Our (New) Top 12 Greater Vancouver Off-Leash Dog Parks

Naturally Urban Unleashes New Top 12 Vancouver Off Leash Dog Parks!

Reported by Alyssa Daniells

This post was originally published in June 2018. We added this awesome video on June 17, 2021, and added additional dog parks in January 2023.

Vancouver's own Naturally Urban whistled for the help of its loyal customers (well, the two-legged ones) to find out which are Vancouver's best off-leash parks. What better group of dog authorities to hound down? The overwhelming response gave us some very fetching answers.

The result? The largest poll of its kind, making this the most comprehensive list of best off-leash parks in Vancouver you'll find. Never before have so many people voiced their opinions about the top dog parks in the entire lower mainland, all in one forum. From that, we created this top ten list (we considered calling it our Lab Report, but Retrievers aren't the only dogs that love the picks. Hardy har har.)

So, park it right here folks to discover Vancouver's best spaces and places for your canine companions. Which ones made us wag our fingers and which are worthy of a tail wag?

Do you disagree or want your voice heard? No problem, what your favourite dog park in our poll! Vote for your favourite!

12) Inter River Park | 1301 Lillooet Road

Located in North Vancouver
Inter River Park is a cool haven on a hot day that is only a 20-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver. It is located just north of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge. Inter River Park is dog-friendly. This park features a large number of areas where leashes are not required, a labyrinth of trails to explore (some of which lead to Lynn Canyon Park!), and, most importantly, a river that is close by for enjoyable water activities. When the river isn't too high, our favorite place is down by the beach at Lynn Creek. It's a good place to wade and cool off when the water level is low.

11) Lighthouse Park

Lighthouse Park Vancouver

Photo by Pete Nuij on Unsplash 
Located: West Vancouver
Lighthouse Park is one of Vancouver's most popular dog-friendly parks, and you'll see why once you visit. Before you go, get a trail map and plan your route around rocky cliffs and through old-growth forests of mature western red cedars and Douglas firs. To get to the water, take the trail to the east of the lighthouse.

10) Charleson Dog Park | 99 Charleson Street

Charleson Dog Park
Our list starts off strong with Charleson Park's sprawling off-leash area. Furry friend fans who chose Charleson cited the views of False Creek, its scenic seawall location and aquatic area with waterfall (not to be confused with the duck pond which is off limits and dogs must be on leash) as among the reasons they love taking their playful pups (and pups at heart) here.
Off-leash hours for Charleson's grass bowl are from 6 am to 10 pm. The waterfall pond off-leash hours are 5 pm to 10 am June to September, and all day October to May.

9) Queen Elizabeth Dog Park | 4600 Cambie St

Queen Elizabeth Dog Park

Located: West Vancouver

Open spaces reign supreme in Queen Elizabeth dog park, our penultimate pick as we count down to the number one dog park in the entire lower mainland, chosen by Vancouver doglovers.

Give your furry friend the royal treatment in this richly abundant park, conveniently located in the middle of the city. Other features our poll respondents cited, besides location and size, were the panoramic views and beautiful setting. (Given the park's namesake, we can't help but chuckle ironically when we spot a corgi there.)

Off-leash hours at Queen Elizabeth are 6 am to 10 pm.


8) McDonald Beach Dog Park | 3500 McDonald Road, Richmond

McDonald Beach Dog Park

Located: Richmond

Doggone, McDonald Beach's off-leash is technically outside of Vancouver, but this Richmond favourite ranked high in our poll so we'll give it some puppy love.

What do people and their pooch pals enjoy most? The long stretch of beach along the winding Fraser River, as well as trails, field and lots of dogs ready to play.

The sparkling Fraser is also fun for dogs to splash in, or playfully chase the colourful river traffic. McDonald Beach Dog Park is perfect if you're looking for something different outside of your dog or catchment area.


7) Everett Crowley Dog Park | 8200 Kerr Street

Everett Crowley Dog Park | 8200 Kerr Street Vancouver

Photo taken from: TheMarkusProject

Located: South Vancouver

Why does this South Vancouver dog park deserve a round of appaws? According to our respondents, it's the various off-leash trails, hands -- and paws-- down.

Everett Crowley Park's trails are comprised of varied terrains, a welcome break from the monotony of your regular dog walking route. Not only do the different paths make a jaunt here more interesting, the selection usually means the trails don't get too busy. And Fido will find the many sticks to play with particularly fetching.


6) Fraser River Dog Park | 8705 Angus Drive

Fraser River Dog Park | 8705 Angus Drive Vancouver

Located: South Vancouver

Bring your top dog to this top dog park. The Fraser River Park's pooch paradise is also woman and man's best friend. Why? Well, we dog-eared these findings: elevated platforms that facilitate long walks along the river, the sandy beach, ample space and a great vibe within a beautiful setting.

What's not to love?Note that while the West side of the park is off-leash all day and year-round, the East side is off-leash only from October 1 to April 30. During the busy season from May 1 to September 30, dogs in this eastern area of the Fraser River Park must be on a leash.


5) John Henry Trout Lake Dog Park | 3300 Victoria Drive

Trout Lake Dog Park | 3300 Victoria Drive Vancouver

Located: East Vancouver

If it's “location, location, location” in real estate, it's “water, water, water” for the many pollsters who chose Trout Lake as their preferred park. During those dog days of summer, it's the perfect place for canines to cool off and lap up fresh water after running laps.

It's a busy spot, with lots of dogs for your best friend to play with, or make new friends with. There's plenty of space on land for large water dogs to enjoy. This beloved dog park is located at the north end of Trout Lake. Off-leash hours are from 5 am to 10 pm.


4) New Brighton Dog Park | 3201 New Brighton Road

 New Brighton Dog Park | 93 New Brighton Road Vancouver

Taking Spot to New Brighton Dog Park is a bright idea, according to Vancouver dog owners. Make no bones about it, this is what an off-leash Vancouver dog park should be.

New Brighton boasts a large, fenced in expanse of grass for the many dogs to frolic, beach access for doggie paddles and what most respondents who picked New Brighton collectively mentioned, “amazing views.”


3) Pacific Spirit Dog Park | 5495 Chancellor Boulevard

Pacific Spirit Dog Park | 5495 Chancellor Boulevard Vancouver

Photo credit: Karolyn Jackson, @beachcomber_dogs, @walkwithmax.

Located: West Vancouver

Dogs and owners alike can lift their spirits in the off-leash area of Pawcific, er Pacific Spirit. If you are feeling the call of nature, this is your dog park. (If the said call of nature is similar to your dog's, we suggest you keep your leg down.)

Pacific Spirit's dog trails meander through a forest of soaring trees; a true breath of fresh air from city life where you can paw and reflect. There's no such thing as barking up the wrong tree here. A lovely wood boardwalk refines the rustic and rugged feel.


2) Hadden Park Dog Park | 1905 Ogden Avenue

 

Hadden Park Dog Park | 1905 Ogden Avenue Vancouver

Photo taken from Vancouver.ca

Located: West Vancouver

Deciding between which of the top two dog parks to go to? A coin toss (on tails, of course) may bring you to the waterfront vistas of Hadden Park, home to an off-leash oasis for dogs, where they can frolic on land and in the inviting waters of English Bay.

May to September, leash-off times are from 6 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 10 pm. October to April, leash-off times are 6 am to 10 pm. Outside these times, your dog must have its leash on.

And what do those who were polled love about Hadden Park dog park? It's both a beach and dog park, pleasing each party at either end of the leash. There's loads of room for romping in the sand or swimming alongside your furry friend.

In short, it's the fun for everyone that makes it grand, with a view of the North Shore Mountains, to boot.


1) Spanish Banks Off-Leash Dog Park | 4801 NW Marine Drive

Spanish Banks Off-Leash Dog Park | 4801 NW Marine Drive Vancouver

Photo taken from Nomsmagazine
Located: West Vancouver
You made it! It's time to shout out the number one dog park in Vancouver (as long as no one gets husky from shouting). Our prime destination to walk dogs in YVR is the popular, pretty and pup-filled park of Spanish Banks.
If you're ever feeling ruff, the dog park in Spanish Banks is sure to delight. But, you don't have to take our word for it! Here is what Naturally Urban customers said about the best off- leash park in Vancouver: Beach access and the beach itself: 
  • Easy parking
  • Dogs love running around the tide flats at low tide,
  • Tons of off-leash space without being fenced in
  • Ocean swimming in the summertime
  • Beautiful views
  • Friendly people and dogs
  • Fun for both parent and dog
  • Ample wood sticks for dogs to fetch
  • Green space
  • A trail for running or walking
  • Lots of space
  • Long expanses of grass field and sand for dogs to run and play
  • Bounded by green space on one side; water access, ocean and mountains on the other.

Enclosed Dog Parks in Vancouver Honourable mentions:

  • Lynn Headwaters dog trails
  • Ambleside dog park
  • Buntzen Lake dog park
  • Cooper Park Yaletown dog park
  • Sunset Beach dog park
  • Musqueam dog park
  • Olympic Park dog track
  • Andy Livingstone Park
Well, that's all fur now, friends. Don't see your pick for the best Vancouver dog-friendly park? Think your favourite should be closer to number one? Naturally Urban would love to hear from you! 
Join BC's animal lovers and register as a new client for Naturally Urban's pet food delivery service, catering to your schedule and your pet's palate and health. For a limited time, get 5% off your first purchase by clicking here, or entering the best dog parks in the coupon code box.
Remember that Naturally Urban will always donate 5% of each purchase to a local charity of your choice. Winner, winner, doggie dinner!

Commonly Asked Questions About Off-leash Dog Parks in Vancouver


What is the best time of day to go to an off-leash dog park in Vancouver?

The best time of day to go to an off-leash dog park in Vancouver is early morning or evening when the parks are less crowded and the temperatures are cooler.


What should I bring to an off-leash dog park in Vancouver?

You should bring water and a bowl for your dog, as well as pick up bags and treats. It's also a good idea to bring a toy or two to keep your dog entertained.


Are there any rules I need to follow at an off-leash dog park in Vancouver?

There are a few rules that you need to follow at an off-leash dog park in Vancouver. These include keeping your dog on a leash until you are inside the park, not bringing food into the park, and picking up after your dog.

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3 comments

Ellen on 2020,07,04

I would love to know were there are parks that fenced in I have a whippet who will escape like Houdini Ellen west Vancouver

Ellen on 2020,07,04

I would love to know were there are parks that fenced in I have a whippet who will escape like Houdini Ellen west Vancouver

Adam Paluck on 2019,10,27

Mundy Park in Coquitlam sat. and sun. before 10am beats the pants off all of these.

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