14 of the best dog-friendly beaches around Vancouver perfect for sunny days

Including some lesser-known off-leash spots your pup will love!

Excitement for warm weather is building up this month in Vancouver, and if you're eager to soak up the sun with your furry companion, what better destination than the beach?

Vancouver boasts several fantastic dog-friendly beaches, both within the city and in the surrounding areas. These beaches are ideal for spending a leisurely day under the sun or witnessing a breathtaking sunset on a warm evening.

We've compiled a list of 14 beloved local dog beaches where your pup will have a blast, especially since all of them provide off-leash areas. As long as your four-legged friend behaves well, they can freely explore to their heart's content while you work on your summer tan!

1. Spanish Banks Off-Leash Dog Park

Spanish Banks off-leash dog park is a true gem that offers the ultimate experience for both furry friends and their human companions. With its unique features and stunning surroundings, it's no wonder why this park stands out among the rest.

At Spanish Banks, you'll find a vast sandy dog-friendly beach where you can unwind and bask in the sun, all while your beloved pup enjoys a refreshing splash in the ocean waves. Alternatively, if your dog prefers to stretch their legs on land, they can freely roam the long stretches of lush grass while you soak in the breathtaking vistas of the mountains and the city.

Additionally, this dog park is conveniently connected to the picturesque trails of Pacific Spirit Park, providing an opportunity for some invigorating exercise before returning home. Don't miss out on the chance to create unforgettable memories with your furry companion at Spanish Banks off-leash dog park.

Address: 4767-4783 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC

2. Hadden Park Dog Beach

Located in the heart of Kitsilano, this dog park stands as one of the city's most renowned and sought-after destinations for dog lovers, and it's easy to see why.

With its breathtaking vistas of the majestic North Shore mountains, expansive grounds, and an invitingly relaxed ambiance, this beach boasts everything you need to unwind and create cherished moments with your furry companion on a sun-soaked day.

Address: 1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver, BC

3. Sunset Beach, Vancouver

A smaller beach in the Downtown West End, the name says it all. There are amazing sunset views in the evening, and you can enjoy watching the boats drifting in and out of False Creek. A sunny day usually means brighter and warmer evenings, so it's the perfect time to go for a sunset stroll with your pup.

Despite its handy central location, even on sunny days it doesn't get as busy as many other Vancouver beaches, so is a great choice if you and your dog like to relax.

Address: 1204 Beach Avenue (@ Bute Street), Vancouver, BC

4. Devonian Harbour Park, Coal Harbour

If you're a dog parent in Downtown Vancouver, Devonian Harbour Park is a must-visit destination. Situated north of Denman and West Georgia, this park boasts extensive lawns that have made it a beloved choice among countless Vancouver pups.

When the sun is shining, Devonian Harbour Park becomes an idyllic spot to lay down a blanket, unwind, and relish in the picturesque vistas of Coal Harbour. The grassy areas transition to a charming rocky beach, providing the perfect opportunity for your furry companion to cool off with a refreshing dip after exhilarating rounds of fetch.

Address: 1929 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC

5. New Brighton Beach

If you're looking for a smaller, quieter beach to relax in the sun while your pup enjoys a paddle, then this one is for you. Located in the Hastings-Sunrise area, on the west-side of the Second Narrows Bridge, this park offers a large fenced-in expanse of grass that active dogs will love, and stunning views that their owners will love just as much - all with the bonus of beach access to the Burrard Inlet.

Address: 3201 New Brighton Rd, Vancouver, BC

6. Fraser River Park

This park is an absolute dog haven, complete with an off-leash area, beach, water, and more, so it's a great choice on a sunny day.

If your pup loves to swim, they'll love this small beach where they can splash freely, and you can set up camp at one of several park benches and watch all the fun in the sunshine.

Bring a picnic and you can make a full day out of it, ending with a relaxing boardwalk stroll.

Address: 8705 Angus Drive, Vancouver, BC

7. John Hendry Park/Trout Lake Off-Leash Dog Beach

This spacious park is a very popular spot for local dog owners so can get a little busy during summer months, but don't let that put you off as there is plenty of green space for even large dogs to enjoy, and they will love the doggy beach! The north end of the lake is reserved for our four-legged friends, and the fresh water beach is the perfect place for dogs to cool off during sunny days, or refresh after tiring themselves out exploring.

Address: 3300 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC

8. Ambleside Park, West Vancouver

With over 8.5 acres of grassy lawns, beach access and trails, your dog will adore all the space in this lesser-known Vancouver park.

There's a great area for our four-legged friends to stretch their legs off-leash at the East end of the park, and the amazing views of the Lions Gate Bridge and Stanley Park make a stunning backdrop while you relax by the beach.

Address: 1500 Argyle Avenue West Vancouver, BC

9. King Mill’s Dog Park, North Vancouver

Another lesser-known, and very spacious, park perfect for a sunny day to avoid the crowds is King Mill's Dog Park in North Van.

As one of the few places in the City that offers water access, views across Burrard Inlet, and an off leash area and with picnic tables and sitting benches, it's ideal for a sunny afternoon out with your pup.

10. Crab Park/Portside Park

This is definitely more of a hidden gem, and is located just outside of Gastown. There is a large grassy area if your pup needs to get some running out of their system before hitting the off-leash beach across the seawall. This park also has some great views of the downtown skyline and the Coast Mountains, and gives a different view of the city than you're used to getting from the other beaches.

Address: 101 E Waterfront Rd, Vancouver, BC

11. McDonald Beach Park, Richmond

On the banks of the Fraser River, this scenic stretch of dog-friendly beach runs for several kilometres and expands at low tide, meaning there's lots of space for you and your pup to enjoy.

The cool water is perfect for your four-legged friend to take a refreshing dip on a hot day, and there's also a network of wooded trails to explore if you're dog isn't tired out from playing fetch at the large dog-friendly field here.

Another bonus - there's plenty of parking spots!

Address: 3500 McDonald Rd, Richmond

12. Iona Beach Regional Park, Richmond

Another lesser-known beach on our list is this unique spot in Richmond that your pups, and you, with love. Iona Beach Regional Park has a beautiful jetty that stretches 4 kilometers into the ocean, and although dogs are allowed off-leash on the lower roadway of the Iona Jetty, they must be on-leash on the trail so keep an eye out for signs. This is also a great spot to watch the sunset on a warm evening with your pup by your side.

Address: 900 Ferguson Rd, Richmond

13. Barnet Marine Park, Burnaby

If you prefer to stay away from the crowds on sunny days, and want to escape the city, this secluded beach at Barnet Marine Park is the perfect choice.

This park also offers wonderful views of the Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains, as well as a large grassy off-leash area running along the waterfront. Look out for signs for the off-leash areas, but once your pup gets to the beach they can run free and splash until their heart's content.

Address: 8181 Barnet Rd, Burnaby

14. Buntzen Lake Dog Beach, Anmore

If you're lucky enough to live close by this beautiful spot right now, your sunny day plans are sorted!

The separate dog beach and fenced off dog swimming area is always a winner with pups, and is a great relief for dog owners who can relax and know their furry friends are safe, and won't bother (or be bothered) by anyone in the water.

Address: 5000 Sunnyside Road, Anmore

More about GoDoggo:

GoDoggo is your ultimate dog-friendly city guide, making planning days out with your pup easier than ever. With 18 different categories ranging from restaurants, coffee shops, breweries to shopping, attractions, gyms, hikes and trails, the app helps dog owners discover and explore places based on their location, read and leave reviews from the perspective of dog owners, and learn more about the dog-friendliness of each location. Soon, the app will also have dog-friendly events. Download the app here.