Parks, trails, and trips in BC with Markus
Located near Lillooet, the Seton Lake Lookout is a quick but challenging hike that offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape, including a hairpin turn, Seton Lake and the majestic mountains behind.
On a trip to Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, we stopped by the Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park for a hike. The actual hike takes about 2 hours with a dog, but you'll likely spend more time taking in the best part of the hike: the views.
If you've heard of Lighthouse Park, you likely know about its view. Located on the coast of West Vancouver, Lighthouse Park is a great spot for a hike that ends up at a beautiful viewpoint by a lighthouse.
Our stroll along Qualicum Beach East Beach with our reactive dog Markus was a serene yet potentially challenging experience due to the popularity of the spot, allowing for a buffer zone on grassy stretches but requiring vigilance amidst the beach's allure and stunning sunset views.
The Hole in the Wall hike near Port Alberni, although potentially crowded due to its touristy nature, offered a trail through a lush forests, river views and the awe-inspiring rock formation with rushing water.
The scenic walk along English Bay Beach and the iconic Vancouver seawall is a fantastic way to feel the breeze on a warm summer day. The highlight of the walk for us was visiting the inukshuk at English Bay Beach Park.
Lions Park in Port Coquitlam, with its unexpectedly serene atmosphere, revealed a hidden riverside oasis perfect for families and dogs to enjoy a safe summer escape.
We recently spent some time in Pitt Meadows for a friend’s wedding and while we were out there, we got to experience a number of reactive dog-friendly activities. Here’s a list of some of the fun things we got to do!
Our exciting visit to Derby Reach Regional Park provided us with a positive experience, as we explored serene trails and the scenic Edgewater Bar Campground, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the park's natural beauty and escape the city's hustle and bustle.
Kanaka Creek Falls in Maple Ridge offers scenic viewpoints and a well-maintained trail, but the falls are restricted by fences, making it less engaging for both dogs and humans. The peaceful ambiance and fresh natural surroundings can still make it a worthwhile destination for a serene walk.
The Pitt River Regional Greenway in Pitt Meadows is known for its rich biodiversity, attracting various wildlife and bird species and provides a flat and accessible surface for walkers, hikers, cyclists and enthusiasts with their dogs.
Queen's Park in New Westminster is a beloved urban park that offers a peaceful retreat amidst lush greenery and towering trees that includes a spray park and historic arena, the park provides a vibrant space for community engagement.
Niagara Falls Goldstream in British Columbia is a must-visit destination for those seeking a waterfall adventure. Accessible from two routes, the culmination of the journey is the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the cascading water.
Sandcut Beach on Vancouver Island is a stunning coastal gem that offers a trail with beautiful views and a small waterfall for those who venture further, but its rocky terrain and limited accessibility may not make it suitable for everyone.
Creyke Point offers a peaceful trail that leads to breathtaking views. With its serene ambiance and hidden wonders, this trail is a delightful escape, but be mindful of the rocky areas going up Creyke Point.
Whistler, BC offers a captivating experience for both outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions. From dog-friendly trails to breathtaking natural beauty, this renowned destination sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure where you and your dog can create lasting memories together.
Discover the natural wonders of Whistler, BC, through a picturesque trail that connects the enchanting lakes of Alpha, Nita, and Alta. This leisurely stroll offers breathtaking views and a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of these stunning lakes.
Experience a serene retreat at the Seaside Hotel in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver. This charming boutique hotel, with its waterfront location and luxurious amenities, provides the ideal setting for a relaxing staycation, away from the city's hustle and bustle.
Discover the perfect outdoor adventure at Lynn Canyon Park's Twin Falls Loop. This short rewarding trail near North Vancouver offers a blend of natural beauty and a suspension bridge, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Visit Little Qualicum Falls Park for an exciting trail that combines breathtaking scenery with a touch of adventure. As you set off on your hike, the rushing waters of the majestic falls will welcome you near the trail's starting point.
While Tofino may steal the spotlight with its stunning beaches and surfing, we are fans of the vacation destination of Ucluelet. Located on the breathtaking west coast of Vancouver Island, Ucluelet offers a laid-back and tranquil getaway.
Experience the coastal charm and stunning scenery of the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse trail. Enjoy the wide path, with small nooks with benches and take advantage of the beach access for breathtaking views and a refreshing connection with the ocean.
Embark on a peaceful detour through the Rainforest Figure Eight Trails near Tofino for a serene and immersive experience in nature's beauty.
Tipperary Park is a peaceful and picturesque spot right in the heart of the New Westminster and a hidden treasure worth discovering if you’re looking for a short and quiet walk with your dog.
Enjoy a serene stroll along the New Westminster Walkway, hugging the shimmering Fraser River. The walkway offers ample space for pedestrians and leashed dogs, although certain areas are narrower. Pause at Quayside Park's charming playground before continuing to the bustling River Market where the...
Since it's been extremely smokey outdoors in the last couple days, we wanted something that was quick to do and the trail at Confederation Park in Burnaby, British Columbia was exactly what we were looking for.
When the sun's shining in British Columbia, one of the things we love to do is hop into a lake to cool off. Belcarra Regional Park is a place for families to spend an afternoon on a lake, at one of their many facilities or doing a hike on a trail!
With the recent news that our provincial restrictions were being lifted and recreational travel within our region was allowed, we booked a trip to Harrison Hot Springs which included hot springs, waterfalls, tunnels and so much more!
Harrison Hot Springs is a hot spot and popular location - a quick getaway known for its relaxing spas and hot water pools. Before you start thinking that the Whippoorwill Point Trail is an extension of the relaxing feeling of the town, think again!
Compared to Chilliwack Lake and Lindeman Lake, Bosuemarne Falls is less popular, but not any less beautiful. Although this hike is more hidden and can be a little tricky getting to the end, the view at the end of the waterfalls is absolutely amazing.
Bridal Veil Falls a beautiful waterfall that is located minutes from the highway with a short 10-minute hike. It is one of our favourite stops in British Columbia and since we were driving past the area, we made our first visit to the falls with our dog.
The Othello Tunnels are a series of old train tunnels that have been converted into a walking path for public visitors and their dogs. Throughout most of COVID-19, these tunnels have been closed for restoration but have recently opened up again.
There's a unique strip of land off the coast of Richmond that has become a bit of a rite of passage for those who live here. The Iona Jetty is a 4.1km sewage pipe that runs out of the main land and into the water, a path that locals like to take.
Minoru Lakes is a beautiful habitat located in the heart of Richmond, full of animals living amongst luscious greens. It was so vibrant here that it wasn't surprising to see all the pedestrians choosing to spend their quiet evening walk here.
We made the trip out to Minnekhada Regional Park, which is about an hour from downtown Vancouver. With three lookouts along the way, this was one of the more enjoyable trails and slightly challenging trails that we've done in the past little while!
Whenever you're driving through the George Massey Tunnel, you are driving under Deas Island and the body of water that it sits on top of. This week, we visited Deas Island to check out what it really looks like when cars drive into the tunnel under water.
One of the neat things about Richmond is that it is surrounded mostly by water on all sides. No matter where you are, you don't have to go very far to take a walk along the water and the Dyke Trail is a great place to do it.
One of the great things about living in the Pacific Northwest is that you don't have to go very far to wander in the woods. This past weekend, we opted for something a little more woodsy and we loved our time at Byrne Creek Ravine Park.
The Larry Berg Flight Path Park was opened in 2013 and you'll find plenty of plane spotters with binoculars gathering here. Located off of YVR's south runway, the park is right below a path for incoming flights to watch planes as they descend.
Burnaby Lake is the largest lake in the Lower Mainland and it is situated nearly right in the middle of the city of Burnaby. The lake is a wildlife sanctuary with a rich ecosystem of ducks, geese, beavers with a quiet 10km path going around the lake.
This week, we made a visit to the Capilano River Regional Park, which is located in North Vancouver just past the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The park is bookended by the Cleveland Dam, an impressive structure with rushing water that you can walk on!
While looking for a quieter walk, we ended up at Montrose Park which sits in between the New Brighton Park and Confederation Park with a trail that runs through the park. It's a quiet and low-event park that we recommend to owners of reactive dogs.
What an adventure! Since it was Easter last weekend, we brought Markus to do a little hunt of our own. We made the trip out to Robert Burnaby Park where an artist had spent the past year putting up sculptures located in various areas throughout the park.
A few weeks ago, we visited Central Park in Burnaby, BC and we enjoyed the walk so much that we've gone back a couple of times already. For an urban park located in the city, Central Park gave us so many options for things to do.
Last week, we found ourselves at beautiful park within shooting distance of Deep Cove at Cates Park in North Vancouver. We really enjoyed the time we were there including the views and the short trail that we got to do.
As one of the most well-known and beautiful in the world, Queen Elizabeth Park is one that we find ourselves regularly visiting. Rather than going around the outside of the park, we decided to cut through its gardens this time around!
On one of our recent walks with Markus, we strayed out of Steveston Village and what we found ourselves walking through a historical tour, discovering the beautiful rich history of early workers in Richmond, British Columbia.
Unlike other trails at Pacific Spirit Regional Park, this smaller section of the park is a dedicated leash-required area, which is absolutely fantastic for reactive dogs like Markus.
Our location for our rustic photography walk is a familiar one - for those who live in Vancouver and for visitors or tourists of the area. We ended up in Granville Island and we made our way through its backsides and corridors for photo opportunities.
During one of these colder winter days and since we didn't get any snow in the Lower Mainland area of Vancouver, we decided to drive out all the way to Burnaby Mountain in search of snow!
On a recent trip to Victoria, we got to stay at two different hotels, enjoyed some activities around downtown and got to squeeze in a number of things while trying to waste time waiting for our ferry sailing.
Horth Hill Regional Park is 5 minutes away from the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, which is perfect if you're looking to spend some time before your sailing. The park is a combination of smaller trails, which allows you to choose the length of your hike.
Victoria is unique in that it offers beautiful walks along the water and dog-friendly beaches within walking distance of downtown. We made our way past Beacon Hill Park to walk down Dallas Rd. and visit the beach at Holland Point Park.
Merry Christmas! Those of us living in British Columbia have been under travel restrictions, so we stayed local this Christmas and ended up at one of the things that the city put on: Steveston's Winter in the Village located in Richmond, BC.
For those of you in the Vancouver area, you'll probably recognize the name McArthurGlen not as a place for dogs, but as a place to shop. Since they put up decorations over Christmas, we made a visit with Markus to capture some Christmas photos!
On one of our recent long weekends, we made a trip down to Cowichan Lake to spend time by the lake and along the coast of Vancouver Island. To spend our time, we enjoyed activities around Lake Cowichan and made stops along West Coast Rd.
We took a vacation over a year ago to Vancouver Island to discover the areas north of Victoria and while it was a jam-packed vacation, one of the places that we didn't get a chance to see was the Englishman River Falls, which we finally got to do!
On a recent trip to Cowichan Lake, we took an afternoon to do a combination of a hike that took us down to the mysterious Mystic Beach with its cascading cliffs and view of the Pacific Ocean from a distance.
We took some time to visit Sombrio Beach, one of the beaches along the western-most coast of Vancouver Island. Sombrio Beach is a popular spot, but the thing that drew us to the beach was a hidden secret!
Although we stayed in Abbotsford, it was more of a hub for us to do some of the activities around the surrounding cities in Chilliwack the first day and in Mission the second day. Check out some of our activities from our most recent trip!
Steelhead Falls Trail is a trail that's good for all skill levels including children and dogs. The trail is on the shorter side, but it features a beautiful cascading waterfall that makes this already easy hike even more worth visiting.
Located in Mission, British Columbia, Cascade Falls is a scenic waterfall that can be viewed right in front of a suspension bridge that crosses the river at the end of a short trail. This is one of those low effort, high reward trails that everyone likes!
Lindeman Lake is a vibrant small lake with amazing colours in Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park, British Columbia. It is a popular hiking spot and people will make a trip out from Vancouver to do this hike over the weekends.
Cultus Lake is one of those spots in British Columbia that locals love to go camping, swim in the water and relax. We made a stop at the Cultus Lake Beach Off-Leash Dog Park to enjoy the lake and to get Markus' paws wet.
Surrounded by mountains and forests, Squamish is a town north of Vancouver in British Columbia known for major trails like the Stawamus Chief. To get more out of our time in Squamish, we stayed overnight and packed in a number of activities.
Rainbow Park runs along the eastern side of Alta Lake, which sits just on the other side of the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Whistler, British Columbia. People also like to visit this park because it's a great place to take dogs for a swim in Barking Bay!
Porteau Cove is a provincial park that's right off of the Sea-to-Sky Highway about 20 kilometres before Squamish. It is known for its views and dynamic sunsets that overlook Howe Sound and the mountains beyond, which is why photographers love this stop.
Newport Beach (sometimes known as Oceanfront Park) is a stretch of beach that's tucked towards the edge of Squamish looking out into Howe Sound. The view is spectacular and this is a unique location with a combination of a beach and trail.
The Train Wreck Trail is a fascinating trail by Squamish, British Columbia with a suspension bridge taking hikers across the Cheakamus River to the other side where a site of an old train wreck from the 1950's sit.
The Camosun Bog at the Pacific Spirit Regional Park is a unique, yet fragile ecosystem that is home to many different species of plants and animals that you simply won't find in other parts of Vancouver.
We visited Rocky Point Park two months ago and on the way out, we noticed a map for the Shoreline Trail, which goes around the Burrard Inlet. We promised ourselves that we'd be back here at some point to check out the trail, so here we are.
On this week’s update, we didn't go anywhere particularly far, but to a park known as the Sunset Park Dog Off-leash Enclosure. This park had undergone construction and was reopened in June of 2018. We finally got to visit it for the first time.
Located by University of British Columbia is the Pacific Spirit Regional Park where students and dogs owners alike love to take breaks for a walk in the forest. This is one of our most frequented trails and this week, we try out another trailhead.
The Golden Ears Provincial Park is an impressive park in British Columbia with trails and campgrounds that span over 600 square kilometres. At the centre of the park is the beautiful Alouette Lake, a popular spot for water activities.
One of the biggest reasons we love visiting Rocky Point Park is because it goes along the Burrard Inlet, which makes for a beautiful view basically anywhere you are. At this park, you get access to the park, the beach, trails and an off-leash dog park.
Many of our friends have told us about Barnet Marine Park and we've always wanted to visit it. We haven't had the chance since the park is far for us, but since we haven't really gone anywhere during these unprecedented times, we made the drive out.
Towards the end of Renfrew St., tucked in behind the PNE, New Brighton Park is a bit hidden, but it is a very popular park. We finally got to visit it and this week, we’re sharing all about it with you.
This week, we're bringing you an updates to one of our favourite places to visit in the Vancouver area - Lonsdale Quay located in North Vancouver, British Columbia and Waterfront Park next to it.
Located near one of the busiest intersections in Vancouver, Trout Lake Park (or John Hendry Park) is tucked in about a 10-minute walk away from Commercial and Broadway.
It's Christmas season and in the city of Coquitlam in British Columbia, it's time for the Lights at Lafarge. This annual Christmas event is a wonderland of over 100,000 Christmas lights turned into installations as you walk your way around Lafarge Lake!
We take a break from the usual Overnight Adventures to give you a dedicated post on riding ferries - the BC Ferries and the Washington State Ferries - from the perspective of dog owners.
While we were recently staying at Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island, we did a walk on a beautiful man-made structure known as the Kinsol Trestle. Not sure what a trestle looks like? No worries, I didn't either. It’s beautiful.
During a recent stay at Qualicum Beach, one of the stops we wanted to make was the Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. The park is a glimpse of the Pacific Northwest's stunning beauty and history condensed into a walkable park.
Since we're from Vancouver, we love regularly make trips to Victoria. On this special trip, we went beyond Victoria to different stops on Vancouver Island including Qualicum Beach, Parksville and Nanaimo.
We finally got to visit Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, British Columbia, which is east of Vancouver and offers a beautiful and peaceful walk around Deer Lake. The path around the park is a combination of crushed gravel, dirt and a stretch of wooden walkways.
Kings Mill Park is a fantastic off-leash area and it is one of the largest enclosed parks that we've been in British Columbia. At the top of the park, there are grassy areas for the dogs to play, but you can also scale down some rocks for beach access.
On a trip to Sunshine Coast in British Columbia, we squeezed in a couple of hikes with our dog Markus. On this update, we're breaking down the second hike we did - the Skookumchuck Narrows, a hike that offers a very unique taste of British Columbia.
We met up with some of our dog friends at Everett Crowley Park in Vancouver. Everett Crowley Park is a trail that feels like it was made for dogs. They have a nice combination of on-leash and off-leash dogs paths that you can take for your desired length.
On Victoria Day long weekend, we made the trip to Sunshine Coast, British Columbia. It is a ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in North Vancouver and the trip was relaxing and the perfect weekend getaway for us and Markus.
Garry Point Park is a large waterfront park in Richmond, British Columbia with lots of beaches that's great for families to spend an afternoon. At this park, Markus gets to explore between the washed up driftwood on the beach and the grassy areas.
Located beneath the Granville Bridge in Vancouver, Granville Island is home to some of the freshest seafood you can find. The shops in are filled with all things local or Canadian and it becomes obvious why tourists around the world love coming here.
Whenever we want to take a scenic stroll in Vancouver, we'll often end up at Stanley Park. Though it's not really a trail for dogs, experiencing the Seawall in Stanley Park is almost like a rite of passage for Vancouverites - especially during sunset.
One of the newer dog parks in the Vancouver area, the Renfrew Community Park Dog Off-Leash Enclosure has quickly become one of our more frequented parks. This off-leash dog park can be very busy, but a great park to tire your dog out!
The Pacific Spirit Regional Park is a popular spot and one of our most frequented parks because of the possible combinations of trails that provide a number of different paths to take based on your desired length, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Having Queen Elizabeth Park, one of the most beautiful gardens and parks in the world, so close to us is a privilege and we make sure to take advantage by visiting to enjoy the sights and smells of nature with Markus!
We stumbled upon this part of the Pacific Spirit Regional Park trail while walking along Spanish Banks beach in Vancouver, Canada. Technically a part of the greater park, this trail is great way to enjoy nature while getting some exercise with your dog.
On our journey to train Markus into becoming a dog that's comfortable being off-leash, we brought Markus to McDonald Beach - a long stretch of beach and water that's technically not enclosed, but has fairly distinct boundaries.
Last weekend, we attended a wedding in Sorrento and got to bring Markus along on the trip. While we were there, we had some down time and got to explore these areas of interior British Columbia.
On one of those days where we really just needed to go somewhere closer with Markus, we discovered the Fraser River Park, a smaller park with an off-leash dog park, a walkway along the Fraser River and all the grass that Markus needs.
We love going to Deep Cove, North Vancouver. With the many things you can do, it's one of our favourite ways to spend an entire day. One of the things that people love to do is the Quarry Rock hike, which we recently got to do with Markus.
Before we adopted Markus, Ambleside Beach was one of our favourite beaches to frequent located just over the Lions Gate Bridge from downtown Vancouver. Catch it during the sunset and it is a taste of the beauty that Vancouver has to offer.
Last weekend, we took our first official overnighter trip with Markus to Salt Spring Island in British Columbia. We wanted to share some of our highlights while we were on the island, places we stayed and the trip getting there (which requires a ferry)!
The Garden City Dogs Off-Leash Area was a temporary dog park, but it has since undergone major upgrades to become one of the more-frequented dog parks in Richmond, British Columbia. Between grass, large rocks and logs, there's a lot to love at this park.
The South Arm Dog Off Leash Area is an enclosed dog park located inside South Arm Park in Richmond, British Columbia. The park is medium-sized with a good mix of grass and crushed rock with plenty of space for dogs to run around and play.
David Gray Park is an off-leash dog park located in Burnaby, British Columbia. The park is mostly dirt and sandy with areas of grass towards the end. It is a very spacious park, which is great for reactive dogs like Markus.