When it comes to areas where us dog owners can exercise and walk our dogs off leash, we usually get the short end of the stick.
Most off-leash dog parks within the city limits seem to be relegated to unusable land that was once a landfill, or they are underneath hydro towers and if you are not wearing appropriate footwear you risk getting shocked if the grass is damp. Sometimes the off-leash dog area is nothing more than a large kennel run where dogs get into each other's space and tempers fly from both dogs and owners.
None of these places are enjoyable, so the North Shore is very fortunate to have the areas it does for dogs to exercise off leash, but even those spots are getting crowded. If you are willing to do a bit of day tripping, you can find some really great areas you can go with your dogs that are less like outdoor penitentiaries and more like those really nice hikes non-dog-owners get to enjoy.
McDonald Beach in Richmond is a quaint spot with a series of trails that run along the mouth of the Fraser River. There is even beach access for dogs and if you time it right, you will find that you are the only one in the park.
If you are willing to travel a little bit further south, you will find yourself at Boundary Bay. The North 40 Park, as it is known, is an exceptional hiking area for dogs with a network of interlinking trails that you can walk along with your dog off leash, often never running into another dog and owner. It is especially appealing in the fall when the leaves are turning.
If you don't mind the whole dog park experience, the dog beach in White Rock at low tide gives Ambleside Beach a run for its money when it comes to beautiful places to watch the sun set with your dog. After, you can leash your dog and grab some fish and chips at one of the take-out places along the strip.
Maple Ridge has an extensive dyke system that is actually a really nice area to hike with your dog. You can park at any one of the entrances and no matter which direction you go, you will never run out of trail. Many equestrians use the dyke network, so if you are planning to walk here with your dog, keep it on leash when approaching a horse and rider.
Maple Ridge has another gem of a place to walk with your dog - Golden Ears Provincial Park. There are a number of trails where dogs are allowed off leash, so Google the park and find out the information beforehand. Like the North Shore, many of the trails at Golden Ears lead into the backcountry. If you choose to let your dog off leash, please maintain control to prevent it from chasing wildlife and/or getting lost or injured.
But you don't have to go to the backcountry to enjoy this park. There are so many trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and babbling creeks and trees covered in draping lichen. It really is a beautiful spot and well worth the drive.
There are also dog-friendly pubs just outside of the park entrance where you can enjoy a beverage and bite to eat after a long hike.
Derby Reach Regional Park is another extensive trail system located in north Langley. You can park at the off-leash dog park, Edgewater Bar, which is a great little park with trails and access to the river for dogs to swim. Then leash your dog for a hike along the Fort-to-Fort trail. If you make it all the way to Fort Langley, be sure to stop into one of the many dog-friendly coffee shops that have opened up.
If you are feeling a bit claustrophobic with the dog trails on the North Shore, plan a day trip to any one of these places with your dog and enjoy.
Joan Klucha has been working with dogs for more than 15 years in obedience, tracking and behavioural rehabilitation. Contact her through her website k9kinship.com.
