Mountain views, city skylines, sandy beaches and lots of space for energetic pups!
When it comes to dog parks in Vancouver, there's no denying that we're blessed with some fantastic options - especially if nothing gets your pup's tail wagging more than exploring off-leash.
The off-leash dog parks around Vancouver aren't just a paradise for pups, but are also just as fun for their humans, with mountain views, the city skyline, sandy beaches and large grassy areas that both can enjoy.
If your pup loves nothing more then playing, running or splashing off-leash, here are 11 of the best off-leash dog parks around Vancouver to visit with your furry bestie.
1. Spanish Banks Beach Park
Spanish Banks off-leash dog park really is a winner with pups and their humans as it's the best of both worlds.
With a sprawling sandy beach where you can relax while your pup burns off some energy splashing in the ocean, and long expanses of grass to run up and down, Spanish Banks off-leash dog park is a firm favourite with Vancouver dogs. It's also a winner with dog parents, with stunning mountain and city views, and it's connection to the beautiful trails in Pacific Spirit Park.
Address: 4767-4783 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC
2. Charleson Dog Park
If your dog loves splashing and getting muddy, they will love the waterfall pond area at Charleson Park, and there's also a large grassy area to play some fetch.
The waterfall pond off-leash hours are all day from October to May, and owners are reminded to ensure any curious pups keep out of the duck pond!
This park has fantastic views of False Creek, and opens to striking views of the downtown shoreline making it the perfect place to stop off if you've been walking along the Seawall.
Address: 999 Charleson Street, Vancouver, BC
3. Pacific Spirit Dog Park
Situated next to UBC, Pacific Regional Park has over 55 km of trails to hike or walk through beautiful, peaceful woods. Not all these trails are leash-optional, but a lot of them are, so check out this map to help you plan your route and find some amazing off-leash areas for your pup to enjoy.
With so many trails, this is a perfect place to let your dog run free and explore - as long as they are kept under control - while you enjoy the relaxation of escaping the city for a few hours.
Address: 5495 Chancellor Boulevard, Vancouver, BC
4. John Hendry Park, Vancouver
This spacious park is a very popular spot for local dog owners so can get a little busy during summer months, but don't let that put you off as with a 27,202 metric square off-leash area, there's more than enough green space for dogs of all sizes to enjoy, and a great doggy beach too!
The north end of the lake is reserved for our four-legged friends, and the fresh water beach is the perfect place for dogs to cool off during sunny days, or refresh after tiring themselves out exploring.
Address: 3300 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC
5. McDonald Beach Dog Park
On the banks of the Fraser River, this scenic stretch of dog-friendly beach runs for several kilometres and expands at low tide, meaning there's lots of space for you and your pup to enjoy.
The entire park is an off-leash zone and consists of sand, grass and water so there's something for every dog! The cool water is perfect for your four-legged friend to take a refreshing dip after burning off some energy, and there's also a network of wooded trails to explore if you're dog isn't tired out from playing fetch at the large dog-friendly field here.
Address: 3500 McDonald Rd, Richmond. BC
6. Everett Crowley Dog Park
This is a great choice for dog parents who prefer less busy parks as due to the selection of trails, they don't tend to get too overcrowded.
The varied terrain and multiple off-leash trails to choose from makes this dog park a great choice if you want to get some exercise in alongside your pup.
With so many wooded trails to choose from, neither you nor your pup will get bored of the same old walks everyday and - added bonus - there's plenty of sticks lying around for your pup to play with!
The outer trails require a leash but the inner trails are leash optional, so be sure to pay attention to the signage.
Address: 8200 Kerr St, Vancouver, BC
7. Fraser River Dog Park
This park is an absolute dog haven, complete with an off-leash area, beach, water, and more, so it's a great choice on a sunny day.
If your pup loves to swim, they'll love this small beach where they can splash freely, and you can set up camp at one of several park benches and watch all the fun.
Bring a picnic and you can make a full day out of it, ending with a relaxing boardwalk stroll.
The West side of the park is off-leash all day and year-round, while the East side is off-leash only from October 1 to April 30, with dogs in this eastern area required to be on a leash from May 1 to September 30.
Address: 8705 Angus Drive, Vancouver, BC
8. Hadden Park
Right in the centre of Kitsilano, this is one of the most well-known and popular off-leash dog parks in the city, and for good reason.
Beautiful views of the North Shore mountains, lots of space, and a chilled out atmosphere make this beach a perfect place to relax with your pup, watch them frolic in the sea, or take a sandy sunset stroll in the evening.
Address: 1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver, BC
9. Barnet Marine Park
If you prefer to stay away from the crowds on sunny days, and want to escape the city, Barnet Marine Park is the perfect choice.
The park also offers wonderful views of the Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains, as well as a large grassy off-leash area running along the waterfront. Look out for signs for the off-leash areas, but once your pup gets to the beach they can run free and splash until their heart's content.
Address: 8181 Barnet Rd, Burnaby. BC
10. CRAB Park at Portside, Vancouver
This is definitely more of a hidden gem located just outside of Gastown, but has a large area on the east side of the park where dogs can be off-leash from 6:00am to 10:00am and from 5:00pm to 10:00pm There is a large grassy area if your pup needs to get some running out of their system before hitting the off-leash beach across the seawall. This park also has some great views of the downtown skyline and the Coast Mountains, and gives a different view of the city than you're used to getting from the other beaches.
Address: 101 E Waterfront Rd, Vancouver, BC
11. Blackie Spirit Park
This beautiful park located in the Crescent Beach neighbourhood of South Surrey has amazing views of Mud Bay and the North Shore Mountains, and includes an enclosed off-leash area for pups.
Blackie Spit has two dog off-leash areas, both shared by dogs of different sizes. The main area is a mix of grass, gravel and sand, and has a covered shelter for rainy days, while the smaller area includes the only off-leash swim area in Surrey.
Remember to use a leash when travelling between the main dog off-leash area and the dog swimming area.
Address: 3136 McBride Avenue, Surrey, BC