The third Monday in February is Family Day for people who live in British Columbia. Family Day calls for family activities – and that includes the dog!
What are some dog-friendly Family Day activities in Vancouver?
To help you plan your day, we have come up with a list of family-friendly activities you can do with your dog in and around Vancouver:
Visit a dog-friendly beach
If the sun is out (and even if it isn’t!) a visit to the beach can be a ton of fun for the whole family. Luckily our directory has lots of dog-friendly beaches that you can choose from:
Hadden Beach (also known as Kits beach). Popular with many Vancouver residents Hadden Beach has it all – a large sandy area, lots of logs for exploring or sitting on, and even a green space where dogs and kids can have a run. Want to add an element of adventure while you’re there? Plan a visit to the Maritime Museum with the kids – admission is free on family day! Note: the museum is not dog-friendly so you may have to divide and conquer with some of the family at the beach and others in the museum.
Trout Lake dog-beach. Trout Lake is a great family destination. Not only is there a dog-friendly swim area, but you can also leash up your dog for a stroll on the walking path that circles the lake.
Be sure to check out our directory for other dog-friendly beaches around Vancouver (and other areas of BC too!)
Buntzen Lake: Buntzen Lake is a popular destination for many greater Vancouver families. And good news – at this time of year parking reservations are not required! Hang out on the beach or explore the off-leash trails that run through the park.
Go for a Hike
Between the North Shore Mountains, Pacific Spirit Park, and lots of other trails and greenspaces, Vancouver offers a ton of dog-friendly hiking options for a great family day adventure. Here are some of our favourites:
Pacific Spirit Regional Park: Imagine 73km of forest trails right in the city! Located near the University of British Columbia, Pacific Spirt Park has an impressive trail network and the majority of them are off-leash! With plenty of trails for hiking and walking there is something that the whole family will love in this park.
Lynn Headwaters Regional Park: located in North Vancouver Lynn Headwaters is a very popular hiking area. There is a mix of off-leash and leash-required trails, so be sure to check the signs when you head out.
Whyte Lake in West Vancouver: One of my favourite hikes, this moderately difficult hike will take you up some hills, through the trees, and finish at the lovely Whyte Lake. There is a small section of leash-required trail near the top – keep your eye on the trail signage as you go.
Go on an Aquabus Adventure
Did you know that Vancouver’s Aquabus is dog-friendly? Have a family day adventure by hopping on the Aquabus and exploring False Creek from the water. Buy a day pass and enjoy unlimited trips throughout the day as you explore each of the stops the aquabus has to offer. Several stops have dog-friendly amenities (such as off-leash parks and beaches). You can also explore a new neighbourhood with your dog on-leash. Check out the map of stops you can explore..
Visit a dog-friendly patio
After a busy day of family adventures visit one of Vancouver’s dog-friendly patio’s to recharge you batteries. Our listings include restaurants, coffee shops and pubs (many of which are family friendly).
Find a new favourite park
Our dog-friendly directory has an extensive list of dog-friendly parks, hikes and beaches. Explore our list to find a new park to explore – it may just become your new family favourite!
