Hidden Groves (off-leash trail network), Sechelt, BC
Hidden Groves, part of the Sechelt Heritage Forest trail system, is a premier off-leash destination just north of Sechelt along Sechelt Inlet Road. Spread across roughly 170 acres, the forest is home to over 19 kilometres of well-maintained, colour-coded trails that give dogs plenty of room to explore, run, and socialize under responsible supervision.
Off-Leash Trails & Environment
Dogs are welcome off-leash throughout the trail network, as long as they remain under voice control. There are no garbage facilities on-site, so owners are expected to pack out all waste. The forest’s quiet, car-free setting and well-marked paths have made it a favourite for off-leash walks among locals and visitors alike.
Trail Layout & Key Routes
The trail system is easy to navigate, with clearly posted, colour-coded loops:
Monty’s Way — a wheelchair-accessible, 480-metre loop, hard-packed and over five feet wide, leading into the Ancient Grove of old-growth cedar and Douglas fir. The trail is named for Monty, a springer spaniel who belonged to the Sechelt Groves Society’s president and was by his side throughout years of work building and preserving the Groves.
Blue Trail — an easy loop with interpretive signage on nurse logs, bark stripping, and forest ecology.
Red Trail — winds through deep old-growth groves and quiet fern valleys.
Yellow Trail — climbs to the highest point in the park, with a view over Sechelt Inlet.
Orange Trail — passes an Arbutus bluff and pine-studded slopes before looping back to the main trails.
One standout landmark along the way is the Lonely Giant, a Douglas fir estimated at over 500 years old, towering above the Ancient Grove.
Trail Experience with Dogs
Hidden Groves is well loved for its dog-friendly layout — plenty of space, natural boundaries, and a quiet forest setting with minimal foot traffic. One Reddit user summed up the appeal simply, recommending it as a go-to spot for off-leash hikes up the inlet.
Dogs can romp through mossy forest floors, sniff around nurse logs, and wind through fern-canopied corridors, while owners take in the interpretive signage, ancient trees, and local history along the way.
Other Highlights & Park Management
Trail stewardship: The network is maintained almost entirely by volunteers with the Sechelt Groves Society, with funding support from community foundations and accessibility grants.
Ecological and cultural interpretation: Signage throughout shares the forest’s history — including Shíshálh Nation cedar bark stripping — alongside notes on nurse logs and old-growth remnants.
No bathroom or garbage facilities on-site: Come prepared, and pack out everything you bring in, including waste bags.
Access & parking: Parking is available along Sechelt Inlet Road, with an entrance kiosk and trail map at the start of the trail system. Accessible parking is available near the kiosk.
Visiting Tips
Trail selection: For a shorter visit, try Monty’s Way (about 500m). For a longer hike, combine the Blue, Red, and Yellow loops for 3–4km total. Trails interconnect and can be tailored to different ability levels.
Trail etiquette: Keep dogs under voice control, watch for other trail users, and pack out all waste.
Best seasons: Open year-round, though best enjoyed March–October when the undergrowth and foliage are at their most lush.
Pack essentials: Bring water and a leash; trail signage is thorough, but a map doesn’t hurt.
Hidden Groves is a gem for off-leash walks — tranquil, well-marked, ecologically rich, and entirely community-supported. With trails weaving through ancient Douglas fir and fern-draped forest, it’s a great pick for a quiet day out with your dog.
Have you been to Hidden Groves?
We haven’t had the chance to visit this trail network in person yet, but it’s on our list! Because we haven’t been there ourselves, the photo on this listing is a generic trail image and doesn’t represent Hidden Groves specifically.
If you’ve visited and have photos to share, we’d love to feature them here! We’d also love to hear your thoughts — drop a review below and help other dog owners know what to expect on the trails.
New to off-leash parks, or just want a refresher? Check out our guide to dog park etiquette before your visit.
Looking for other off-leash trails to explore with your dog? Check out or directory listings for more places to visit!
References
Vancouver Trails – Hidden Grove Trail Map & Info
Hidden Groves Official Site
Sunshine Coast Tourism – 52 Weeks of Trails (Hidden Groves)
Island Coastal Economic Trust – Trail Accessibility Funding
Coast Reporter – Hidden Grove Going to the Dogs
District of Sechelt – Off-Leash Dog Parks Listing
