Beachcomber Regional Park off-leash dog beach is a small but beautiful oceanfront park in Nanoose Bay with off-leash areas, short forest trails and rocky beach access for dogs who love to explore. Located at the end of the Beachcomber Peninsula, this park offers scenic views across Craig Bay toward Parksville and Mount Arrowsmith, with additional views north across the Strait of Georgia.
The park begins with a short walking trail through arbutus, Douglas-fir and Garry oak woodland before opening onto the shoreline. At low tide, the beach becomes especially fun to explore, with large flat rock formations, tide pools and shallow areas where dogs can splash, sniff and wander. This is not a wide sandy dog beach, but it is a lovely spot for dogs who enjoy rocky beaches, calm shoreline exploring and a bit of water play.
Beachcomber is a good choice for a shorter outing rather than a long hike. The trails are beginner-friendly and under 1 km, but the route down to the water does include a steeper grade, so visitors should wear decent footwear and use caution when the trail or rocks are wet. The beach itself is rocky and uneven, so it may not be the best choice for dogs or people with mobility challenges.
Dogs are allowed in RDN parks as long as they are kept under control, but they must be leashed anywhere signage requires it. Because Beachcomber Regional Park is not fenced and includes shoreline, rocks, wildlife habitat and other park users, dogs should have reliable recall and remain within sight at all times. Please be respectful of tide pool areas, keep dogs from disturbing wildlife, and pick up after your dog.
Parking is available near the trailhead on Marina Way, but space may be limited because this is a small neighbourhood park. Amenities include a trailhead map, garbage can and vault toilet. This is a peaceful, scenic stop for dog owners visiting Nanoose Bay, Parksville or the surrounding area, especially at low tide when the flat rocks and tide pools are exposed.
Dogs in Nanaimo Regional District Parks
According to the Regional District of Nanaimo website, dogs are allowed in Regional District parks as long as they are kept under control but they must be on-leash anywhere there is signage indicating that leashing is required.
The RDN website further indicates that dogs are not allowed off-leash (on-leash only) at Moorecroft Park, Horne Lake and Descanso Park. It also says that dogs are not allowed at all at the Little Qualicum River Estuary Conservation Area.
