Tight on time? These short and scenic local walks can be completed during your lunch break, and your pup will love them!
If you want to get outdoors with your pup during your lunch breaks, but need some inspiration for short, easy walks around the city, we've got you covered.
These 6 scenic Vancouver dog walks take less than 1.5 hours to complete, and are just as enjoyable for you as they are for your four legged bestie.
1. Stanley Park Seawall
You may not make it the whole way round during you lunch break, but even a small way into this 9km stretch is worth the walk.
With lush greenery, water and beaches, Stanley Park is the perfect place to walk your dog in the city, and if you haven't done it for a while, it's the perfect way to remind yourself why its one of Vancouver's most famous attractions.
2. False Creek Seawall
Sometimes it's easy to take the beauty of your city for granted, so a quick lunch break is the perfect time to soak it in while strolling along the world-class walking path with you pup.
If you have a little time, you can also stop off at Charleson Dog Park so your pup can burn off some energy off-leash.
If you're looking for a shorter walk with amazing city views, then we'd recommend the the south side of False Creek Seawall, a 2.17km stretch 2.17 kilometres, spanning the distance between the Cambie Street Bridge and Granville Island.
Depending on how much exercise you and your pup are looking for, the Seawall connects English Bay with Science World, Granville Island and Kitsilano Beach.
Situated next to UBC, in the Point Grey neighbourhood, just a 10-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver, Pacific Regional Park has over 55km of trails to walk through beautiful, peaceful woods – and there's no wrong choice!
Not all these trails are leash-optional, but a lot of them are, so check out this map to help you plan your route. Accessible all year round, the area is very well equipped for dog owners with poop bag stations and red ‘poop’ bins around the trails.
With so many trails to choose from, you can choose yours depending on how much - or how little - time you have and your pup can explore while you enjoy the relaxation of escaping the city.
Just as beautiful in the winter months as it is in the summer, if you want a short trail that can be completed in 1.5 hours, that will work up a bit of a sweat, then Bowen Lookout is a great choice.
Located in West Vancouver, near the Cypress Mountain ski area and overlooking Howe Sound, the spectacular views are well worth the steep climb, and your pup will love every minute of it – just be sure to keep them on leash!
The hike is free but requires a BAC-access tag from the Black Mountain Lodge first during winter months, so don’t forget to pick it up before setting off.
Who doesn't love the beach?! This dog park really is the best of both worlds, with a sprawling sandy beach where you can relax while your pup burns off some energy splashing in the ocean, or if your dog prefers, they can run up and down the long expanses of grass while you take in the stunning views.
It's also connected to some beautiful trails in Pacific Spirit Park if you want a longer walk before heading home!
If you want a nice, flat, scenic walk that you can easily complete in less than an hour, then Queen Elizabeth Park should be on your list. At 152m above sea level, the highest point of the city, Queen Elizabeth Park has some amazing views of Vancouver, and although your dogs won't care much about the views, they'll love being by your side as you explore the gardens and walking trails.
There's also a large off-leash area next to the tennis courts on 37th Avenue if your pup wants to burn off some extra energy!
Dog-walking Essentials
Before you head for your next dog walk, consider taking these 7 essentials with you to ensure a safe and comfortable walk for your pup!
1) Good walking shoes and a warm sweater
Good walking shoes is always a must, but it's especially important in this cold Vancouver weather to wrap up warm.
2) Mini flashlight
It can get dark very quickly, and if you’re walking your dog late afternoon or evening, it’s always a good idea to have a flashlight with you. It can easily fit in your pocket and can come in very handy!
3) Illuminated or reflective collar
We also recommend an LED Safety Necklace to keep your pup safe and visible for cars, bikers when you take your pup out when it's getting dark. The Nite Ize NiteHowl available at Discover Dogs is a great option.
3) A good leash and harness
This one goes without saying. You can't take your dog for a walk without a good quality leash, collar and harness to ensure they stay safe and close, while also feeling comfortable and able to enjoy the walk.
It's also a good idea to have a spare leash just in case one breaks! We recommend Sunshine Pup Co for high quality (and cute!) harnesses and leashes.
5) Portable water bottle
Taking a portable bottle of water to hydrate while walking is always a good idea, as you can also give some to your pup if there's no water around. Depending on the time of day, you may also want to take a portable tumbler to have a warm cup of coffee on your walk. Caffeine and fresh air are a great mix for a refreshing lunch break!
We love the Prado Cafe tumbler as it's perfect when you're on the go, whether you want to grab coffee quickly from home or have it filled up at Prado Cafe on the way.
6) Poop bags
It's just part of the job as a dog owner, but you need to be responsible and pick up after your pup! So, don't leave for your walk without poop bags so you are always prepared!
We recommend Earth Rated poop bags as they are cruelty free and also have a Lavender scented option.
7) Dry Towel
It's always a good idea to have a dry towel with you after a messy walk that encounters mud or puddles on a rainy day, a sandy beach and swim or some play time at a park.
We love Scruffs® Noodle Drying Towel, available at Discover Dogs, as it's extremely absorbent, easily soaking up excess moisture, and enabling your dogs’ coat to dry quickly after a wet and muddy walk.
National Walking The Dog Giveaway
PawSwap's latest giveaway is giving one lucky winner the chance to win a prize pack, valued at over $250, featuring all the items from local companies mentioned above, and more. Prizes include:
Leash and harness from Sunshine Pup Co
Dry towel, LED Safety Necklace & toy from Discover Dogs
$40 gift card and tumbler from Prado Cafe
Dog-owner sweater and goodie bag from PawSwap App
Sign up below to be automatically entered into the giveaway. We’ll also add you to our newsletter, but don’t worry! It’s just once a week and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Find more ways to enter on PawSwap's Instagram page. Contest closes on February 26, 2021.