In North Vancouver we have some of the most beautiful trails and scenery in the world. If you're wondering what the best dog friendly hikes in North Vancouver are, I'm sharing 3! Luckily, we also have some amazing dog friendly trails that we have access to. I'm sharing some of my favourites AND some non-negotiable etiquette to keep everyone happy and safe!
*Don't forget; these beautiful spaces are a privilege to access with our dogs. When dog poop isn't picked up and dogs that are not suitable to be off-leash and interacting with strangers and new dogs are taken into these spaces, it's a safety issue. This is when these spaces then decide to remove access to dogs. Please follow the rules!
What you'll need:
I always recommend a small pet first aid kit
poop bags & poop caddy (never leave dog poop bags on the trail!)
leash/long line
water for you and your dog
treats and fanny pack
bear spray (season dependent)
whistle (have you whistle trained your dog?)
Should I Take My Dog Reactive Dog On Leash into Off-Leash Areas?
In my professional opinion, no. Dogs that have reactive tendencies are put into a very vulnerable position when we take them on leash into areas where stranger dogs can approach them freely. Your dog has no where to go on leash and cannot avoid them. This tends to make dogs more defensive! You are setting your dog up to fail if you decide to do this and their behaviour towards other dogs can worsen.
1. Lynn Headwaters to Norvan Falls
Location: Lynn Headwaters Park
Length: 5 hours
Difficulty: Easy-Intermediate
Busy? Yes!
Suitable for: Dogs that are dog social and have good recall
Off-leash? Once over the creek and past the 0 km gate, the trails are leash optional until Norvan Falls.
At the end of the parking lot, there is an information board and a large map with details about the trails in the area. Head north to the bridge that goes over Lynn Creek. Immediately, you’ll come to a hiker registration station where you can fill out a form and drop it in the box (just in case). Go left from the registration station, onto the wide path. The first part of the hike is easy. You will follow the flat, wide Lynn Loop Trail north through second-growth forest for 1.8 km until you come to a junction and a trail sign.
The destination is the best part about this hike! It's fairly flat and meanders and is accessible to most. It is a longer hike so be prepared and try to aim for a nice sunny day.
2. Quarry Rock: Deep Cove
Location: Deep Cove
Length: 2 hours, 3.8km
Difficulty: Intermediate
Busy? Yes! Especially in the summer
Parking: parking in Deep Cove is very difficult to find during the summer as well, I do recommend planning for that.
Suitable for: Dogs that are dog social and have good recall and can do stairs
Off-leash? Yes
CAUTION: I recommend you leash your dog at the viewpoint! It is very steep and there is a big danger of a dog going over the side.
Quarry Rock hike is such a beautiful hike with a viewpoint that is stunning. Who better to enjoy it with than your dog? I have hiked this trail many times over the last ten years. My only gripe is going to be how the volume has increased so it's less about peace and solitude and has become a destination type hike. There is nothing wrong with this if that is what you are prepared for and plan accordingly.
3. Dog Mountain
Location: Mount Seymour
Length: 2 hours, 5km
Difficulty: Intermediate
Busy? On weekends yes
Parking: P4 parking lot
Suitable for: Dogs that are dog social and have the fitness level required
Off-leash? No, dogs must be on leash although many sadly are not. I don't recommend bringing dogs with reactivity here as people are letting their dogs off leash even though they should not
CAUTION: Again, I recommend you leash your dog at the viewpoint! It is very steep and there is a big danger of a dog going over the side.
I have hiked this trail many times in the past. As with any other beautiful hike with a view summit, you'll want to time your hike as best you can to avoid crowds. It is an ON LEASH area but sadly you may run into off leash dogs so be prepared! Especially if your dog needs space, advocate for that!
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