The Okanagan region in British Columbia, Canada, is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. You will find many dog friendly Kelowna and Okanagan parks, businesses and areas where you can enjoy time with your BFF (Best Fur Friend). Here are some dog-friendly parks and places in the Okanagan where we can frequent stress-free with our Australian Shepherd Rocky!
Indoor Fun and Amenities For Your Dog
The Okanagan is a dream for us dog families, and can you imagine anything better than a brewery made for your dog? They’ve got dog beds for your pup so they can relax too. What’s more, they make excellent craft beer from Pilsner to IPA and Winter Ales. They’ve got everything covered for you and your pup, including spent grain dog treats and even dog apparel (there’s a human t-shirt or two also). Find Rocky on the wall and tag him on Instagram with @the_field_guide. I will buy you a round!
Find everything you need for your pup, from leashes to treats, or even hair accessories if you feel inclined. HomesAlive is a huge pet store on HWY 97 in Spall Plaza where Rocky loooooves to go snooping for a treat.
This is our local Lake Country option for everything Rocky needs! 4Paws has an awesome dog wash station, super treats, and our favourite food options for Rocky. 4Paws has also created their own popular line of CBD products that help with all kinds of conditions from inflammation to anxiety.
We have had dogs for 17 years and this is our favourite Vet yet! They are located in Lake Country, in the same mall with the Lake Country Liquor store.
Dog Friendly Kelowna and Okanagan Parks
- Knox Mountain Park (Kelowna):
- Downtown Kelowna and Kelowna North’s favourite park in Kelowna offers several trails that are dog-friendly. Dogs should be on a leash in some areas, but there are also off-leash areas where your dog can roam freely.
- Mission Creek Greenway (Kelowna):
- A local favourite for jogs, bike riding and dog walks, the greenway in Kelowna has a network of trails along Mission Creek. There are designated off-leash areas for dogs to play.
- Kalamoir Regional Park (West Kelowna):
- A beautiful Regional Park providing trails along the beachfront through wooded areas of Black Cottonwood and along the grassland benches above. You may enjoy biking, running, hiking and naturalist activities in the park.
- Glen Canyon Regional Park (West Kelowna):
- This West Kelowna Regional Park has scenic trails along the canyon and creek, and there are off-leash areas for dogs to enjoy.
- Rose Valley Regional Park (West Kelowna):
- A West Kelowna park that offers trails and a designated off-leash area where dogs can explore and play.
- Ellison Provincial Park (Vernon):
- Located near Vernon, Ellison Provincial Park has a designated dog beach where your canine companion can take a dip in Okanagan Lake.
- Spion Kop Provincial Park (Lake Country): A beautiful mountain park with entry points from several Lake Country neighborhoods. Enter from The Lakes Neighborhood, Carr’s Landing and Wood Lake. You can choose any level of trail as they are marked for difficulty. Be careful and watch and listen for motorbikers! Rocky gets a little excited about them, so if you hear them in the distance, I highly suggest keeping your dog on leash. The views at the top of Spion Kop are truly epic and span across Okanagan Lake, Wood Lake, Kalamalka Lake, and even Duck Lake in the distance!
- Skaha Lake Park (Penticton):
- Beautiful Park in Penticton has an off-leash dog beach area where your dog can swim and play.
- Penticton Dog Park (Penticton):
- A dedicated dog park with fenced areas where dogs can socialize and run off-leash.
- SunOka Beach (Between Summerland and Penticton):
- Head to the end of the beach (east) for everyone’s favourite dog park in the South Okanagan! It is also the perfect place to take some family photos with your fur baby.
Remember to bring waste bags and clean up after your dog to help maintain these beautiful natural spaces and keep them dog friendly! Additionally, it’s always a good idea to check local regulations and signage at each park to ensure you’re following any specific rules or guidelines for dogs.
Ski Dogs Of The Okanagan!
- Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Trails: This is hands down, our favourite family activity together! There is a substantial network of dog friendly nordic track for you to Classic Ski or Skate Ski or Snowshoe with your little snow loving friend.
- Big White Nordic and Snowshoe Trails: I am so thankful that Big White has allowed dogs on the trails at the resort. It really makes our weekends and day trips up to the hill that much more extra magical. Watching Rocky in his absolute element is our favourite thing.
I try to update Rocky’s “The Field Guide to The Good Dog Life in The Okanagan” regularly. Keep reading for even more dog friendly Kelowna and Okanagan adventures for your beloved BFF. You can also ask me for tips and advice on Dog Life, anytime!
TRAILS AND HIKES
This is the list for you, if you’ve ever wondered where to take a hike… with your dog!
Angel Springs
A gem amongst Kelowna hikers, your dog will love it. The hike is considered mild and takes pups through a variety of forestry and a running creek. Local groups do a good job of maintaining the trail (even in the winter) to ensure a clean path for you and your pet.
Dog owners will appreciate the interpretive signs with facts about the local ecology and geology.
Get directions by clicking HERE
Bear Creek
The hike has three well-marked loops that all begin at the common trail head. The routes range from a 15-minute loop trail to the 1.4 km Mid Canyon Trail and the longest is the Canyon Rim Trail at 2.5 km (Tourism Kelowna).
Crawford Falls/Canyon Falls Park
A difficult trail, you’ll want to make sure your dog is up to the challenge before undertaking this hike. For those strong hikers and their pups, result is well worth the trek! Your pup is sure to love the waterfalls. Be sure to keep an eye out for steep inclines and pack lots of water.
Tourism Kelowna provides the following directions
Look for the trail head and a small pathway that leads to Crawford Falls. To get to the lower falls takes about 20 minutes but is quite difficult. Once there, you will see 20 foot falls. If you continue about 10 more minutes you will see the larger falls (40 feet).
Crawford Falls is located on Bellevue Creek. It can be reached by the following: Gordon Drive to Dehart Road; Dehart Road to Crawford Road; Crawford road to Westridge Drive. Turn on to Canyon Ridge Crescent and finally to Canyon Falls Court, which is a dead end. You will see a Kelowna City Parks trail that you can follow to beautiful waterfalls.
Dilworth Mountain
Dilworth mountain can be seen from almost any location in Kelowna and offers some of the best views of the city (Tourism Kelowna).
From various points along the natural trail, you can see central or downtown Kelowna, the Kelowna Golf and Country Club directly below, and of course Okanagan Lake and mountains in the distance. Plus there’s a small playground for the kids. Explore the trails and see if you can spot Kelowna’s official flower the Arrowleaf Balsamroot along the way (Kelowna.ca).
Dog owners who have reviewed the hike praise its proximity to the city and its ability to allow them to squeeze in a quick 40 minute workout with great views.
Fintry Provincial Park
Your dog is sure to test its endurance with the seemingly never-ending stairs at Fintry Provincial Park. Shorts Creek Gorge is a maintained trail that leads you through a gorge up about 400 stairs to a beautiful series of waterfalls (Tourism Kelowna).
Note: Pets/domestic animals must always be on a leash and are not allowed in beach areas (except for the designated pet beach) or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears (BC Parks).
Kalamoir Park
Kalamoir Park is known to be a great hike full of ups and downs, along with great views and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Reviewers rave about: there being a swimming beach as well as a dog beach and a canoe/kayak launch. The facilities are always clean, and the park well maintained. In the spring there are hundreds of flowers blooming along the mountainside making it a must visit!
Knox Mountain
Knox is popular amongst locals due to its flexibility and pet friendly trails. With hikes ranging from easy to difficult and 1-5km in length, there really is a hike no matter the size of your pet.
Apex Trail @ Knox Mountain
Moderate to Difficult; 1 – 5 km
Dogs allowed on leash
Parking is at the bottom of the mountain, at mid point (crown lookout), and at the top. Most trails are accessible from the entrance on Ellis Street. Many of these trails have a steep incline. When you reach the top you will get some amazing views of the City and the valley.
Paul’s Tomb @ Knox Mountain
Easy to Moderate; 3 km (round trip)
Dogs allowed on leash
Paul’s Tomb is a beautiful hike with very little incline and gives you some extraordinary views of the lake. Paul was an Okanagan Pioneer who owned the land at Paul’s Tomb, this is a great area to have a picnic.
Take Ellis Street north all the way to the end to reach the park entrance. Parking is at the bottom of the mountain, at mid point (crown lookout), and at the top. Most trails are accessible from the entrance on Ellis Street. Many of these trails have a steep incline. When you reach the top you will get some amazing views of the City and the valley (Tourism Kelowna)
Kuiper’s Peak Mountain Park
In search of a quick hike for your dog that will provide spectacular views of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake? Then Kuiper’s Peak Mountain Park is the right choice for you. In addition to the exercise your dog will likely meet some new deer friends! Be sure to bundle up as it can get quite windy at times.
Mill Creek Regional Park
A beautiful cool and quiet trail system follows Mill Creek into the falls. Hikers and their dogs will enjoy the park on their daily walk and the ability to enjoy a picnic in the shade of the Black Cottonwood trees by the creek. Most of the trail is very flat and easy, parts are a little rougher with roots and rocky sections. Naturalists can enjoy the wildlife found searching for food and water or hiding in the underbrush (Tourism Kelowna).
Mission Creek Greenway
The Greenway is perfect for cycling, jogging, running and walking. There are two phases of the trail. The first phase is the most used portion of the trail. While the second phase is great, there are portions of it that are not accessible by bike due to stairs, towards the end of the trail (Tourism Kelowna).
Considered a hidden treasure in the city that is a must-visit for dog owners seeking a leisurely stroll.
Mount Boucherie
Mount Boucherie in West Kelowna offers stunning 360-degree views of the Central Okanagan Valley that you can enjoy with your canine friends, and the drive is only about 15 minutes from downtown.
Don’t forget to bring your camera. There are several areas where you can take a break and enjoy the view, including at the halfway point. Bringing water is also a good idea for you and your furry friends, and there is a dog water dish at the summit for the public to use. (Tourism Kelowna).
Myra Canyon Trestles – Kettle Valley Railway
This highly scenic portion of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) runs along a steep-walled canyon. Originally built by hand at the turn of the last century, this impressive landmark is highlighted by 2 tunnels and 18 trestle bridges that are too spectacular for words. You can hike it, or bike it (Tourism Kelowna).
Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park
The Crawford Trails area of Myra-Bellevue Park has over 100 km of trails and is a popular destination for hikers, runners, horse riders and mountain bikers (Tourism Kelowna).
Stephens Coyote Ridge Regional Park
There are several hiking trails and vast wetlands within the park. It is largely untouched by weeds and is pristine habitat for wildlife, including coyotes, as the name suggest, so do use caution (Tourism Kelowna).
Spion Kop Hiking Trails
The trail to the peak of the Spion Kop mountain is a moderate to difficult incline. If you are up for the challenge, follow a pathway through ponderosa pine and bunch grass to spectacular & unique views of the Okanagan Valley (Tourism Kelowna).
Shannon Lake Regional Park
The park is great for a leisurely stroll or an evening walk. The lake is great habitat for waterbirds and turtles that are frequently seen in the park (Tourism Kelowna).
Scenic Canyon Regional Park
Access to Scenic Canyon Regional Park is through Mission Creek Greenway, the fastest way to get to Scenic Canyon would be the Greenway access at Field Road. This park has many great features, including geological formations, cultural sites and rock ovens used by Chinese Labourers (Tourism Kelowna).
Rose Valley Regional Park
Great hiking with excellent locations for naturalist activities such as bird watching. Good viewpoints are at the pond or on the grassland plateau (Tourism Kelowna).
Waterfront Boardwalk
The waterfront area is a beautiful location to go for a short walk and enjoy the scenery of Okanagan Lake. The trail connects to the Rotary Marshes wildlife park where it is not uncommon to see a heron, beavers, or eagles flying over (Tourism Kelowna).
Dog Friendly Okanagan Wineries
St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery
Dog Friendly Places To Eat In Kelowna
- El Taquero – Taqueria (Directions)
- Krafty Kitchen + Bar (Directions)
- Red Bird Brewing (Directions)
- Salt & Brick (Directions)
- Bean Scene (Directions)
- Antico Pizza Napoletana (Directions)
Parks By Area In Kelowna
OFF-LEASH PARKS:
– Cedar Creek Park @ 5200 Lakeshore Rd
Get directions by clicking HERE
– Duggan Park @ 1494 Bernard Ave
Get directions by clicking HERE
– Ellison Dog Park @ 4720 Old Vernon Rd
Get directions by clicking HERE
– Enterprise Park @ 2500 Enterprise Way
Get directions by clicking HERE
– Knox Mountain Park @ 450 Knox Mountain Dr
Get directions by clicking HERE
– Mission Recreation Park @ 4105 Gordon Dr
Get directions by clicking HERE
– North Glenmore Dog Park @ 2150 Glenmore Rd N
Get directions by clicking HERE
OTHER OFF-LEASH DOG PARKS:
Black Mountain:
– Bella Vista Park @ 2342 Loseth Rd
– Birkdale Park @ 363 Prestwick St
– Gallagher Community Park @ 1755 Gallagher Rd
– Gopher Creek Linear Park @ 1723 Lynrick Rd
– Lund Park @ 1250 Lund Rd
– Stockley Open Space @ 1035 Stockley St
Downtown:
– Anchor Park @ 1691 Ellis St
– Cameron Park @ 2345 Richter St
– City Hall @ 1435 Water St
– City Park @ 1600 Abbott St
– Davie Park @ 300 Davie Rd
– Duggan Park @ 1494 Bernard Ave
– Enterprise Way Park @ 2500 Enterprise Way
– Kerry Park @ 1480 Mill St
– Knowles Park @ 865 Bernard Ave
– Knox Mountain Park @ 540 Broadway Ave
– Leckie Place @ 2135 Leckie Pl (Brents Mill Site)
– Millbridge Park @ 1999 Bowes St
– Pacific Court Park @ 1955 Pacific Crt
– Parkinson Recreation Park @ 1800 Parkinson Way
– Stuart Park @ 1420 Water St
– Sunset Drive Park @ 1055 Sunset Dr
– Sutherland Park @ 700 Ellis St
– Waterfront Park @ 1200 Water St
Glenmore, Dilworth and Clifton Areas:
– Begbie Park @ 1410 Union Rd
– Blair Pond Park @ 333 Clifton Rd S
– Brants Creek Linear Park @ Glenmore Valley
– Calmels Park @1059 Calmels Cres
– Cross Glen Park @ 207 Biggar Rd
– Eagle View Trail @ 2105 Glenmore Rd
– Dilworth Mountain Park and Trails @ 2100 Chilcotin Ct
– Hidden Lake Park @ 1188 Long Ridge Dr
– Jack Robertson Park @ 1655 Willow Cres
– Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery @ 1991 Bernard Ave
– Matera Glen Park @ 250 Glen Park Dr
– Mill Creek Linear Park @ Various Access Points
– Millard Glen Park @ 1840 Millard Court W
– Newport Glen Park @ 130 Applebrooke Cres
– North Glenmore Park @ 2150 Glenmore Rd N
– Redlich Park @ 1646 Gillard Dr
– Selkirk Park @ 2500 Selkirk Dr
– Still Pond Park @ 550 Still Pond Pl
– Sutton Glen Park @ 464 Sutton Cres
– Terrace Hill Park @ 180 Terrace Hill Pl
– Valley Glen Wetland @ 530 Valley Rd
– Whitman Glen Park @ 308 Whitman Rd
– Wyndham Park @ 131 Wyndham Crt
North Mission and Crawford Area:
– Bellevue Creek Greenway @ 4918 Silver Stag Crt
– Belmont Park @ 4444 Belmont Rd
– Canyon Falls Park @ 1856 Canyon Falls Crt
– Crawford Multi-Use Court @ 4770 Stewart Rd W
– Dehart Park @ 687 Dehart Rd
– Mission Recreation Park @ 3975 Gordon Dr
– Mission Ridge Park @ End of Bullock Rd
– Ponds Community Park @ 1213 Frost Rd
– Surtees Property @ 4629 Lakeshore Rd
– Thomson Creek Linear Park @ 4105 Gordon Dr
– Wilson Creek Linear Creek @ 4186 Lakeshore Rd
Rutland:
– Ben Lee Park @ 900 Houghton Rd
– Chichester Wetland Park @ 250 Sumac Rd W
– Gerstmar Park @ 955 Gerstmar Rd
– Harris Park @ 280 Sumac Rd W
– Mission Creek Regional Park @ 2345 Springfield Rd
– Moraine Park @ 700 Moraine Crt
– Mugford Park @ 425 Stetson St
– Roxby Centennial Park @ 250 Hwy 33 W
– Rutland Bluff Linear Park @ 180 Froelich Rd
– Rutland Centennial Park @ 180 Rutland Rd
– Rutland Lions Park @ 205 Gray Rd
– Rutland Recreation Park @ 425 Hartman Rd
South Pandosy and KLO Area:
– Fascieux Creek Park @ Richter St and Casorso Rd
– Mission Creek Greenway @ Lakeshore/Truswell to Ziprick Rd
– Wastewater Treatment Plant @ 951 Raymer Ave
South East Kelowna:
– Fairhall Park @ 2448 Fairhall Rd
– Havard Rd Linear Park @ 4538 Gaspardone Rd
– KLO Creek Regional Park @3730 Field Rd
– Priest Creek Linear Park @ 315 Balldock Rd
– Scenic Canyon Regional Park @ 3801 Field Rd
– South Kelowna Centennial Park @ 4194 Spiers Rd
– Summerside Park @ 3858 Summerside Dr
– Tulameen Park @ 347 Quilchena Dr
South West Mission Area:
– Cascia Linear Park @ 430 Cascia Dr
– Jewel Park @ 327 Providence Ave
– Main Street Park (Kettle Valley) @ 411 Providence Ave
– McCarren Park @ 347 McCarren Ave
– Mountainside Park @ 5437 Chute Lake Rd
– Powerline Linear Park @ 5056 Windsong Cres
– Providence Park @ 352 McCarren Ave
– Quarry Park @ 640 Southridge Dr
– Quilchena Park @ 347 Quilchena Dr
– Southwest Mission Powerline Park @ All Sections
– Southridge Open Space @ 5210 Southridge Dr
– Southridge Park @ 5045 Southridge Dr
– Winslow Park @ 5386 Winslow St
Quail and North End Areas:
– Carney Park @ 1890 Capistrano Dr
– Ellison Centennial Park @ 4720 Old Vernon Rd
– Quail Ridge Linear Park @ 2985 Quail Cres