Holland Creek Trail (off-leash trail), Ladysmith, British Columbia
The Holland Creek Trail in Ladysmith, British Columbia, is a dog-friendly, off-leash trail loop approximately 6 km long, and one of several off-leash trails and hikes featured in our directory. The trail winds through the forested hillside behind town, following Holland Creek for much of its length, and connects into both the Estuary Walking Trail and the Heart Lake Loop for those looking to extend their outing.
Off-Leash Trail & Environment
Dogs are welcome off-leash throughout the loop, provided they remain under voice control. The trail is well maintained and well marked, with trail maps posted at several points along the route, plus wooden bridges, stairs, and rope supports in the steeper sections.
The north side of the creek is a groomed, urban-style walking path — parts of it are even wheelchair accessible — while the south side is more rugged, running through dense rainforest with plenty of elevation change. Along the way, hikers pass a scenic waterfall, Colliery Dam, and a reservoir, with fall bringing an added bonus: spawning salmon fighting their way upstream. This trail has a lot to offer for both you and your dog to enjoy!
Trail Layout
The full loop covers about 6 km and takes most hikers just under two hours at a relaxed pace, though it can be shortened depending on which access point you start from. The south side, accessed from Dogwood Drive, is the more natural and technical stretch, with natural interpretive signage along the way. If you’re looking for an easier, family-friendly walk, starting from Mackie Road or the Methuen Street entrance gets you a smoother, more accessible path.
Parking & Getting There
There’s a trailhead parking lot on the west side of Dogwood Drive, between Stephenson Street and Rollie Rose Drive (374 Dogwood Dr). This trailhead includes a portable toilet, a trail map kiosk, and a garbage can, and provides direct access to the south loop of the creek.
Other access points around town include Mackie Road, the corner of 6th Avenue and Methuen Street (home to the Kinsmen Shelter and washroom), and Davis Road Park — handy if you’d rather start somewhere closer to a specific part of town.
Good to Know Before You Go
Distance: About 6 km for the full loop (you can opt for a shorter hike/walk depending on where you enter)
Difficulty: Ranges from wheelchair-accessible sections to rugged, technical terrain, depending on which side of the creek you’re on.
Highlights: Waterfall views (especially striking in winter and spring), Colliery Dam, a reservoir, and salmon spawning in the fall.
Facilities: Portable toilet and garbage can at the Dogwood Drive trailhead.
Multiple access points: Dogwood Drive, Mackie Road, 6th Avenue & Methuen Street, and Davis Road Park.
Whether you’re after a quick loop or a longer hike connecting into Heart Lake, Holland Creek Trail is one of Ladysmith’s most-loved dog-friendly trails. Before you go, it’s worth reviewing our dog park etiquette guide, especially around recall and sharing the trail with other hikers, joggers, and dogs.
There are no poop bags provided on the trail so be sure to remember your own.
Have you hiked Holland Creek Trail with your dog? We’d love to see how it went — share your photos and drop a review below to help other dog owners know what to expect, whether it’s the best access point for their pace, how busy it gets on weekends, or anything else worth knowing before they go.
