The Best Dog-Friendly Destinations in Canada
When you go away, of course you’re going to want to bring your furry friend with you. Whether you’re going for a holiday or permanently moving, if you’re taking a dog to Canada from the UK, there are plenty of places across the country that will welcome your pooch. Most cities are dog-friendly, and you’ll find plenty of things to do with your dog.
These are the best dog-friendly destinations in Canada.
Vancouver, B.C.
Dogs are welcome in most public places in the city of Vancouver in B.C. There are over 27,000 registered dogs in the city, which means you’ll be in good company. There are over 30 parks in Vancouver where your dog can enjoy time off the lead during designated hours, plus eight designated dog parks, including Spanish Banks dog park and Hadden Park dog park.
There are many pet-friendly neighbourhoods in Vancouver, including Yaletown, Cambie Village, and the West End. They all feature lots of dog-friendly restaurants, cafés, and shopping areas, so you can enjoy a day out without having to leave your pooch behind. A lot of the popular tourist sites in the city are also dog-friendly.
You can also take in the beautiful Vancouver scenery with your dog, by exploring some of the local hiking trails. There are many hiking trails around Vancouver that suit all types of abilities. You could also visit some of Vancouver’s gorgeous dog-friendly beaches, like Sunset Beach Park or Buntzen Lake.
Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is another Canadian city that’s extremely welcoming to dogs. There are a lot of pet-friendly hotels in Calgary, including the Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel, and the Carriage House Hotel and Conference Centre.
There are also plenty of dog-friendly activities in Calgary to enjoy with your pooch. The Downtown Calgary Photo Tour includes lots of opportunities for owners and their dogs to explore the most picturesque spots in the city and take some photos. There’s also a Calgary Scavenger Hunt Tour which welcomes pets along for a tour of Calgary’s historic landmarks and local art and culture hotspots.
The city also has lots of dog-friendly restaurants with outdoor patios to enjoy, as well as dog parks and hiking trails. Sandy Beach Park provides a fantastic view of the Calgary skyline, as well as a spot for dogs to cool off in the water. There’s also Banff National Park which has miles of maintained trails as well as places to camp.
Toronto, Ontario
There are over 230,000 dogs in Toronto, so there’s plenty for you and your pooch to do together. The city has around 65 parks and areas where your dog can enjoy some time off the lead and socialise with other pups, including High Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, and Coronation Dog Park. There are also lots of dog-friendly restaurants and cafés in Toronto and you can even take your pet on public transport at weekends and off-peak hours.
Toronto is home to ‘Woofstock’, the largest dog festival in North America. All weekend long dogs are celebrated across the beaches on the east side of the city, with talent shows, fashion shows, and other fun contests for dogs to take part in. The festival is also attended by a whole host of dog-focused exhibitors, so you can find your pooch tasty treats or fun new toys.
Whistler, B.C
Whistler is a fantastic dog-friendly destination in Canada, with many locals and visitors alike being dog-owners. Whilst not all hiking trails in Whistler allow dogs, there are still plenty of options that do, like the Whistler Valley Trail, The Sea to Sky Trail, and the Brandywine Falls trail. Dogs will need to be kept on leash in the village, but there are a few designated areas where they can be let off to stretch their legs.
Whistler has lots of dog amenities, like pet shops, groomers, and boarding which can be helpful if you’re taking part in an activity that doesn’t allow pets. There are also lots of pet-friendly hotels in the area to suit a range of budgets, such as Listel Hotel Whistler, Crystal Lodge, and the Four Seasons Resort Whistler – although most don’t allow your dogs to be left alone in the room, so you’ll need to utilise the local boarding if you can’t bring your pooch with you for the day.
Whistler has a few special events for dogs throughout the year, including the K9 Wine and Dine held at the WAG Animal Shelter, a black-tie fundraiser for dogs and their owners. There’s also the Dog Jog, a charity run (or walk!) for dogs and their families, with all dogs receiving a special race kit to take part.
Montreal, Quebec
Some people believe Quebec to be the least dog-friendly province in Canada, due to the policy that dogs aren’t allowed in the majority of the national parks. However, Montreal can be very welcoming to dogs. The city has around 20 dog parks as well as outdoor terraces and shops that are dog-friendly. There are a few neighbourhoods that are particularly dog-friendly, like Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Outremont, and Mile End.
If you want to do something a little different with your pooch, Montreal has a great dog yoga class – also known as ‘doga’, where both you and your dog can enjoy some rejuvenating exercise. There are also plenty of hiking trails, as well as watersports – well-behaved dogs can join you in a canoe or rowboat to take in the beautiful Montreal surroundings.
If you’re planning to visit or relocate to Canada with your dog, PBS Pet Travel can help. We’re experts in pet travel and relocation, with over 20 years’ experience. Our dedicated pet export team can help you to arrange pet flight and advise on every aspect of your pet’s travel. Get a quote or contact us for more information.