Canada's Top Pet-Friendly RV Parks
For many Canadian families, it isn’t really a family vacation without the family pet, especially if you’re hitting the road for a camping trip.
You may have seen our blog that tells the story of how humans and dogs were practically destined to camp together and, as unlikely as it may seem, how cats can also enjoy the experience.
Fortunately for you, Canada is a pet-lover’s paradise. But before we start, let’s define what a dog-friendly hiking trail is, because you’re going to see the term a lot.
Understanding dog-friendly hiking trails
- Terrain: some trails are better suited for dogs than others. Trails with loose rocks or steep inclines might be more challenging.
- Shade: trails with plenty of shade can help keep dogs cool in hot weather.
- Water sources: access to clean water is essential, especially on longer hikes.
- Wildlife encounters: some trails may have encounters with wildlife, so be aware of the risks and take precautions.
- Crowds: trails with high levels of foot traffic can be overwhelming for some dogs.
British Columbia
- Golden Ears Provincial Park: no, this park wasn’t named after a Golden Retriever, but for twin peaks that resemble a pair of pointed ears. Located in the lower mainland, it offers stunning scenery and plenty of dog-friendly hiking trails, plus designated areas for swimming and off-leash play.
- Porteau Cove Provincial Park: situated on the most southerly fjord in North America, this park features a sandy beach that’s perfect for dogs to play and swim. There are also walking trails and dog-friendly campsites.
Alberta
- Elk Island National Park: once the domain of beavers, this unique habitat also nurtured vast herds of elk, bison, and deer. Dogs are allowed on most trails, but must be kept on a leash.
- Jasper National Park: the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies offers stunning mountain scenery and plenty of hiking trails for dogs, plus designated dog-friendly areas for swimming and off-leash play.
Ontario
- Bon Echo Provincial Park: located north of Kingston in southeastern Ontario, this park features the stunning 100-metre Mazinaw cliff with its 260-plus indigenous pictographs. Dogs are allowed on most trails, on leash.
- Sandbanks Provincial Park: jutting out into Lake Ontario, this park is considered one of the best beach destinations in Canada, and is also a bird watcher’s paradise. Dogs are allowed on most beaches, on leash.
Quebec
- Mont-Tremblant National Park: named the “trembling mountain” by the Algonquins due to how the leaves flutter during strong winds, the park is a year-round destination with world-class skiing and plenty of hiking trails.
- Parc national du Bic: located on the lower estuary of the St. Lawrence, this park has it all — capes, bays, islands, mountains, and perhaps the most spectacular sunsets in Canada.
Nova Scotia
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park: an enchanted destination where mountains meet the ocean; explore the world-famous Cabot Trail with your furry companion on one of the many dog-friendly trails.
- Kejimkujik National Park: travel back in time on canoe routes and encampments used by the indigenous Mi’kmaq for thousands of years. Dogs are allowed on most trails, on leash.
These are just some of our favourites, but Canada is blessed with many incredible parks that not only accommodate RVs but also welcome pets — so get out there and explore, and bring your four-legged companion along for the ride.