Granville Island Pet Treatery (Granville Island)
- Moonlight Dog Cafe (Stadium District)
- Barking Babies (Yaletown)
6. Pet-Friendly Transportation
If you’re wanting to take one of the little ferries around False Creek or to get to/from Granville Island, both Aquabus and False Creek Ferries allow dogs on-board as long as they are clean and on-leash. If you’re taking public transit, assistance animals are always allowed, and regular pets are welcome as long as they are in small, handheld cages that can fit on your lap. More information about pets on public transit can be found here.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Top Tip: Should your dog need veterinary treatment, the reputable Burrard Animal Hospital + Emergency is open 24-hours.[/perfectpullquote]
For more information about Vancouver as the pet-friendly city to visit, click here!
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