Whistler's Dog-Friendly Parks and Trails


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.

Meadow Park Ballfield – Dogs off-leash are permitted inside the field areas when the fields are not in use.

Note: Except for designated dog beaches, dogs are not permitted on public beaches for public health reasons, playgrounds and waterparks for safety reasons.

Winter Only: The Valley Trail is groomed for multi-use (off leash dogs permitted) activities as snow amounts allow in the following sections:

  • Rainbow Park to Meadow Park Sports Centre
  • From Fitzsimmons Trail to PassivHaus
  • Riverside Campground dyke at Mons Road along Green Lake at Nicklaus North to Alpine Way

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.

Sea to Sky Trail:  A 180 kilometre multi-use trail that runs from Squamish to D'Arcy. The Whistler section of the Sea to Sky Trail is 33 kilometres long between Brandywine Falls Provincial Park and WedgeWoods Estates.

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.


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