Sandy Beach is a small but lovely dog-friendly beach located a short distance from Snug Cove (where the ferry comes in) on Bowen Island, BC. Dogs are not allowed on Sandy beach in July and August. Other months of the year dogs are allowed on Sandy Beach off-leash.
Amenities at Sandy Beach:
There is a small parking lot at the entrance to Sandy beach with spots for approximately 5 cars to park comfortably. There is also one designated accessible parking spot and the ramp access to the beach, while not paved, could likely be accessed by a wheelchair.
You will also find a pit toilet and standard garbage cans. There are no recycling cans located at this beach.
Our Visit to Sandy Beach:
We visited Sandy beach in August, 2024. The first thing we noticed when we arrived was signage indicating that the water is not safe for swimming. For this reason I would be reluctant to recommend this beach as a dog-swim area. While technically dog-friendly, and easily accessible, it would not be my first choice for a beach destination. If you are looking for a beach with accessible parking and an easy access point both Bowen Bay and Tunstall Beach will meet your needs. Unfortunately neither of them allow dogs in July and August. The only dog-friendly beaches in these months require a hike down a somewhat steep trail and/or stairs.
Dogs on Bowen Island:
Bowen Island’s municipal website says that, “dogs are currently allowed off-leash in all municipal parks but must be kept under control by owners.” It also says that “dogs are not allowed on Tunstall, Sandy or Bowen Bay Beaches in July and August,” however, “at all other coastal access points, leashes are optional, so long as your dog is under control and kept within 3 metres of you.”
“Public beach,” as defined in Bowen Island’s Animal Control Bylaws, “means those public lands located between the low water mark and fifteen (15) metres upland of the high water mark of any body of salt water”
