Whether you want to snuggle with your furry friend in the comfort of a pet-friendly hotel or spend the day together on dog-friendly backcountry trails, this ultimate guide of dog-friendly activities, pet-friendly accommodations and things to do with your pets will help you plan your next dog-friendly vacation in Whistler.
Travelling with pets in Whistler: What to expect
Before you go
- Make sure your pet has current rabies vaccinations and papers, unless they are under three months old you ( must be in good health when they arrive).
- Ensure your pet is wearing a valid license for your home community and has up-to-date identification in case they get lost.
- Visitors travelling with a service dog must register them in BC to enjoy access under the Guide and Service Dog Act.
Rules to follow in Whistler
- Dogs must be on-leash at all times within Whistler, except in designated off-leash areas
- Please pick up after your dog; the Whistler Municipality provides compostable dog waste bags along the Valley Trail and in designated areas
- Dogs are not allowed on many of Whistler’s signature hiking trails, including Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, Rainbow alpine trails, Skywalk Trail and in Provincial Parks
- Do not leave your animal unattended in a parked car in warm weather – animals can overheat quickly, even with windows down for air circulation – see Whistler's Animal Regulations
- Never let your pet out at night; there are predators that are well adapted to Whistler's environment that will think of your pet as food
- Whistler receives a lot of snow in winter – small dogs may have difficulty getting around in unplowed areas or require a coat to stay warm.
- Dogs are not allowed to be tethered and left unattended anywhere in Whistler, this includes outside shops and restaurants. They are also not permitted to sit with you inside a restaurant or outside on the patio due to health code regulations.
- Although many hotels welcome dogs, owners are not permitted to leave them unattended in rooms.
Our packing checklist:
- Leash
- Extra collar
- Food and water bowls
- Compostable doggy bags and bag dispenser
- Toys
- Pet First Aid Kit and medication (if required)
- Dog shampoo
- A dog bed or blanket
- Food and treats
Dog-friendly activities
There's no doubt that Whistler's outdoors call to our dogs as much as it does us. Whether you're into hiking, walking, swimming, or simply relaxing in nature, you can both enjoy some of your favourite activities together at those dog-friendly parks and trails.
Dog-Friendly Parks
Arfa Lake Dog Park and Dock at Alpha Lake – Located on Lake Placid Road, this park is fenced on three sides. Great to play fetch or take a dip in the lake.
Barking Bay at Rainbow Park – Tough not fenced, this area has dog dock with ramp and a grassy area.
Bayly Park at Cheakamus Crossing – This is a full fenced, off-leash area that also includes an agility course.
Canine Cove at Lost Lake Park – A simple beach that is perfect to cool off after a day of hiking.
Spruce Grove Park at Spruce Grove – Dogs are welcome to use the fields (not fenced) when they’re not occupied.
Note: Except for designated dog beaches, dogs are not permitted on public beaches for public health reasons, playgrounds and waterparks for safety reasons.
Easy dog-friendly hiking trails in and around Whistler
Whistler Lost Lake: Located within walking distance of the Whistler Village, these trails encircle the iconic Lost Lake. The easiest, most direct loop around the lake is about a 1.5 hour walk making it perfect for a morning outing, or a short afternoon jaunt. If you have more time, you can spend the better part of the day getting “lost” in the network of trails that weaves through the forest on the rolling hillside surrounding the lake. In the summer months, the lake is perfect for fishing and swimming. There is a sandy beach on the lake’s south shore, that is backed by with a grassy picnic area that is perfect for afternoon barbeques. On the eastern shore, make sure to stop by “Canine Cove at Lost Lake,” a popular dog beach and floating dog dock. The dog dock even has a ramp from the water so that swimming dogs can easily get back onto the dock.
The Valley trail: 40 km network of paved multi-use trail that spans Whislter from Alpine to Cheakamus, encircling the town’s lakes, connecting town’s major neighborhoods and landmarks.
Ancient Cedars Trail: As the name suggests, the mellow trail (5 km; 2h round trip) winds through a the forest, leading to a breathtaking grove of Ancient Cedars and access to a view of Cougar Lake. To access the trailhead, drive 16 km north of Whistler Village (past green Lake); turn left at the signs for “Cougar Mountain,” and then follow the signs 4.5 km up the logging road. Access in the winter can be quite difficult and sometimes impossible even with 4×4 and snow tires.
Riverside Trail/ Farside Trail: These gentle, well-maintained trails course along either bank of the beautiful green Cheakamus river. Trail access begins at the “Interpretive Forest” in in Function Junction, just a 10 minute (8km) drive south of the Whistler village. About 1.5 km up the trail, a cool suspension bridge crosses the river and links the two trails; from there the Riverside Trail (along the south side of the river) continues for several kilometers. When you are done hiking, you can swing by Olive’s Market for a healthy lunch (an Organic market with the best salad bar in town plus gourmet sandwiches, soups and smoothies), and grab Fido a snack down the road at Happy Pets.
Whistler Train Wreck: This is an easy (less than 5 km roundtrip and relatively flat) hiking trail, which leads to an old train wreck, which has been converted into an ourtdoor museum of grafitti art. The trail begins just 10 minute (8km) drive south of Whistler Village in Function Junction.
Nairn Falls: It is an easy 1.2 km walk on a well-marked well-maintained trail to the beautiful falls. Accessible year-round from the parking lot of Nairn Falls Provincial Park, located 30 km north of Whistler.
Adventure hikes
Mount Brew: Mount Brew is a lightly trafficked hike located just a short drive south of Whistler. Sitting at the base of Mount Brew, Brew Lake lays in a gorgeous alpine valley. The hike is steep and involves some technical scrambling and route-finding that may be difficult for certain dogs (or people) so only agile and energetic dogs (and people) should attempt this trail. There are 2 ways to reach the lake and mountain, one from Roe Creek, and one from Brew FSR. Both routes are still relatively unknown which makes them serene yet wild hikes.
Brandywine Meadows: Located just south of Whistler, the relatively short, but steep hike brings you to a scenic meadow with a serene creek that meanders through the grass. Walk the beautiful path, among majestic mountains and glaciers. Brandywine Meadows is very remote and wild by comparison to other Whistler hiking trails, which makes it a great adventure hike to undertake with your pawl.
Cirque Lake: A wild and beautiful lake that is hidden above Callaghan Lake. It's an adventure itself to get there: you'll need a vehicle to take you up a long gravel road, a floating embarkation to take you across the lake, and some good hiking boots to take you up the short, but steep and muddy trail. The remoteness and the effort to get there makes this a very special and uncrowded wild place.
Snowshoeing adventures
Visit https://littlepinepet.com/blogs/mountain-journal/the-best-free-dog-friendly-snowshoeing-trails-to-do-in-the-sea-to-sky-corridor-this-winter
Find a pet-friendly accommodation
- Listel Hotel Whistler
- Pinnacle Hotel
- Tantalus Resort Lodge
- Aava Hotel
- Adara Hotel
- Blackcomb Springs Suites
- Crystal Lodge
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites
- Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel
- Evolution
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler
- Four Seasons Resort Whistler
- Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa
- Nita Lake lodge
- Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre
- The Westin Resort and Spa
Services
Dog Sitters, Walkers and Trainers
- Alpine Dogs
- Whistler Dog Nanny
- Whistler Dog Sitting
- Whistler Dog Walker
Pet groomers
Whistler Wag
Veterinary Clinic
Coast Mountain
