Bark-Worthy Adventures: A Dog-Friendly Guide to Kamloops
Overlander Park
Dylan Sherrard
Is it even an adventure worth having if there are no dogs along for the ride? If your best friend has four legs, then we’ve got great news – Kamloops has plenty of dog-friendly spaces to explore.
Off-Leash Parks & Hiking Trails
If you’ve got that recall dialled, explore off-leash at Kenna Cartwright Nature Park. With over 40 km of marked, multi-use trails around Mt. Dufferin, this park welcomes dog walkers, hikers, and mountain bikers. Other off-leash parks include Valleyview Nature Park, and Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park, where you can find the dramatic hoodoos, silt bluffs, and endless open skies that define our area. Be aware that there’s minimal shade in these parks, and pack enough water for everyone!
Alternately, Peterson Creek Nature Park winds through a gully, providing shadier trails and a chance to cool your paws. Looking to take it easy? Aviation Way provides access to the off-leash portion of the extensive Rivers Trail and a fenced in dog park. With easy river access, this flat trail makes for a great chill day with your furry friend.
Check out this map for a complete guide to dog use in city parks in Kamloops.
Peterson Creek Park
Andrew Snucins
Fenced Dog Parks
The City of Kamloops offers pet parents a total of five fenced enclosures to let your wild ones run free. Ord Road Park, River Street Dog Park, Juniper Ridge Park, and Aberdeen Hills Park are fenced areas open year-round, as well as Westsyde Centennial Park, which also features access to a bog beach and swimming area.
Check out this map for a complete list of dog-friendly parks in Kamloops.
Pet-Friendly Patios
Kamloops is home to a thriving craft beer and culinary scene, so there’s no need to hit the drive-through. Dogs are always welcome inside and out at Red Collar Brewing, and on the year-round patio at Red Beard Cafe. In warmer months, furry family members are welcome on the patios at Frick & Frack Taphouse, The Noble Pig, Bright Eye Brewing, Mittz Kitchen, and more!
Are you and your pup more of an early morning coffee crew? The Art We Are Cafe, Frankly Coffee, and Hello Toast have dog-friendly patios in the warmer weather.
Or is your pup fine like aged wine? All three Kamloops wineries - Monte Creek Winery, Privato Vineyard and Winery + Woodward Cider, and Sagewood Winery welcome well-behaved dogs on-leash.
Privato Winery / Woodward Cider
Royce Sihlis
Beaches & Swimming
Beat the dog-days of summer at the beach. Pioneer Park, Overlander Park, and Mission Flats Nature Park welcome pups so the whole team can cool off. Once the spring runoff is past, the current on both rivers slows down and these parks provide shallower waters for safe swimming.
Are Provincial Parks more your vibe? Dogs are welcome at both Paul Lake Provincial Park and Lac le Jeune Provincial Park; be sure to obey signage as there are specific dog-friendly sections at both.
Winter
Winter fun doesn’t have to exclude your pups – the Overlander Ski Club maintains 5kms of dog-friendly cross-country ski trails at Stake Lake, just south of town. Largely flat and figure-eight shaped, this trail is ideal for skiers of all abilities to get into the snow with their dogs.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Planning a trip with your furry friend? Whether you're hitting the road for a weekend getaway or settling in for a longer stay, finding the right place that welcomes both you and your pet is key.
Click here to view a full list of pet-friendly accommodation partners who make traveling with pets stress-free and enjoyable.
The Thompson Hotel
Kathleen Fisher
Responsible Pet Travel
We know pets are part of the family, and so they should be held to the same standards of respectful ettiquitte as humans. Here are some tips for travelling responsibly with your furry friends:
Safety and Comfort
- Using leashes in designated areas not only helps protect the land, but also protects your pets from potential hazards
- Summer weather in Kamloops is hot and dry - ensure you travel with enough snacks and water to keep your pets happy and healthy
Respecting the Environment and Wildlife
- Staying on designated trails helps avoid erosion and protects native species
- Maintaining a safe distance from wildlife can avoid provoking animals or spreading diseases
- Disposing of your pet's waste properly helps keep our parks clean and wild animals away from residential areas
Be sure to tag us in your adventures @tourismkamloops and #explorekamloops! We can’t wait to meet you – and more importantly, to pet your dogs!
