The only thing better than exploring a new city is bringing your pup along for the adventure. We are thrilled to kick-off our "Yarking Around the City" series with a dog-friendly city guide to Vancouver, curated by Jillian Harris. We love Jillian for so many reasons (her amazing sense of style!), and we're pretty much obsessed with her handsome boxer, Nacho Cilantro, whom she adopted from Mexico. We asked Jillian to share her favorite dog-friendly Vancouver hangouts. (Warning: this will make you want to pack your bags for Vancouver immediately.)
Looking for parks and beaches? Vancouver is packed with them, and the best ones are indeed dog-friendly. Fraser River Park: This park has everything your dog could want: fields for running, sand for digging, and a river for swimming. Fraser River Park even has designated areas where your dog can run off-leash year-round. Another great spot where your dog can run free on the beach is the Spanish Banks Beach Park. Your pup will enjoy the sprawling grass, beach and water while you take in a view of the North Shore Mountains and the Vancouver skyline. Want more gorgeous views and off-leash fun? Try Ambleside Park, where Jillian takes Nacho before or after filming in North Vancouver.
Dining: Vancouver has plenty of restaurants where you can leash-up your dog beside you while you dine on the patio. LOCAL Public Eatery is a favorite, as it sits right on Kits Beach. Plus, there's a hidden dog beach around the corner. Another spot to explore for good food is Granville Island. Formerly home to industrial factories, this peninsula is known for its public market, brewery and artist studios. Pick up a fresh baked dog biscuit and stroll the sea wall with your pup. Then head to the nearby restaurant, Tap and Barrel for some comfort food. Looking for dinner with a view? Check out The Mill Marine Bistro: There's no better place to take in the view, overlooking the float planes in the Vancouver Harbor while dining with your pooch.
Hiking: Vancouver has a ton of backcountry wilderness at its doorstep. Lynn Canyon is a great spot on account of its lush scenery and convenience (just about 15 km outside of Vancouver.) If your dog likes to swim, there are lots of great places to take a dip along the trails. Other awesome places to hike with your pup? Check out Quarry Rock and Deep Cove.
And lastly, If you're visiting from out-of-town, the boutique hotel Opus Vancouver takes dog-friendly lodging to the next level. There's even a off-leash dog park two blocks away.
Huge thank you to Jillian for sharing her tips and of course, to Nacho as well. You can follow Jillian and Nacho on jillianharris.com and on instagram @jillianharris and @nachocilantro. Images courtesy of @jillianharris.