For many Canadian families, it isn’t really a family vacation without the family pet, especially if you’re hitting the road for a camping trip.
You may have seen our blog that tells the story of how humans and dogs were practically destined to camp together and, as unlikely as it may seem, how cats can also enjoy the experience.
Fortunately for you, Canada is a pet-lover’s paradise, but before we start, let’s define what a dog-friendly hiking trail is because you’re going to see the term a lot.
Understanding dog-friendly hiking trails
- Terrain: Some trails are better suited for dogs than others. For example, trails with loose rocks or steep inclines might be more challenging for dogs.
- Shade: Trails with plenty of shade can help keep dogs cool in hot weather.
- Water sources: Having access to clean water is essential for dogs, especially on longer hikes.
- Wildlife encounters: Some trails may have encounters with wildlife, so it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions.
- Crowds: Trails with high levels of foot traffic can be overwhelming for some dogs.
Now on to our list of top pet-friendly RV parks across the country:
British Columbia
- Golden Ears Provincial Park: No, this park wasn’t named after a Golden Retriever, but for twin peaks that resemble a pair of pointed ears. Located in the lower mainland, this park offers stunning scenery and plenty of dog-friendly hiking trails. There are also designated dog-friendly areas for swimming and off-leash play.
- Porteau Cove Provincial Park: Situated on the most southerly fjord in North America, this park features a sandy beach that’s perfect for dogs to play and swim. There are also walking trails and dog-friendly campsites.
Alberta
- Elk Island National Park: Once the domain of beavers, this unique habitat also nurtured vast herds of elk, bison, and deer. The park has been designated as an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and offers excellent opportunities for observing wildlife. Dogs are allowed on most trails, but must be kept on a leash.
- Jasper National Park: Famous for being the world’s second largest dark sky preserve, this largest national park in the Canadian Rockies offers stunning mountain scenery and plenty of hiking trails for dogs. There are also designated dog-friendly areas for swimming and off-leash play.
IMPORTANT ADVISORY: Due to the recent wildfires, the park has limited services. Updates are posted on the Jasper National Park Facebook page.
Ontario
- Bon Echo Provincial Park: Located north of Kingston in southeastern Ontario, this park features the stunning 100 metre Mazinaw cliff with its over 260 indigenous pictographs. Dogs are allowed on most trails, but must be kept on leash.
- Sandbanks Provincial Park: Jutting out into Lake Ontario, this park is considered to be one of the best beach destinations in Canada. As well as boasting expansive sandy beaches and plenty of opportunities for swimming and sunbathing, it is also a bird watcher’s paradise. Dogs are allowed on most beaches, but must be kept on a leash.
Quebec
- Mont-Tremblant National Park: Named the “trembling mountain” by the Algonquins due to how the leaves flutter during strong winds, the park is a year round destination and offers world class skiing, as well as plenty of hiking trails for bipeds and quadrupeds alike. There are also designated dog-friendly areas for swimming and off-leash play.
- Parc national du Bic: Located on the lower estuary of the St. Lawrence, this park has it all – capes, bays, islands, mountains, gentle sea breezes, the sounds of the ocean and perhaps the most spectacular sunsets in Canada. There are plenty of hiking trails for dogs next to outstanding coastal scenery. You can also find designated dog-friendly areas for swimming and off-leash play.
Nova Scotia
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park: An enchanted destination, where mountains meet the ocean, visitors can explore the world-famous Cabot Trail. Enjoy the stunning coastal scenery as you hike with your furry companion on one of the many dog-friendly trails. There are also designated dog-friendly areas for swimming and off-leash play.
- Kejimkujik National Park: Travel back in time before the arrival of European settlers on canoe routes and encampments that were used by the indigenous Mi’Kamaw for thousands of years. Known for its seaside scenery, this park also features beautiful lakes and forests, ancient petroglyphs and spectacular star gazing. Dogs are allowed on most trails, but must be kept on leash.
These are just some of our favs, but Canada is blessed with many incredible parks that not only accommodate RV’s but also welcome pets, so get out there and explore and bring your four-legged companion along for the ride.