Hiking with your dog is one of life’s little pleasures. Not only do you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery with your dog by your side, but hiking can also be an amazing workout too.
Whether you are looking for a hike close to the city or in need of a day trip, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite hikes across Canada to enjoy with your dog.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Lighthouse Park Trails, West Vancouver
This gorgeous park trail is dog-friendly, making it the perfect playground for your pet. If you’re looking for something a little less strenuous, this 4km trail is ideal.
Lighthouse Park is a great option for a more relaxed hike that will allow you to soak in the scenery with your dog. There are many different routes to suit any kind of hiker, so no matter whether you want to lap up the sunshine, or take a more shaded path, the options are there.
The beautiful forested trails are really popular throughout the year. The Lighthouse itself is accessible via several of the forested trails that feature many stunning viewpoints on the way up. This chill Vancouver hike is the perfect Sunday treat for you and your pup. Searching for more hikes near Vancouver? Check out Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Vancouver.
Edmonton, Alberta
North Saskatchewan River Loop Trail, SW of downtown Edmonton
Your dog will love this river trail that has everything you could want from a dog hike. The biggest challenge that most walkers have is finding the trail – it runs parallel to the river deep in the Canadian Rockies. There are a few parking options, but the best place to park is at Fort Edmonton, where you can approach the trail from the northeast corner of the parking lot.
The beautiful scenery really comes into its own in the autumn and summer months, when the leaves on the trees turn bright amber. At 5.1km, this hike is perfectly achievable for all fitness levels and is partially paved, making it perfect for those who don’t like to get muddy. Although it’s less muddy than some of the other hikes around Edmonton, parts of the trail may be muddy after snow or rain so be sure to wear sensible shoes.
If you’re looking to take time out and reunite with nature, then this loop has it all. It’s an easy river trail with stunning views, and it offers the perfect opportunity to escape the city. Getting fit with your dog has never been so easy! Looking for more hikes near Edmonton? Check out Top 5 Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Edmonton.
Toronto, Ontario
Sherwood Park, Midtown Toronto
This gorgeous little gem is located right in the heart of the city, so it’s easy to get to and won’t be an issue for dogs who don’t like long car journeys. The beautiful green park can be found on Sherwood Street in North York and features free parking and a fenced-off dog off-leash area. It’s perfect for dogs who need a little more training before they can be let off the leash in an open space.
At 5km, the walk offers enough exercise to tire your furry friend out, without it being too much effort or time out of your day. There are multiple trails that offer gorgeous boardwalks and different areas to explore, so it’s ideal for a weekend stroll. If you have a little bit of time to relax, there is a wading pool at the site which can be a nice way to cool off your feet after a long walk. For more hikes near Toronto, check out 5 Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Toronto.
Calgary, Alberta
Glenmore Reservoir Trail, South of Calgary
Glenmore Reservoir Trail is a favourite because it’s a moderately easy loop that any dog should be able to handle. It’s located just south of Calgary and offers stunning views and plenty of sunshine.
Be mindful that whilst this is the perfect spot to hike with your dog, they will need to remain on a leash as there is a paved trail for bikes that can wreak havoc at intersections. It’s also a very long trail – coming in at 15km for a round trip, so be sure to plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need. Interested in more hikes near Calgary? Check out Top Dog-Friendly Hikes in Calgary Area.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Confederation Trail, NE of Charlottetown
The Confederation Trail is a great option for those who enjoy serious hiking with their dog. It’s a long old trail that can be picked up wherever it suits you. It can take any amount of time from a few hours to a few weeks, and as such many people like to take it on in chunks throughout the year.
Starting and finishing at each tip of Prince Edward Island, this trail follows a stoney path that weaves between rich forests, rolling hills, and beautiful ocean views. It’s great for all skill levels, as it’s flat and features lots of convenience points along the trail where you can grab some food and water or go to the toilet. It extends into the heart of Charlottetown and follows the island long railway that was closed in 1989, so if full of history as well as stunning scenic views. For more hikes near Charlottetown, check out Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in the Charlottetown Area.
Moncton, New Brunswick
Hall’s Creek Trail, North of Moncton
Taking on the Hall’s Creek Trail is a perfect active day out with your dog, located right within the city. It’s a stone’s throw from central Moncton, on the north side making it perfect for those who are short on time and want to get into nature quickly. There’s a gorgeous river on this looped trail, and with a bit of elevation here and there, you and your dog will get a good workout.
The track is 5.5km in length, so it is ideal for a good 1-2 hour walk with your dog, but take note that you will need to keep your furry pal on a leash. Looking for more hikes near Moncton? Check out Top 5 Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Moncton.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Hemlock Ravine Park, 20 minutes from downtown Halifax
This park is full of history, as it was originally built as a country estate in 1780. It’s perfectly located between residential areas and urban streets, however, the hemlock trees soon swallow you up making it very easy to forget that you’re in the city. It’s located just 20 minutes away from downtown and is also on a bus route for those who prefer not to drive. There’s also a car park too, so you can travel via car if that suits you and your dog.
It’s a good length, at 4km and includes stunning looped trails. You’ll soon become your dog’s favourite person when they find out there’s an off-leash area for those dogs who like to get off the leash and run around. Plus, the hemlock trees that you’ll discover here are more than 300 years old and over 80 feet tall, making it a gorgeous route to explore in Halifax. For more hikes near Halifax, check out 5 Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Halifax.
Ottawa, Ontario
King Mountain, Gatineau Park
Aptly named King Mountain because once you get to the top and look out at the incredible view of the Ottawa Valley, you’ll feel like a king (or queen). There’s no better feeling than being on top of the city looking out with your four-legged friend. You’ll find this circle route just west of Gatineau, in the northwest area of Ottawa.
With 10 lookouts as you make the ascent, there’s plenty of places to stop and admire the views. At just 2km long, this hike is pretty short but the stairs and steep sections make it a good workout in a short amount of time. For more hikes near Ottawa, check out Top 5 Dog-Friendly Hikes in the Ottawa Area.
Kitchener, Ontario
Bechtel Park Trail, North of the centre of Kitchener
This stunning park trail is a firm favourite with dog parents. It’s a relatively easy track, at just 3.2km, but will give your dog the much needed fresh air that they crave. Located just north of the centre of Kitchener in Bechtel Park, this wood chip trail is short but very beautiful.
It’s a perfect trail for the summer months and into the fall, as the rich forested area will shade you and your dog from the sun. Although the marked walks are on-leash trails, there are off-leash areas that are fenced off so your dog can be free to roam. The perfect hike for both dog and dog parent. For more hikes near Kitchener, check out Top 5 Dog-Friendly Hikes in the Kitchener Area.
If you’ve enjoyed reading about the Top Dog-Friendly Hikes in Canada, then why not take a look at our other articles on dog walking? Our Dog Walking Archives are sure to cover all of your questions and will give you some more dog hiking inspiration.
As always, Rover is here to help with the times when you need an extra pair of hands. However, if you fancy tackling these hikes with your pet, then take a look at our ultimate dog walking playlist to get you in the mood for some serious walking.