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 2026: On & Off-Leash Places to Go

Share

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

Can Dogs Eat Slim Jims? Vet-Verified Nutrition Info & Risks

Dogs are known to love snack foods for humans, but can they indulge in a Slim Jim? The short answer is no, Slim...

Teacup Bichon Frise Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits

Bichon Frises are some of the fluffiest and most adorable dogs available. They have been capturing hearts for years due to their playful...

Braque Francais Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Braque Francais is a hunting dog that likely originated from very old gun dogs and pointing dogs. There are two main types...

National Hug Your Dog Day 2026: When It Is & How to Celebrate

National Hug Your Dog Day comes around each year on April 10th. It’s a day to celebrate the beauty dogs bring into the...

More related

Are Beagles Smart? Facts & Training Tips

The beagle dog breed originated in England around 1830, and since then it has become one of the most popular dog breeds in...

150 Game of Thrones-Inspired Dog Names: Ideas for Noble & Strong Pups

Game of Thrones is one of the most popular TV shows ever in the fantasy-drama genre. This show stole the hearts of many...

How Much Does Dog Grooming Cost? 2026 Price Guide

If you’ve had a dog that required routine grooming, you already have a good idea of the costs associated with it. If you’re...

How I Rescued A Greek Stray Dog: Hela’s Story

Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela. When I went...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Ginger Snaps? Vet-Verified Facts & Explanation

Ginger snaps are a spiced cookie that’s synonymous with the holiday season. They’re slightly sweet without being too overpowering, and deliciously crunchy. While you may enjoy them, ginger snaps aren’t something we recommend offering your dog. Ginger snaps aren’t inherently...

Can Dogs Eat Ginger Snaps

How to Feed Dogs With Pancreatitis: 6 Tips & Tricks

Feeding a dog with pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) can be difficult, especially when it comes to finding the right diet for them during recovery and long-term feeding. Both acute and chronic pancreatitis both require changes to your dog’s diet...

Golden Retriever dog eating

11 Best Dog Foods for Beagles in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Beagles are generally a healthy dog breed, but they can be susceptible to specific health conditions. Most Beagles tend to become overweight and obese pretty quickly, and a lot of them can have allergies and experience dry skin and coat....

Beagle eating from a bowl

7 Best Dog Foods for Corgis in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you’re the pleased and proud owner of a Corgi, you’re a lucky person indeed! Corgis are adorable but also bundles of energy and personality with a fascinating history. Whether you have a Pembroke or a Cardigan, both Corgi breeds...

Portrait of adorable Corgi

Orijen Dog Food Review 2026: Vet-Verified Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

Review Summary Orijen dog food is produced by Champion Pet Foods and is based in Canada. They have a manufacturing facility in Alberta, Canada, and the U.S. state of Kentucky, where they produce their dry food recipes. The canned recipes...

Dogster_Orijen Dog Food Review

Is There Beer for Dogs? Vet-Verified Types, Info & FAQ

When we go to restaurants, we’re usually given multiple drink options, while dogs are typically served water. However, many dog-friendly bars and restaurants have gotten creative over the years and have added beer for dogs to their menus. You don’t...

dog owner beer

Can Dogs Eat Beans? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts, Tips & Risks

Unlike their feline counterparts, dogs are omnivores and are adapted to derive nutrients from consuming both plant materials as well as animal tissue. So, you may wonder what plant material is safe for your pup. Are beans okay to offer?...

Can Dogs Eat_Beans

Is Insect-Based Dog Food Safe for My Pet? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Does the thought of eating a cricket or grasshopper make your stomach churn? Despite the “yuck” factor, many bugs are protein-rich. While you may not be interested in eating bugs, your dog might be! Insect-based pet food has hit the...

French bulldog eating from a bowl

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter