12 Dog-Friendly Trails in Squamish
Posted on: August 1, 2020
12 Dog-Friendly Trails in Squamish
Squamish is about as dog-friendly as it gets. From pet-friendly hotels to dogs bowls outside the Squamish Visitor Centre, you can be confident that when you bring your pooch to Squamish, you will both be in for a treat.
While a treat for you may be a post-hike growler fill at a local brewery, your dog will be wagging his tail the entire day exploring Squamish's trails.
It is important to note that while many Squamish trails are dog-friendly, due to the fragile environment, Garibaldi Park is strictly off-limits to pets.
For a list of our favourites check out these pooch-centric classics where you can walk foot beside paw. Just remember to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after your pet!
Quick Strolls
Squamish Dyke Trails
If you are after a quick stroll to limber up the legs a jaunt on one of Squamish's Dykes is your best bet. Dykes run beside the Stawamus, Mamquam and Squamish Rivers, each offers a flat walk with riverside beauty and a bounty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Length: Varies
Duration: Up to 3 hours
Ray Peters Trail
A popular spot for trail runners and mountain bikers, the Ray Peters Trail weaves around the forest next to the Sea to Sky highway and is full of loamy, rooty routes any dog will love. Also an excellent place for stick finding and squirrel chasing fun. You can access the trail by parking in the lower lot at Don Ross School.
Length: Varies
Duration:Up to 3 hours
Squamish Estuary
Located at the tip of the Howe Sound and bordered by the Spit on the west, the Squamish Estuary provides some of the best, unobstructed views of the Stawamus Chief and is home to hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife. You and your dog can take a walk through the estuary’s salt marshes and pass some time trying to spot kayakers and marine life. Please be respectful of the wildlife and keep your dog on a leash.
Length: Varies
Duration: Up to 2 hours
Afternoon Walks
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Brohm Lake Loop
The trail around Brohm Lake gently winds up and down around the lake, you will pass by rope swings, rocky cliffs, wooden bridges and plenty of lush rainforest terrain. There are sections of stairs, downhill, and flat trail. All together it should take around 1-2 hours to complete, enough time to warrant a post-hike stop at a local eatery and maybe even a post-walk swim for Fido.
Length: 3.5 km
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Smoke Bluffs Loop A haven for climbers and crag dogs alike, there are always plenty of K9's hanging around Smoke Bluffs Park. On a sunny day, a loop around "The Bluffs" is as much an exciting spectacle as it is a beautiful loop. Watch climbers dotting the rocks and give your dog the admiration it craves as all the passersby come over to say hello to your beloved four-legged friend.
Length: 2.3 km
Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
The Murrin Park Loop is a 1.8km loop is of intermediate difficulty and meanders through the heart of Murrin Lake Provincial Park. It is the trail used to access most of the rock climbs in the area and offers stunning views of Howe Sound and a glimpse into the world of rock climbing.
Length: 1.8 km
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Weekend Hikes
Stawamus Chief
While dogs are permitted on the Stawamus Chief Trails, the ascent up to the first peak is not for the faint of heart. There are small ladders and a few sets of chains your dog must brave. Many doting dog owners have been known to provide a boost for some sections while larger dogs can often tackle the obstacles on their own. All pooches who get to the top will be rewarded with sips of water pooling in the pockets of rock and the praise of many humans who struggled themselves to get to the peak.
Length: 7 km
Duration: 3 - 6 hours
Sea to Summit Trail A 7.5 km one-way trail that follows the steep path up to the Sea to Sky Gondola. You and your dog can hike together the entire way up, when you get to the top there is a small pet tie off area where you can leave your pup to socialise while you check out the gondola's amenities. Dogs are permitted in the backcountry but are not allowed on the suspension bridge or the maintained trail network. When you are ready to head back, you and your dog may download the Gondola for $15 each, or continue your hike back down the Sea to Summit Trail.
Length: 7.5 km (one way)
Duration: 3 - 5 hours
High Falls Creek
If you are looking for a challenge the steep, almost scrambly trail up to High Falls is exactly what you may be searching for. Located in beautiful Upper Squamish, High Falls is one of those under the radar hikes just waiting to be discovered. There are a few chains to assist you to the top; however, most dogs handle these with ease, gently urging their human counterparts to move a little faster. Once you reach the falls, you can choose to turn around or take the loop trail back to your car.
Length: 11 km
Duration: 4 - 5 hours
Four Lakes Trail One of the most popular four-legged trails in Squamish, the Four Lakes Trail is a thing of beauty. Wander by four stunning lakes nestled inside a jungle of towering trees and thick mossy undergrowth. While dogs are free to explore the trails, the Alice Lake beach is off limits, please be mindful and keep tight leashes in this area.
Length: 6.5 km
Duration: 2 - 3 hours
Off-Leash Areas
Eagle Wind Dog Park Located behind Save On Foods, just off Bailey Street is Squamish's off-leash sanctuary–Eagle Wind Dog Park. The park is fully fenced so you can unclip collars and let the dogs run free.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
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Thinking of staying the night? You don't have to leave your dog at home; there are plenty of dog-friendly accommodations that will go the extra mile to make sure you and your best friend are comfortable.