Last Updated on October 12, 2026 by Explore Vancouver
Vancouver has more than 30 designated dog off-leash areas, from fenced city runs in Yaletown and Olympic Village to open beaches at Spanish Banks and Hadden Park. This guide covers the best dog parks in Vancouver and nearby, with notes on beach access, fencing and what to expect at each one.
Outside a designated off-leash area, dogs must be on a leash in Vancouver parks, and dogs are only allowed on beaches that have a designated off-leash area. Off-leash hours vary from park to park and are posted on site, so check the signs before you let your dog loose.
New Brighton Park
New Brighton Park sits on Burrard Inlet in East Vancouver, and the Park Board lists two off-leash sections here, one on the east side and one on the west. It is one of the few places in the city where your dog can run off leash with real harbour views, which is why “New Brighton dog park” and “New Brighton dog beach” are such common searches.
Dogs are only allowed on Vancouver beaches that have a designated off-leash area, and New Brighton is one of them. Stay inside the signed boundaries, and expect the rest of the park, including the pool area and picnic lawns, to be leash only.
Read our New Brighton Park guide
Spanish Banks Beach Park
Spanish Banks has one of the largest off-leash areas in the city, and it sits on the far west side of the beach park. Dogs can run on both the grass and the beach, so this is a strong pick for fetch, digging and wading when the tide is out.
Because the area is unfenced and open, it works best for dogs with reliable recall. The beach west of Locarno has long views across English Bay to the North Shore mountains, which makes it a good place to stay for a sunset walk after your dog has burned off energy.
Hadden Park (Kits Point)
Hadden Park is the beachfront dog area at Kits Point, tucked between Vanier Park and Kitsilano Beach and right in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum. It has sandy and grassy ground, direct water access and an active, friendly regular crowd.
The park is popular year round, so mornings and weekday afternoons are usually calmer if your dog is easily overwhelmed. Expect lots of swimming and ball play, and bring a towel.
John Hendry Park (Trout Lake)
Trout Lake is the best-known dog park in East Vancouver. The off-leash area is at the north end of the lake, with access to the water for swimming, and it regularly hosts informal dog meetups.
It is a social spot, so it suits dogs that enjoy company. The rest of John Hendry Park, including the walking path around the lake, is leash only, so keep your dog leashed until you reach the signed off-leash zone.
Charleson Park
Charleson Park wraps around a section of False Creek near Olympic Village. The Park Board lists off-leash sections on both the east and west sides, and the grass bowl is the main draw for running and ball play.
The park also has a waterfall feature and paths that are busy with walkers and joggers, so watch where the off-leash boundary ends. It pairs well with a seawall walk along False Creek.
Fraser River Park
Fraser River Park is on the south edge of the city, and the west side is the designated off-leash area. Dogs can reach the river here, and the Park Board counts it among the off-leash areas that offer swimming access.
The Fraser has current and changing tides, so keep a close eye on strong swimmers and avoid letting your dog go in when the water looks fast or murky.
CRAB Park at Portside
CRAB Park at Portside is a waterfront park a short walk from Gastown and the Waterfront area, with an off-leash beach area and views over Burrard Inlet to the North Shore mountains.
It is a good option if you live or stay downtown and want a quick off-leash run without driving. The surrounding park has picnic areas and a spray park, so check posted signs to see where dogs are allowed off leash.
Sunset Beach Park
Sunset Beach Park sits on English Bay in the West End, along the Stanley Park seawall system. The Park Board lists a designated off-leash area here, and the beachfront setting makes it a popular social spot for dogs and owners.
Come in the evening for the view toward Vanier Park and English Bay. If you are comparing beaches for your own swim, see our list of the best beaches in Vancouver.
See the best beaches in Vancouver
Hinge Park
Hinge Park is a small, fenced off-leash park at the west end of Olympic Village in Southeast False Creek. The fence makes it a reassuring choice for newer dogs, puppies in training and owners who prefer a contained space.
It is compact, so it works best for short visits and for dogs that like meeting neighbours. The False Creek seawall is right next door for a longer leashed walk afterward.
Emery Barnes Park
Emery Barnes Park is a compact, fenced dog area in Yaletown, built for downtown dogs that do not have yards. It has been a go-to for residents of the surrounding towers.
The Park Board approved a renewal and expansion design for the off-leash area in 2023, so the layout may look different from older descriptions. Check the signage on arrival.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is mostly a leash-only park, but the Park Board lists a designated off-leash area here, which makes it one of the few dog parks on the city’s highest point.
Keep your dog leashed in the gardens, plazas and around the Bloedel Conservatory, and use the signed off-leash area for running. The views of the downtown skyline make a leashed loop afterward worth the time.
Read our Queen Elizabeth Park guide
Stanley Park
Most of Stanley Park is leash only, but the Park Board has designated an off-leash area near Second Beach. That gives dogs a legal place to run inside the city’s best-known park.
Outside that area, dogs must stay on a leash, including along the seawall. If you want a leashed walk, our Stanley Park seawall guide covers the route.
Read our Stanley Park seawall guide
Everett Crowley Park
Everett Crowley Park is a quieter East Vancouver option with forested trails where dogs can walk off leash. It feels very different from the beach parks, with shade, gravel paths and a more natural setting.
It suits dogs that enjoy a long sniff-heavy walk more than a crowded social scene. Trails vary in condition, so wear shoes you do not mind getting muddy in wet weather.
McDonald Beach Park (Richmond)
McDonald Beach Park is tucked away near the airport on the bank of the Fraser River in Richmond, and the whole park is an off-leash zone. There is plenty of open grass for fetch.
It is a useful option if you are already on the Richmond side of the river or heading to or from YVR with a dog that needs to burn off energy.
Confederation Park (Burnaby)
Confederation Park in North Burnaby has two ways to let your dog off leash: fenced off-leash enclosures for running, and a trail of about 1.1 km where dogs can walk off leash.
The park is a good choice if you want to compare a fenced area with an open trail in one visit. Views of Burrard Inlet add to the walk.
Off-Leash Rules and Etiquette in Vancouver
The Vancouver Park Board allows dogs in all city parks, but they must be leashed unless they are inside a signed off-leash area. A few habits keep these shared spaces working for everyone.
- Stay inside the signed boundaries of the off-leash area and keep your dog leashed on the way in and out.
- Check the posted off-leash hours at each park, since they vary from site to site.
- Pick up after your dog every time, even in grass and beach areas.
- Keep a close eye on your dog’s recall before using an unfenced area.
- Make sure your dog is licensed with the City of Vancouver, as required by the Animal Control by-law.
- Use fenced parks like Hinge Park and Emery Barnes Park for puppies, shy dogs and early training.
Tips for Visiting Dog Parks With Your Dog
- Bring fresh water and a towel, especially for beach and lake parks.
- Check local water quality notices before letting your dog swim, since bacteria in the water can affect dogs.
- Go early or on weekday afternoons if your dog gets overwhelmed in crowds.
- Keep your dog’s tags and licence up to date and carry a spare leash.
- For a leashed outing, try Dog Mountain or one of the routes in our easy walks in Metro Vancouver guide, and check current park rules before you go.
Dog Parks in Vancouver FAQ
Are dogs allowed off leash in Vancouver parks?
Only inside designated off-leash areas. Everywhere else in Vancouver parks, dogs must be on a leash. Off-leash hours vary by park and are posted on site.
How many off-leash dog areas does Vancouver have?
The Vancouver Park Board lists more than 30 designated off-leash areas across the city, and the Park Board has approved new and renewed areas in recent years.
Can dogs go on Vancouver beaches?
Dogs are only allowed at Vancouver beaches that have a designated off-leash area, such as Spanish Banks, Hadden Park, Sunset Beach and New Brighton Park.
Which Vancouver dog parks have water access?
Spanish Banks, Hadden Park, Trout Lake, Fraser River Park, CRAB Park at Portside, Sunset Beach and New Brighton Park all have off-leash areas with access to water.
Are there fenced dog parks in Vancouver?
Yes. Hinge Park in Olympic Village and Emery Barnes Park in Yaletown are fenced off-leash areas, which suit puppies, small dogs and owners who want a contained space.
Do I need a licence for my dog in Vancouver?
Yes. Dogs in the City of Vancouver must be licensed under the Animal Control by-law. Check the City of Vancouver website for current licensing details.
Planning more time outdoors? Browse our best beaches in Vancouver, best lakes near Vancouver and Vancouver guide for more places to bring your dog.
