Pet-Friendly Guide to Vancouver, Canada

Why Pets Love Vancouver

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Vancouver combines stunning natural beauty with a genuinely dog-friendly urban culture. With off-leash beaches along English Bay, mountain hiking trails, massive urban parks, and a population that adores dogs, Vancouver is a top-tier pet travel destination. The mild Pacific Northwest climate means year-round outdoor adventures.

The city has over 30 designated off-leash dog areas, and the surrounding mountains and coastline provide endless opportunities for pet-friendly exploration. Vancouverites are passionate about their dogs, and you will feel that warmth everywhere you go.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

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Vancouver’s hotels are largely welcoming to pets. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has its own resident dog and welcomes guest pets warmly. The Sylvia Hotel on English Bay, Loden Hotel, and The Douglas are all pet-friendly with reasonable or no pet fees.

Many vacation rentals in Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and Commercial Drive are pet-friendly. Mid-range pet-friendly hotels run $80-140 CAD per night.

Dog Parks and Outdoor Spaces

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Vancouver’s off-leash parks and beaches are world-class:

• Spanish Banks Beach — Massive off-leash beach area with views of the mountains
• Pacific Spirit Regional Park — 763 hectares of forest with extensive off-leash trails
• Kitsilano Beach Park — Off-leash area near the beach
• Stanley Park — Select off-leash areas within Vancouver’s crown jewel park
• Trout Lake Park — East Vancouver off-leash area with a lake for swimming

For bigger adventures, the Lynn Canyon trails and Lighthouse Park trails are dog-friendly (on-leash).

Pet-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes

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Vancouver’s patio culture is thriving, and dogs are welcome at most outdoor dining spots:

• The Distillery Bar + Kitchen — Dog-friendly patio on Main Street
• 49th Parallel Coffee — Multiple locations with pet-friendly outdoor seating
• Tap & Barrel — Waterfront restaurant with a dog-friendly patio
• Biercraft Tap & Tapas — Craft beer spot in Kitsilano, dogs welcome on the patio

Local Pet Rules and Regulations

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Vancouver requires all dogs to be licensed with the city. Dogs must be on-leash except in designated off-leash areas. The city is strict about waste cleanup, and most parks have bag dispensers. Dogs are not allowed in playground areas, sports fields, or wading pools. TransLink (public transit) allows small dogs in carriers on buses and SkyTrain, but larger dogs are not permitted.

Getting There With Your Pet

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has pet relief areas both pre- and post-security. Air Canada and WestJet both have pet travel programs. For entry into Canada, dogs from the US need a current rabies vaccination certificate. If driving from Seattle, the border crossing at Peace Arch is about 2.5 hours. BC Ferries allows pets on vehicle decks and some outdoor areas for travel to Vancouver Island.