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 Vancouver11) Lighthouse Park
10) Charleson Dog Park | 99 Charleson Street
9) Queen Elizabeth Dog Park | 4600 Cambie St
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
- 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
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.
3 comments
I would love to know were there are parks that fenced in I have a whippet who will escape like Houdini Ellen west Vancouver
I would love to know were there are parks that fenced in I have a whippet who will escape like Houdini Ellen west Vancouver
Mundy Park in Coquitlam sat. and sun. before 10am beats the pants off all of these.