Five Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Vancouver
From the relaxing nature of the mountains and ocean to the lively bustle of the downtown core, Vancouver is a city that has something for everyone – including our four-legged friends! With so many parks and trails nearby, our team at Vancouver Extended Stay has put together five great hikes for you and your pup to enjoy this summer. So, grab your water bottles and snacks and get ready to indulge yourself in the great outdoors!
1. Lighthouse Park
Photo Credit: District of West Vancouver
Length: 4-6 km
Time from Downtown Vancouver: 40 minutes by car
Home to some of Vancouver’s largest Douglas Fir trees and most picturesque coastal scenery, it’s no surprise this park has been called one of the city’s most beautiful. In addition to being dog-friendly, the trails are all relatively short and offer ample shade, making it the perfect place to adventure with your pup on those hot summer days. Due to the large network of pathways, we recommend planning your route out in advance. This ensures you can end it off at the popular lighthouse and enjoy your lunch with a spectacular view!
2. Quarry Rock
Photo Credit: Outdoor Vancouver
Length: 4 km
Time from Downtown Vancouver: 30 minutes by car
If you’re searching for a relatively close and quick hike that your four-legged friend can join you on, look no further! Quarry Rock is a popular choice among locals for these very reasons, but that also means it can get busy. Our advice is to arrive early – before 9am is ideal, especially on a sunny weekend day. After soaking in the gorgeous views of the inlet at the top of the hike, we recommend spending time wandering the streets of Downtown Deep Cove. Here, you’ll find a variety of local treats (did your pup’s ears just go up?!), like the local favourites Honey’s Doughnuts and Café Orso.
3. Norvan Falls
Photo Credit: Vancity Wild
Length: 14 km
Time from Downtown Vancouver: 40 minutes
Although this one may not fit into your workday, the Norvan Falls Hike is a great way to unwind after a busy week. This lengthy trail offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city, and also gives your pup the freedom to roam off-leash after passing Lynn Loop! Of course, your pup won’t be the only four-legged creature roaming free in this forest. As with all the other trails, keep a watchful eye out for animals like bears and cougars, who may not be as friendly as your furry companion.
4. Buntzen Lake
Photo Credit: Yelp
Length: 10 km
Time from Downtown Vancouver: 1 hour by car
Trust us when we say this hike is well worth the drive! A great day-trip for you and your pooch, Buntzen Lake not only offers a scenic hike around its beautiful lake, but also a refreshing reward at the end. Its large, dog-friendly beach makes for a refreshing place to cool off after your 10-kilometre long hike. With an engaging terrain, stunning views, and numerous swimming opportunities along the way, your pup will be begging you to take them back for more!
5. Dog Mountain
Photo Credit: Vancouver Trails
Length: 5 km
Time from Downtown Vancouver: 50 minutes by car
This list wouldn’t be complete without the addition of Dog Mountain. Appropriately named, this hike is one of Mount Seymour’s most popular trails and is perfect for bringing your pup along with you. Offering photo-worthy views of the Lions Gate Bridge, Downtown Vancouver, and Stanley Park, this hike is a great way to explore nature while taking in the amazing scenery of the West Coast.
Which of these Vancouver hikes are you and your pup itching to try? Let us know by tagging us on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook! To read more about local attractions and things to do in Vancouver, head to our blog.