Photo: Whistler Olympic Park
Take your dog for an adventure this winter. There are lots of dog-friendly options, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and visiting dog parks. Here are our picks for the best dog-friendly winter adventures near Vancouver.
Tips for Winter Adventures With Dogs
- Bring a leash. Many of these adventures require one. You’ll also want a leash if there is wildlife nearby. Dogs can chase animals and then get lost or injured.
- Pack out poop. Don’t leave poop bags on the side of the trail. Despite best intentions, many poop bags get forgotten and turn into a disgusting eyesore for other hikers.
- Start slow and go at your dog’s pace. Walking in deep snow can be very tiring for dogs. Older and less fit dogs may not find snow fun.
- Pack snacks and water for both you and your pup.
- Check the forecast and pack extra clothing for both you and your dog. Be sure to bring lots of waterproof gear and warm layers. Consider bringing booties or paw wax to protect your dog’s paws from ice and snow.
- AdventureSmart recommends bringing a backpack with essential safety and first aid gear on every trip.
- Leave a trip plan so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back.
- Avalanches are common in our local mountains. Check the avalanche forecast before you go and consider taking an avalanche safety course or a free online tutorial.
Snowshoe to Dog Mountain at Mount Seymour Provincial Park
This is one of the most popular snowshoe routes near Vancouver and it’s on-leash dog-friendly too. The trail is mostly flat as it winds through the forest, finishing at a great viewpoint over Vancouver. Reserve a free park day pass online up to 2 days in advance. Bring the trail map to stay on track.
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Take Your Pup to an Off-Leash Dog Park
The Vancouver area has lots of great off-leash dog parks where your pup can play. On a cold winter day, a brisk run might be just what your dog needs to warm up. Check out our list of the best off-leash dog parks to find one near you.
Hadden Park Dog Beach in Vancouver. Photo: Destination BC/Grant Harder
Go on a Dog-Friendly Hike
There are lots of dog-friendly hiking trails in Vancouver. We have a list of the best Vancouver hikes for dogs to get you started. In winter, many of the trails will have a bit of ice and snow, so you’ll want to bring microspikes or other traction aids. (It’s unlikely any of these trails will have enough snow to require snowshoes since they are close to sea level.)
Snowshoe to Bowen Lookout at Cypress Provincial Park
This on-leash snowshoe hike starts easily with a flat trail past Yew Lake. But it gets a little bit more challenging as you and your dog climb steep switchbacks up to Bowen Lookout. From the viewpoint, gaze down to Bowen Island and Howe Sound. This trail map shows the way. Before you start, you’ll need to pick up a free backcountry access pass at the Black Mountain Lodge near the ski area.
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Cross Country Ski With Your Dog
Head to Whistler Olympic Park to cross-country ski with your dog. They have over 40 kilometres of dog-friendly ski trails, a few of which are leash-optional. Dog tickets are just $6.75 per day. Use the ski trail map to find dog-friendly trails.
Photo: Whistler Olympic Park
Go Snowshoeing at the Discovery Snowshoe Trails at Mount Seymour Resort
The beginner-friendly trail network at Mount Seymour Resort allows dogs on leash. The flat trails are arranged in a series of loops, so you can choose your own route. Buy trail tickets online in advance. Use this trail map to plan your route.
