Transfer Beach (off-leash dog park), Ladysmith, British Columbia
Transfer Beach Park is one of Ladysmith’s most central off-leash spots, and one of several off-leash dog parks featured in our directory. The off-leash area sits on the west side of Captain Tristan de Koninck Way, right next to the horseshoe pits, giving dog owners a convenient off-leash option within walking distance of downtown Ladysmith.
Off-Leash Area & Boundaries
Unlike some of Ladysmith’s fully-fenced enclosures, Transfer Beach’s off-leash area is only partially fenced, so it’s worth keeping a closer eye on recall-trained dogs here compared to a fully enclosed park.
Boundaries at this park are important to know before you go: dogs are not permitted below (east of) Captain Tristan de Koninck Way. That means the beach itself, the playground, the amphitheater, and the grassy areas in between are all off-limits to dogs — even on-leash. This is a stricter rule than many off-leash parks, so it’s worth planning your visit with that in mind, especially if you were hoping to let your dog cool off in the water; that’s not permitted here, unlike some of Ladysmith’s other dog-friendly spots.
Why the Park Is Still Worth a Visit
Despite the boundary restrictions, Transfer Beach remains a popular stop for local dog owners, largely thanks to its central location and easy access from downtown. The horseshoe pit area gives the off-leash zone a defined, sociable gathering spot, and it’s an easy stop to pair with a walk through the rest of Transfer Beach Park’s grounds — just remember your dog needs to stay leashed, or be left at home, if you want to explore the beach, playground, or amphitheater areas.
Parking & Getting There
The park is located along Transfer Beach Blvd in Ladysmith. Given its central location, there’s typically parking available nearby, though it can get busier during peak summer months when the wider park (beach, playground, amphitheater) draws a bigger non-dog crowd.
Good to Know Before You Go
Fencing: Partially fenced only — not a fully enclosed area.
Location: West side of Captain Tristan de Koninck Way, next to the horseshoe pits.
Off-limits areas: Beach, playground, amphitheater, and grassy areas east of Captain Tristan de Koninck Way — no dogs allowed here, even on-leash.
Best for: Owners with reliable recall, given the partial fencing.
Not ideal for: Dogs looking to swim — beach access isn’t permitted here, so consider one of Ladysmith’s dedicated dog beaches instead if that’s the goal.
Whether you’re a local using it as a quick, central off-leash stop or a visitor exploring what Ladysmith has to offer, Transfer Beach is a solid option as long as you’re clear on where dogs are (and aren’t) allowed. Before you go, it’s worth reviewing our dog park etiquette guide, particularly the reminders around recall reliability, which matters more here given the partial fencing.
Have you brought your dog to Transfer Beach Park? We’d love to hear how it went — share your photos and drop a review below to help other dog owners know what to expect, whether it’s how strictly the off-leash boundaries are enforced, how busy it gets in summer, or anything else worth knowing before their visit.
References
City of Ladysmith – Dog Off-Leash Parks & Trails
City of Ladysmith – Dog Licences & Animal Control Bylaws
