Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in British Columbia & Alberta

Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in British Columbia & Alberta

Are you looking to embark on an epic journey in B.C. with epic views and sensational scents? Our list of hikes are recommended straight from our furry friends for you to add on your bucket list.

1. Well's Gray National Park, Clearwater, BC

    Helmcken Falls provides instant gratification; this trail is the perfect place to plunk down and polish off lunch. We recommend stopping at the Hoppin' Hog to pick up finger-lickin' good BBQ before taking the scenic 41 min drive heading north on Clearwater Valley Road. 

    Within minutes of exiting your car, you are greeted with the rush of water falling into a deep pool below. This pristine picnic point will have you awestruck for several hours. Despite the short distance, Helmcken Falls is a great place to rest and recharge with your Floof (especially after a long haul on the highway).

     

    This location is quite popular, so expect to see many outdoor enthusiasts on the tight paths. Dogs must remain on a leash during this 30-minute walk. Navigating tight trails and steep embankments, keep a close eye on dogs and children during your stay.

    "From the moment we leaped out of the car, the roar of Helmcken Falls filled my ears, and I knew we were in for something special. The short walk to the falls was perfect after our long drive, and I couldn't help but feel instant joy. The air was fresh, the view was mesmerizing, and I was right where I wanted to be – with my favourite human, savouring the beauty and serenity of this incredible place.Luna

     

    2. Kalamoir Beach, West Kelowna, BC

      This one is for all the four-legged swimmers out there looking for the best place to dive for sticks and swim for their favourite ball. Kalamoir Park is a pooch's paradise! This 30.7-hectare haven along Okanagan Lake in West Kelowna offers tail-wagging fun in the sun. With beaches for a splash, an off-leash dog beach for fetch-tastic frolics, and an accessible dock for launching SUPs and floaties, there's no end to the floofin' adventures. Whether you're hiking the trails of varying difficulties or diving off the swimming platform, Kalamoir is the ulti-mutt playground for you and your pup!

       


      "A
      s soon as we arrived, I dove right in, splashing around and fetching my favourite ball. The off-leash dog beach was awesome for running and playing with new friends. I even got to try jumping off the swimming platform—what a rush! With so many trails to explore and endless water fun, Kalamoir is a floofinswimmer's paradise. My humans and I couldn't have asked for a better day of sun, sand, and wagging tails!Bruno

      3. Lochview Trail to Paul's Tomb Swimming Hole

      Paul's Tomb in Kelowna, BC, is the paw-fect playground for pooches! Nestled on the west side of Knox Mountain Park, it's like a tail-wagging treasure hunt just to get there. The trail winds through scenic splendor, leading you to a dreamy doggie destination. At the north end, you'll discover two secluded, rocky beaches—ideal for splash-tastic swimming and stick-chasing shenanigans. For adventurous pups, there are small, rocky bluffs to conquer. Whether you're picnicking, paddling, or playing, Paul's Tomb offers fur-tastic fun for dogs and their humans alike. It takes roughly takes 45 mins to 1 hour to finish (depending on how long your Floof wants to swim).

       

      "Me and my human thoroughly enjoy venturing along the Okanagan Lake shoreline. We can take a refreshing swim in the lake, and have two fantastic beach spots to relax on a sunny summer day. While this hike presents a moderate challenge, the breathtaking vistas of the valley and the lake more than compensate for the exertion.Rorschach

       

      4. Overlander Falls Long Trail, Mount Robson, BC

        The Overlander Falls trail near Valemount, British Columbia, is a 4.5-km tail-wagging treat for pets and their humans. Perfect for hiking, trail running, and a leisure walk, it’s an easy route that takes about 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete. While it's a popular spot, you can still find some peaceful moments during quieter times of the day. The best time to hit the trail is from July through September.

         

        The trail to Overlander Falls is a fur-tastic journey, winding along the river with majestic mountains. It's mostly easy, but watch for uneven terrain, tree roots, and rocks. Along the way, there are nifty viewpoints to marvel at the clear water and wicked canyon. About halfway in, you'll sniff out Hogan's Camp, the historic site of an old railway contractor. You can start your adventure near the Robson Meadows campground or the Overlander Falls rest area. 

        "As soon as we started our adventure, I was thrilled by the sights and smells along the river, with majestic mountains surrounding us. It was mostly easy, but those ups and downs, tree roots, and rocks sure kept me on my toes. The viewpoints were pawsitively stunning—I couldn't help but stop and marvel at the clear water and wicked canyon. By the end, I was dog-gone tired but so happy. This trail is truly a tail-wagging treat, perfect for a tired but satisfied pup like me!"

         

         

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