Moonlight Staff Picks: Hiking With Your Dog in Vancouver, North Van, West Van, Richmond & Burnaby

Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Vancouver

We’ve been aiming to write this blog for a long time. When Shinji was alive, we used to hike about twice a week and fell in love with the natural beauty of the Metro Vancouver area. We are really spoilt for the number of great dog-friendly hikes and off-leash dog parks in the Metro Vancouver area that do not require much effort to get to. While Metro Vancouver includes Coquitlam, Delta, and Port Coquitlam, this guide focuses on dog-friendly hikes mostly in West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Richmond and Burnaby.

These are our top 10 hikes to do with your dog—ranked for accessibility, natural beauty, dog-friendliness, and proximity. We’ve also included things to do around the hikes and tips on gear and trail etiquette.

Note- clicking on most of the pics will take you to a map so that you can find directions to your hike quickly.

What to Bring When Hiking With Your Dog

• Leash (Please! Also, long line if you are training or a flexi retractable leash.)
• Poop bags (most parks have bins. Please pick up poop. It may be nature but it sucks when you step on poop. Leave the park like you found it or better.)
• Collapsible water bowl & fresh water
• Dog treats or snacks
• Dog-safe bug spray if you are worried about ticks
• Bear spray (especially in North Van/West Van. We’ve found bear scat on several trails even in Buntzen lake so it is just for safety)
• Emergency whistle in case you or your dog run into trouble
• Towel or wipes for muddy paws after the hike
• Dog Backpack to carry small or medium dog if the going gets tough (optional)

Drop by Moonlight Natural Pet Store at 935 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC if you want us to outfit your dog with a life vest or anything else before you head out.

Before You Go: Quick Trail Check

Park hours, leash rules, and trail access can change depending on the season, wildlife alerts, or maintenance. Before you head out, it’s worth doing a quick check online or reading the signs at the trailhead. It’ll save you the hassle—and keep your hike stress-free!

Top 10 Dog Hikes Near Vancouver

Below is a map of our top 10 Best Hikes/ Parks for dogs near Vancouver, BC. Click on the icons within the map to get information about the places or if you want quick directions to these dog parks/ trails.

1. Pacific Spirit Regional Park (UBC, Vancouver)

Distance: 3–10+ km trail network

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Leash: Some trails are leash-required while others are off-leash dog trails (check signage). Leash when horses approach

What’s Good: This place is a huge, leafy playground where your dog can really stretch their legs off-leash. The trails either off-leash or marked as leash required. They are soft and peaceful—perfect for a chill stroll or a longer adventure.

What to Know: Trails can get muddy in wet months, and cyclists share many paths, so keep an eye out. Parking is free around 4899 Chancellor Blvd.

Note that according to CBC that the regional government is reviewing its dog management plan for a potential pilot that might reduce the leash optional trails for this park.

2. Stanley Park Seawall & Trails (Vancouver)

For a digital map of Stanley Park, click here.

• Distance: 9 km seawall loop plus forest trails
• Difficulty: Easy or mostly flat.
• Leash: On-leash required as you share most of the trails with other pedestrians. Within the park, there are some bike trails and some options for dogs to run off-leash but keep them close.

What’s Good: You can’t beat the views here—ocean, city, mountains—it’s all classic Vancouver. Plus, there’s tons to see along the way, so it never gets boring. It is also super easy to get to as it is attached to downtown Vancouver.

What to Know: The seawall gets busy on weekends and shared with cyclists. There are several parking lots and amenities nearby.

There are trails or hikes through the park towards Beaver Lake which are amazing. Some of these seem to be off-leash and others are leash required. We’ve found that as long as your dog can heel quickly, it is a great location to hike. Do note that there have been several incidents of people being attacked by other humans so please go in a group and never alone with your dog.

Also, there are racoon families that live within the park itself especially near the Lost Lagoon and occasionally coyotes. Keep an eye out for signs especially if you have a small dog.

3. Lighthouse Park (West Vancouver)

• Distance: Up to 6 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Leash: Dogs can be off-leash on most trails except Birdsong Path. On-leash dog at viewpoints obviously for safety reasons as there are cliffs

What’s Good: We absolutely love Lighthouse Park.

Fun fact- it was the place that Shinji (our dog) helped Dad to propose to Mom. The forest is beautiful.

What to Know: The terrain can be steep and lots of tree roots in places, so watch your footing. Parking fills up quickly on sunny days, so go early if you can.

Dogs are required to be on leash at the beginning of the trail but most of the trails are off-leash. Pro-tip after entering the park from the parking lot, find the first trail on the left (Valley Trail) and go down that way. Follow it till you find Starboat Cove Trail. It is a bit of a climb down but it opens to a secluded beach called Starboat Cove that not many people go to. Since you are hiking with your dog, be prepared to carry your dog depending on its size and ability to navigate terrain. Take some food and hang out here when the tide is out.

4. Deep Cove to Quarry Rock (North Vancouver)

• Distance: 4 km roundtrip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Leash: On-leash. Especially at viewpoints obviously for safety reasons as this is a massive cliff. Panorama Park is a designated off-leash dog park.

What’s Good: This one’s a favourite for a reason—easy enough to do often, with a rewarding view that makes the climb totally worth it. Plus, grab a gelato or donut after!

What to Know: It can get busy in peak seasons, and parking in Deep Cove is limited. Although, it is an on-leash hike with your dog, at some places it makes sense to temporarily take your dog off leash so you are not tripping over the leash as you climb or go over bridges. Note that people hike with their reactive dogs up there so please respect the on-leash signs.  

If this hike does not appeal to you, go to Deep Cove Kayak and rent a stand-up paddle board. Make sure you take your dog’s life jacket as well and spend a well deserved day on the water paddling around toward Grey Rocks Island.

5. Lynn Headwaters Regional Park (North Vancouver)

• Distance: 3–14 km options
• Difficulty: Easy to hard
• Leash: Some trails (Lower Lynn Loop, Cedars Mill, the portion of Headwaters Trail north of the Third Debris Chute and the connector trail between L​​​ynn Headwaters Regional Park and the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve) are designated as off-leash dog trails. On-leash at all other trails.

What’s Good: If you want peace and quiet surrounded by lush forest and rivers, this spot delivers big time. You can hike with your dog on a short or long route depending on how much energy you and your dog have. The waters can be crystal clear and beautiful from spring through fall. Note that the waters are quite chilly so take a towel for your dog.

Some of the best off-leash dog hikes or trails in Vancouver are located here such as Lower Lynn Loop and Cedars Mill. Check the trail signs.

What to Know: Parking is super difficult to get in summer. There is a small parking lot at the very entrance, but it is like winning the lottery. There are 2 other overflow parking lots with a short walk. Note that if these fill up, there is street parking. Bears may be active—carry bear spray and stay alert because it extends into backcountry. Trail conditions vary seasonally.

6.Cleveland Dam / Capilano River Trails (North Vancouver)

Here is the Capilano River Regional Park Map for your reference.

Distance: ~2 km with extensions

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Leash: Leash-required and le​​ash optional pet-friendly trails are available in this regional park. Check park map and signs for details.

What’s Good: The views here are pretty epic for a quick trip—a chance to soak in powerful river sights and get some fresh forest air without committing to a full day hike.

What to Know: The trail has some steep sections. The dam area has railings so don’t be the silly human that carries your dog so that it can see the dam (we see that often enough to provide this ludicrous warning).

There are 3 potential spots to start your hike with your dog.

Cleveland Park – Keep your dog on the leash after the parking spot and walk on Dam Rd past the actual dam. Stop for a second and marvel at how loud the dam can sound and then continue to the Baden Powel Trail or Palisades Trail. Check the signage for off-leash dog trails.

Capilano River Hatchery Entry – instead of the upper parking, take Capilano Park Rd and park in front of the Capilano River Fisheries. It is great place to learn about the different fish in the area if you have time. However, as you are on a hike with your dog, try the second Canyon trail to the Coho loop or connect to the Pipeline Trail. These are leash required hiking trails but below Pipeline Bridge, the trail for Pipeline becomes an off-leash dog trail.

Grouse– Alternatively, drive up to Grouse Mountain Parking Lot D. Make sure you pay for parking. Walk the Powerline Trail towards Malaspina Park. These tend to be beautiful but also near backcountry so be bear and cougar wise meaning on-leash or very well-trained dog that heels, bear spray etc.

7. Whytecliff Park to Whyte Islet (West Vancouver)

• Distance: 1.5–2 km
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Leash: On-leash

What’s Good: This one’s a mini adventure with tide pools and cool rocks to explore. Perfect for pups who love a mix of beach and forest smells—and if you time it right, you can wander out to Whyte Islet too.

What to Know: Whytecliff Park gets super busy in the summer because it is one of the easiest accessible scuba diving sites in Metro Vancouver. Access to Whyte Islet is only at low tide. Bring a towel—you might get wet! Please ensure you know what time the tide goes out and comes back. It happens very quickly and you can get stranded on Whyte Islet.

8. Burnaby Mountain Park (Burnaby)

Distance: ~5 km of trails

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Leash: On-leash for all trails as it is shared with mountain bikers.

What’s Good: Lots of open space and some lovely forest paths, plus those views from the top? Totally worth the walk. A chill spot that’s easy to get to from the city.

What to Know: Trail signage can be a bit unclear. Watch for bikers on shared paths. Also note that summer season is black bear season.

9. Mount Seymour Park (North Vancouver)

Dog Walking Map for Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve.

• Distance: Varies by trail (Dog Mountain, Mystery Lake)
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Leash: On-leash

What’s Good: If you’re craving mountain vibes close to town, this is your spot for hiking with your dog. Plus, it’s great for year-round fun—hiking, snowshoeing, and everything in between. Off-leash dog trails or hikes include Baden Powell Trail, Berm Trail near the Seymour Suspension Bridge towards Lizard Lake.

You can either park near Fisherman’s Trail Riverside Drive or on Lilloet Road at the trail head.

What to Know: Snow can linger into spring. Leash enforcement is strict and you can get fines for off-leash dogs on leash required trails.

Remember that you might need day use passes. Look here for information on whether you are required to book day use passes.

10. Iona Beach Regional Park (Richmond/Vancouver)

• Distance: Up to 10 km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Leash: Off-leash zones available

What’s Good: Flat and breezy, with tons of space for your pup to run free by the water. It’s a beach day for your dog, minus the crowds. Parking tends to be pretty easy.

What to Know: There’s little shade here, so bring plenty of water. Off-leash zones are shared with sensitive bird habitats—please be mindful. Dogs are not allowed in the following areas: the ponds and areas on the park’s east side. And the foreshore between Iona Jetty and North Jetty.

An off-leash dog ​​​​trail is designated along the lower roadway on the Iona Jetty.

Bonus: Hadden Park Off-Leash Dog Beach (Vancouver)

• Leash: Off-leash dog beach

What’s Good: This is the best off-leash dog park/ beach in Vancouver with dogs allowed in the water. It is where dogs can splash around safely, meet new friends, or just soak up the sun. It’s a favourite for good reason!

What to Know: Busy during summer, with street parking only with Kitsilano neighbourhood. Sometimes the beach closes for maintenance—check before you go. When you go down the stair towards the beach from next to the Vancouver Maritime Museum, it might be tempting to let your dog off leash but don’t as more often than not, people do not pick up their dog’s poop from the tall grass. Let your dog go wild on the beach.

Bonus: Golden Ears Provincial Park (Maple Ridge)

• Distance: Multiple trail options, from easy loops to longer hikes
• Difficulty: Easy to challenging
• Leash: On-leash in most areas; some off-leash zones

What’s Good: If you’re up for a bit of a drive east, Golden Ears offers vast wilderness with plenty of trails, river spots, and lakes to splash in. It’s a fantastic place for adventurous pups who love water and wide-open spaces.

This was our go to frontcountry campground with our dog. Close enough to Vancouver but far enough that there was no cell service in some areas.

What to Know: Parking fees apply. Some areas can get crowded on weekends. Bears and wildlife are present—bring bear spray and keep your dog close in sensitive zones. Camp at the North Beach Campground as the North Beach is the one we recall that allowed dogs.

Alouette South Beach also has a day-use area that has dog swimming which might be closer to the Boat launch area. Remember that you are required to book day use passes.

Generally, if you are doing any hikes, make sure to keep your dog on a longish dog lead so that you are bear and cougar wise.

Final Thoughts

Whether you crave quiet forest trails or seaside adventures, Greater Vancouver has a hike for every dog and their human. Respect park rules, stay safe, pick up your dog poop and enjoy the outdoors!

Happy hiking from all of us at Moonlight! Let us know if there are any hikes or dog parks we should add. Tag us using @moonlightdogcafe on Instagram—we’d love to see your adventures.