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Holidays are best when the whole family can get together and enjoy the trip. And we know you consider your fur-friends are part of the family, so it’s only natural to have their best interests in mind when trip planning. We’ve sniffed out places to stay, walk, eat and of course drink for you and your dog on Vancouver Island.

South Island

From the bustling capital city of Victoria to the quieter nearby communities in the region, it’s easy to step into nature and enjoy a meal with fido by your side.

At Moka House Cook Street Village in Victoria, they love their four-legged customers as much as coffee! Place your order inside (don’t forget to ask the barista for a dog treat), before heading out to the patio to see why it’s “arguably the best patio in the city.”

About 30-minutes away is Scafe Hill. This off-leash dog hike is one of the best trails to visit with your dog. Once you’ve reached the top, stay for a while to soak in the views of Saanich and Gowlland Tod Provincial Park.

You’re going to be hungry after hiking, so visit The Fickle Fig in North Saanich. This year-round casual café and farmer’s market serves up seasonable dishes, along with an assortment of savoury and sweet treats. Dogs are welcome on the front lawn or the back outdoor patio; both are open year-round for you and your dog to sit.

Wet your whistle with a patio pint at Bad Dog Brewing Company in Sooke, good dogs allowed on the patio.

Then settle in for the evening at Sooke Harbour House; they understand that pets are part of the family. Your pup will be greeted with a big cozy bed to sleep in, along with treats, hiking trails and beach access on your doorstep.

Is your doggo more of an urban trotter? Head back into Victoria and stroll your pup down to the Oswego Hotel, where your canine companions are greeted with glee and a treat or two. They’ve even compiled a map of parks nearby for your morning business.


Must Stop Spots

Where to Stay

Part 2

Gulf Islands

Find your piece of paradise within the islands. There are lots of pet-friendly accommodations and areas in nature to please both you and your dog.
From farm-fresh produce, home-baked goods, and crafts, supporting the local artisans is a way of life across the gulf islands, and dogs are welcome to shop with you at some markets and stores, but make sure to check before entering.

Experience the outdoors, relax, play, and stay overnight with your best friend, all in one spot at Woods on Pender Island. They aim to provide an unsurpassed vacation for your pet, so they’ve put together a pet-friendly package!
For a splurge-worthy treat, stay at the Mineral Springs Resort on Salt Spring Island, and don’t miss the famous Saturday Market (April to October); there’s a doggy daycare available!

Over on Galiano Island, “Small Island, Big Fun!”, Bodega Ridge offers seaside dog-friendly accommodations with fields and wooded areas to explore when you’re looking to get out into nature on a leash or off.

Pets that stay at Mayne Island Resort settle right into island life. From fetching sticks and chasing the ball on the resort’s sandy beach, to exploring the island’s trails and other beaches; pick up a map at check in to see why this island is so unique.


Must Stop Spots

Where to Stay

Part 3

Cowichan

Famed for its award-winning vineyards, great restaurants, vibrant artist community, and rich with Indigenous history, Cowichan is your next stop on this Vancouver Island road trip.

Settle in with your morning coffee out front of True Grain in Cowichan Bay, the “Jewel of the Bay.”
When you’ve had enough sitting, make your way to Rotary Park, Duncan’s off-leash dog park. The location along the Cowichan River allows for a lot of room to run and dip into the water for a swim.

Stop in for lunch at Rusticana Coffee in Mill Bay. This peaceful spot, located off of Highway 1 allows pets on their outdoor patio. There’s also a tap available to refill the doggy dish for thirsty pups.

Chemainus Lake Park and Wul’aam’ (Echo) Park are two great off-leash options to let your dog socialize in the trails, if you’re looking for more spots to burn energy!

Wind down your day with an award-winning glass of wine in the tasting room at Unsworth Vineyards – since there is no food served inside the tasting room, dogs can join you.

After a day of exploring, you’ll be ready to check in to your pet-friendly room at Oceanfront Suites in Cowichan Bay.


Must Stop Spots

  • Rusticana Coffee

    803 Deloume Rd, Mill Bay, BC V0R 2P1
  • Unsworth Vineyards

    2915 Cameron Taggart Rd #1, Mill Bay, BC V0R 2P2
  • True Grain

    1725 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC V0R 1N0
  • Rotary Park

    545 Al Wilson Grove, Duncan, BC V9L 5E4
  • Chemainus Lake Park

    W67X+8J Chemainus, North Cowichan, BC
  • Wul'aam' (Echo) Park

    3217 Channel Blvd, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K2

Where to Stay

Part 4

Central Island

Start your day at Drip Coffee’s patio, overlooking Departure Bay Beach, with a warm drink in hand and a freshly baked good.
Now that you’re ready to get your legs moving, hike Cable Bay Trail. This off-leash hike boasts stunning ocean views.

After a morning of exploring the local forests and waterfront, you’ll need to refuel, so head to Baby Salsa for a variety of traditional Mexican dishes; dogs are allowed on the patio when it’s open throughout the warmer months.

Keep in mind; while the region is dog-friendly for most of the year, dogs are banned from the beaches located in the Parksville and Qualicum area during the Black Brant geese migration period every spring. This is an excellent time to head inland to Top Bridge Trail or to Qualicum Beach Dog Park, where dogs can explore off-leash.

If you’d prefer to get off-land, paddle the waters on your own, or join a tour with Dragonfly SUP Adventures out of Qualicum Beach. Dogs are allowed on their paddleboards, and wetsuits and booties are available for the humans to explore year-round.

Tuck in for the night in one of the dog-friendly cottages at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, or, in a private room at Qualicum Beach Inn.

You can’t leave this region without stopping in for a beer at Mount Arrowsmith Brewing in Parksville; it’s an award-winning brewery that allows dogs.


Must Stop Spots

  • Cable Bay Trail

    2645, 2705 Nicola Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9X 1N4
  • Baby Salsa

    550 Fifth St #205, Nanaimo, BC V9R 1P1
  • Drip Coffee

    2835 Departure Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9S 3X1
  • Top Bridge Trail

    249 Allsbrook Rd, Parksville, BC V9P 2A8
  • Dragonfly SUP Adventures

    2831 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2C4
  • Qualicum Beach Dog Park

    Garden Rd E Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1M6

Where to Stay

Part 5

Pacific Rim

Start your west coast adventure at “Vancouver Island’s Sweetest Secret,” Coombs Country Candy in Port Alberni. Pick out some of their finest goodies to enjoy on their patio – dogs allowed!

Walk off that sugar rush at Dry Creek Park in Port Alberni. This park is located in the middle of town, and it’s a nice place for a walk all year round.

Pescadores Bistro is conveniently located on your way out to towards the west coast. Their picnic tables open up when the weather is good; make this local favourite a must stop before heading west.

Kennedy Lake, along the Pacific Rim Highway, is the perfect stop for a freshwater dip. There are a few provincial park day-use areas that your dog has to be leashed, but there are some more off-road spots for the well-behaved off-leash type.

From spectacular hiking, soaring surf and rugged shorelines, the region is an outdoor playground for you and your pup! Dogs are allowed to visit, but they must be leashed along trails and the beaches in the area.

Sleep under the stars at Green Point Campground, or choose to stay in comfort at Tofino Marina Resort, or, curl up in your private oasis at The Cabins, where they believe that pets are very important family members.

When hunger strikes, check out these two options: Tacofino food truck and Wildside Grill, these funky locally-sourced options have outdoor seating and are located steps from one another.


Must Stop Spots

Where to Stay

Part 6

North Central Island

Dogs can be seen accompanying their owners at the local beaches and trails, and even at some restaurants – it’s almost like they are humans in some parts of this region.

Explore Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Vancouver Island’s largest year-round family resort. From dog-friendly mountainside accommodation to hiking and nordic trails (dogs have to be leashed in the provincial park!) an overnight stay should be on your list.

When you’re ready to relax sea level, head down the mountain to the Comox Valley, for ocean views and city sights, or go for a romp in the trails at Seal Bay Park. Dogs are allowed off-leash in designated trails from July 1-March 31. Head back into town to share a bite with your pup while you sip on an adult beverage at Gladstone Brewing – they too have a dog-friendly patio!

Next, hop aboard BC Ferries to the nearby islands of Denman and Hornby. Tucked in the middle of the Salish Sea, these islands are lush with sandy beaches and great hikes like Heliwell Provincial Park and Morning Beach Park, both on-leash areas.

Test your dogs’ skills at the fully fenced dog agility park, located at Willow Point Park in Campbell River. It’s designed for dog socialization and agility training.

Considered to be “Vancouver Island’s Best Kept Secret,” Brown’s Bay Resort is a seaside resort for travellers looking to surround themselves in nature. Whether you are pulling up in your boat, RV or car, this destination makes for a great overnighter for you and your family.


Must Stop Spots

  • Mount Washington Alpine Resort

    84XPPMRW+GP
  • Seal Bay Park

    Q269+G8 Courtenay, Comox-Strathcona B, BC
  • Morning Beach Park

    7600 Denman Rd, Denman Island, BC V0R 1T0
  • Heliwell Provincial Park

    Helliwell Rd, Hornby Island, BC V0R 1Z0
  • Willow Point Park

    1800 S Alder St, Campbell River, BC V9W 6W8

Where to Stay

Moka House Cook Street Village

345 Cook St, Victoria, BC V8V 3X6

Scafe Hill

FGV7+46 View Royal, British Columbia

The Fickle Fig

1780 Mills Rd, North Saanich, BC V8L 5S9

Bad Dog Brewing Company

7861 Tugwell Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0J7

Sooke Harbour House (temp closed)

1528 Whiffen Spit Road, Sooke, BC V9Z 0T4

The Oswego Hotel

500 Oswego St, Victoria, BC V8V 5C1

Saltspring Island

QGVF+G2 Fulford Harbour, British Columbia

Mineral Springs Resort

1460 N Beach Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 1J4

Salt Spring Island Market

Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2T9

WOODS on Pender

4709 Canal Rd, Pender Island, BC V0N 2M1

Mayne Island Resort

494 Arbutus Dr, Mayne Island, BC V0N 2J1

Bodega Ridge

120 Manastee Rd, Galiano Island, BC V0N 1P0

Galiano

Galiano Island, BC

Mill Bay

Mill Bay, BC

Rusticana Coffee

803 Deloume Rd, Mill Bay, BC V0R 2P1

Unsworth Vineyards

2915 Cameron Taggart Rd #1, Mill Bay, BC V0R 2P2

Oceanfront Suites

1681 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC V0R 1N0

True Grain

1725 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC V0R 1N0

Rotary Park

545 Al Wilson Grove, Duncan, BC V9L 5E4

Chemainus Lake Park

W67X+8J Chemainus, North Cowichan, BC

Wul'aam' (Echo) Park

3217 Channel Blvd, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K2

Chemainus

Chemainus, BC

Cable Bay Trail

2645, 2705 Nicola Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9X 1N4

Baby Salsa

550 Fifth St #205, Nanaimo, BC V9R 1P1

Drip Coffee

2835 Departure Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9S 3X1

Top Bridge Trail

249 Allsbrook Rd, Parksville, BC V9P 2A8

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Resort

1155 Resort Dr, Parksville, BC V9P 2E3

Mount Arrowsmith Brewing

425 Stanford Ave E #109, Parksville, BC V9P 1V9

Dragonfly SUP Adventures

2831 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2C4

Qualicum Beach Dog Park

Garden Rd E Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1M6

Qualicum Beach Inn

2690 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1G8

Port Alberni

Port Alberni, BC

Coombs Country Candy

2101 Old Nanaimo Highway Rd, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 8P4

Dry Creek Park

65QX+Q8 Port Alberni, British Columbia

Pescadores Bistro

5093 Johnston Rd, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 5L6

Kennedy Lake

2CQ9+V8 Ucluelet, BC

The Cabins

1090 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0

Green Point Campground

374H+J2 Long Beach, Alberni-Clayoquot C, BC

Tofino Resort & Marina

634 Campbell St, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0

Tacofino Food Truck

1184 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0

Wildside Grill

1180 BC-4, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0

Tofino

Tofino, BC

Mount Washington Alpine Resort

84XPPMRW+GP

Seal Bay Park

Q269+G8 Courtenay, Comox-Strathcona B, BC

Gladstone Brewing

244 4th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 1G6

Morning Beach Park

7600 Denman Rd, Denman Island, BC V0R 1T0

Heliwell Provincial Park

Helliwell Rd, Hornby Island, BC V0R 1Z0

Willow Point Park

1800 S Alder St, Campbell River, BC V9W 6W8

Brown’s Bay Resort

15021 Brown's Bay Rd, Campbell River, BC V9H 1N9