Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Top 11 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Vancouver in 2025: On & Off-Leash Places to Go

Great Dane by the beach

Vancouver is known for its mild climate and gorgeous mountain and ocean views, which makes it a popular place to live or visit. And because Vancouver is on the west coast of Canada, this provides many beach and swimming opportunities!

And luckily, Vancouver has a host of beaches that are most definitely dog friendly. Therefore, we’re listing the top 11 beaches in Vancouver (although a few are a bit of a drive) that welcome dogs.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

The 11 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Vancouver, British Columbia

1. Ambleside Beach

️ Address: West Vancouver, V7T 1C1
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas
  • Located in West Vancouver
  • Off-leash dog park in the east section of the park
  • 6 acres of trails, grass, and beach
  • Scenic views of Stanley Park and the Lion’s Gate Bridge
  • Beautiful seawall walking paths

2. Buntzen Lake

️ Address: 5000 Sunnyside Rd., Anmore V3H 4Z2
Open Times: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas
  • Located close to Anmore, roughly 30 minutes from Vancouver
  • Features a fenced-off swimming area for your dog
  • Gorgeous views and hiking trails
  • Parking is free but must be booked in advance through BC Hydro
  • It’s a long hike, but check out the Diez Vistas for an incredible view!

3. CRAB Park

️ Address: 101 E Waterfront Rd, Vancouver V6A 4K3
Open Times: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas
  • Off-leash grassy and beach area for some play and cooling-off
  • Quiet park located close to Gastown
  • Also has playgrounds, a spray/water park, and picnic areas
  • Lots of benches to choose from for a rest or to take in the view

4. Devonian Harbour Park

️ Address: 1929 W Georgia St., Vancouver V6G 2W9
Open Times: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas
  • Next to the Coal Harbour area
  • The park is almost 11 acres large
  • Off-leash areas include a partially fenced-off grassy space and the beach
  • Very nice walking trails
  • Features a large pond and some statues

5. Fraser River Park

️ Address: 8705 Angus Dr., Vancouver V6P 6G2
Open Times: Dawn to Dusk
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas
  • Off-leash dog area includes the beach and grassy area, as well as walking along the boardwalk
  • Keep an eye out for signs for leashing your dog
  • Quiet spot great for relaxing and having a picnic
  • Plenty of driftwood logs to sit or even walk on
  • Not as accessible as other parks, so it tends to be quieter

6. Hadden Park

️ Address: 1000 Chestnut St., Vancouver V6J 3J9
Open Times: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas
  • Hadden Park is between Granville Island and Kitsilano Beach
  • Kits Dog Beach is off-leash and features grassy areas to run and a sandy beach to explore
  • Take a look at the 100-foot totem pole carved by Kwakiutl Chief Mungo Martin from an old (600 years!) cedar tree while you’re there
  • Gorgeous scenic views of the North Shore mountains and English Bay
  • Lots of driftwood logs to climb and sit on

7. John Hendry Park

️ Address: Lakewood Dr., E 13th Ave, Vancouver V5N 5W8
Open Times: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas
  • John Hendry Park is also known as Trout Lake and is found in East Vancouver
  • The shores of the lake are sandy, and dogs are allowed off-leash at the north end of the lake
  • Look for meetups posted by other dog owners for socializing and events
  • There’s a Saturday Farmer’s Market in the summer that welcomes on-leash dogs
  • There are picnic areas, and BBQs are permitted

8. McDonald Beach Park

️ Address: 3500 McDonald Rd., Richmond V7B 1M4
Open Times: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas
  • 26-acre park found in Richmond
  • The beach is several kilometres and gets bigger at low tide
  • There are a number of wooded trails to hike
  • A large field for running and playing fetch is available as well
  • You can watch airplanes as well as working boats on the river

9. New Brighton Park

️ Address: 3201 New Brighton Rd., Vancouver V5K 0A1
Open Times: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas
  • Located in the Hastings-Sunrise area
  • Small beach area to the right of the park is for dogs
  • There’s an additional very large, enclosed dog park for your pup to enjoy
  • There are a number of great hiking and walking trails
  • There is a concession stand, playgrounds, and a picnic site

10. Spanish Banks Beach

️ Address: 4801 NW Marine Dr., Vancouver V6T 1E2
Open Times: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Parking fees
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas
  • Large off-leash area for dogs can be found at the farthest west part of Spanish Banks
  • Generally quiet, pebbly beach with a rocky shoreline
  • Great spot to watch the sunset
  • Concession stands are available for snacking
  • A number of trails are available, including the Canyon Trail loop, which will take you into the woods

11. Sunset Beach Park

️ Address: 1204 Beach Ave., Vancouver V6E 1V3
Open Times: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Parking fees
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas
  • This quiet beach is found in the West End of Vancouver
  • Not a surprise that this is a beautiful spot to take in the sunset
  • Lots of sand and a great place for dogs to swim and socialize
  • You can access the seawall for an extended walk – just be sure to leash your dog
  • There are lifeguards at this location from late May to early September

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Final Thoughts

You really can’t beat the views in and around Vancouver, and what better way to enjoy the scenery than unwinding at a beach with your dog!

It’s quite important that you follow the rules – know what beaches allow dogs and when to put the leash on. Fines can be pretty hefty if you get caught breaking any of the city’s rules.

Remember to bring everything you need for a day out with your best friend, which means poop bags are essential, as are water, toys, snacks, and a leash. This way, you’ll both enjoy a beautiful and stress-free day at the beach!


Featured Image Credit: everydoghasastory, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

10 Nicest Off-Leash Dog Parks in San Diego, CA (2025 Update)

If you’re a dog owner, there are not a lot of cities with more to offer than San Diego, CA. The weather is...

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Adelaide, Australia (2025 Update): Off- & On-Leash Places

Vacationing with your dog is great fun, as most dogs love to go for a ride in the car, especially to a place...

Plott Hound Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Facts, & Traits

The Plott Hound is a sleek, spry, and devout companion known for their short brindle coats and athleticism. Bred to hunt big game,...

Do Golden Retrievers Shed? Vet-Approved Facts & Grooming Tips

The Golden Retriever is a beloved breed that has won affection across the globe. Even though they can warm the hardest hearts with...

More related

Feeding Senior Dogs: Vet-Verified Tips & Understanding Nutritional Needs

Our senior pups have hopefully lived a long, happy life, and they deserve to continue even as they age. When our dogs start...

To Dock or Not to Dock a Rottweiler’s Tail? Vet-Verified Legality, Ethics, Behavior

If you are getting a Rottweiler puppy, your breeder may have asked if you want their tail docked. Even though many Rottweiler owners...

How to Deworm a Puppy: Vet Explained Facts, Signs & Treatment Guide

New puppy owners are in for a very packed social schedule with their veterinary clinic. While most already know about staying on top...

Why Do We Love Dogs So Much? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

It is no secret that people with pets have an infinite love for the furry, scaly, or feathery creatures they share their home...

Keep reading

Victor Dog Food vs Purina Pro Plan: 2025 Comparison, Pros & Cons

With so many pet foods on the market, it can be daunting to choose the right one for your dog. Naturally, we want the best for our pups, but the sheer number of brands, ingredients, options, and more can lead...

Dogster_Dog Food Victor VS Purina Pro Plan

10 Best Dog Foods for Shedding in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

It can be frustrating when your dog leaves behind a mountain of hair on the sofa or in its bed. Shedding is natural and can’t be stopped completely but improving skin and coat condition can help reduce shedding. Shedding or...

german shepherd eating dog food outdoors

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Tomatoes? Vet Approved Nutrition Facts & Advice

Cherry tomatoes are just about the perfect human snack. The small bright red treats are just the right size to pop in your mouth for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, and they’re great when sliced in half and added to salads or...

Can Dogs Eat_cherry tomatoes

Can Dogs Eat Corn Flakes? Vet-Approved Advice & Precautions

You wake up in the morning and enjoy a bowl of corn flakes for breakfast. While enjoying your breakfast, you notice your dog looking at you intently, begging to have a bite of whatever delicious food you’re eating. As a...

Can Dogs Eat_Corn Flakes

Can Dogs Eat Sausages? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Dogs are masters of eating things they shouldn’t, whether it’s stealing food from our plates or tasting that new plant you bought. When it comes to human food, plenty of things are safe for them (though not necessarily healthy), but...

Can Dogs Eat Sausages

Kirkland vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food Comparison 2025: Which Is Better?

Choosing the right food for your dog should be simple, right? We get it—with countless brands, endless ingredient lists, and ever-evolving advice on what’s best for each dog, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. What’s truly healthy for our furry friends?...

Dogster_Dog Food Kirkland VS Blue Buffalo

8 Best Puppy Foods for Medium Breeds in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Shopping for the right food for your new puppy can be a bit overwhelming. Any dog lover knows that the food choices on the market today are seemingly endless. Even if you’re a brand-new dog owner, all you have to...

cocker spaniel in grass field

Do Dogs Eat More Food in Winter? Vet-Verified Feeding Guide

You may have noticed that your dog tends to eat more as the season grows colder, and you may be wondering if that is normal. Don’t worry; it is perfectly normal for dogs to be hungrier in the winter. As...

close up of a dog eating from the bowl