Has your dog been wanting to get out to the water? Does she/he love digging holes in the dirt and playing in the sand? Does she/he secretly seem to enjoy tracking it all into your car afterwards? Then Kitsilano Dog Beach is the place for you.

Kitsilano Dog Beach, located between trendy Kits Point and tourist-touted Granville Island, is an official off-leash area where so your companion is welcome to roam and sniff. The beach, more formally known as Hadden Park, has stunning views of the North Shore mountains and the Vancouver skyline. Enjoy the western-facing view and soak up the sunset while your buddy makes a splash in the water – the perfect end to any Kitsilano day.

On a sunny day, the Park is full of wagging tails taking advantage of the off-leash, semi-protected area. 

The seemingly never-ending amount of driftwood and unbeatable sticks, both in quantity and quality, brings in dogs from all over Vancouver. Your pup will thank you later. 

This West Coast oasis is relatively protected from the hustle and bustle of Kits Point, perhaps one of the most iconic and sought-after places to live in the Lower Mainland. While the beach and the grass area is not fenced off, the small cove is far enough away that pups can traverse safely.

Here are some things to do around Kits Dog Beach to make your puppy-person bonding day an unforgettable one.

What to do:

Get some brunch

Check out the cute cafes scattered around Kits Point. Kits Beach Coffee on Cornwall Avenue is a local gem and a great spot for a quick coffee pitstop. Or, walk up Cornwall to the authentic and Van-famous Siegel’s Bagels. 

If you have some extra time on your hands, Pep & Pup recommends strolling straight up from Kitsilano Beach to Fourth Avenue and enjoying a lumberjack breakfast or an eggs benny at Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe, a retro diner and Vancouver favourite. 

Go for a swim

Unlike beaches in the downtown core, Kits Dog Beach is just far enough away from the bustle of cargo ships that the waters are clean (ish) and safe for you and your pup to take a dip. If swimming isn’t your thing, opt for a walk instead.

Go on a seawall stroll from Granville Island to Kitsilano Pool 

The 3.6 km walk is the perfect place for you and your companion to get some exercise and take in some of Vancouver’s stunning attractions. Start at Granville Island, one of the best places in Vancouver to shop and explore. What was once an industrial park has successfully become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and a hub for markets and entertainment. 

You will see marinas, museums, and lots of good eats to stop in on your way. When you get closer to the Kitsilano area, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for marine life, such as seals and songbirds. You may even be able to do some whale watching depending on the day. 

Pros: the walk is easily accessible and has some of the best views of the city and the mountains. 

Cons: it can get a bit congested on busy days. 

Canoe or standup paddle

If your pup has been wanting to get out on the water, paddleboarding may be just what the two of you need. The calm waters make Kits Dog Beach the perfect place for some watersports. 

Grab drinks

You’ve already worked out this week and walking/paddleboarding/swimming isn’t on the agenda today. Instead, grab a sunny spot on the puppy-friendly patio at LOCAL Public Eatery just west of Kits Dog Beach on Cornwall Avenue and Yew Street.

What to know:

Size of off-leash area: medium

Dog features: swimming areas, lots of other pups to befriend, and grade-A fetch material.

Other features: washrooms available.

Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible parking and wheelchair-accessible entrance.

Rating on Google Maps: 4.7 – 428 Google Reviews