Is Whistler Dog Friendly? What To Know About Bringing A Dog
Whenever anyone visits British Columbia, one of the most significant tourist locations that people always want to see is Whistler. It’s well known worldwide as a popular skiing location for humans, but what if you want to bring your furry friend along for the journey?
I was born and raised in Vancouver and have travelled to Whistler many times throughout my life for day trips or weekends. One of the best reasons why I like visiting Whistler is seeing the many dogs around the village and on trails.
While I must admit I don’t own a dog, I’ve stayed in hotels with owners and their dogs on the same floor, seen dogs allowed to be in the lobby, and seen many around Whistler. So, while Whistler is dog-friendly, let’s get into more details about having dogs in Whistler.
Is Whistler Dog Friendly
Here’s all the information I compiled for bringing your dog to Whistler.
Do’s And Don’ts With Dogs In Whistler
While everyone is responsible for their dog anywhere, Whistler does have some do’s and don’ts when you’re visiting.
Do’s
๐ถ Dogs are allowed in the village, but they must be on a leash at all times, including around Whistler, unless in a designated off-leash area.
๐ถ Service and guide dogs are welcomed in Whistler.
๐ถ You must pick up after your dog. If you’re on a trail, there are dog waste bags in designated areas for your convenience.
๐ถ Make sure your dogs have a valid license and ID from your home.
๐ถ Your dog has identification, such as microchipped, collar, tattoo, etc.
Don’ts
๐ Dogs can’t be tethered or unattended in Whistler, outside shops, or restaurants. If you plan to go somewhere without your dog, it’s best to have someone stand or stay with them.
๐ Assume your dog is allowed inside every shop or store. Some places do allow dogs inside, so ask beforehand.
๐ Some restaurants don’t allow dogs on the patio due to health code reasons, but some do, so make sure to double-check with the restaurant beforehand.
๐ Don’t leave your dog unattended in parked cars, especially in warm weather.
๐ Never leave them alone outside at night. Whistler has many wild animals that sometimes visit the area.
Hikes And Walks In Whistler With Dogs
Whistler has beautiful hiking trails and walks that allow you to take your dogs along.
โ Here’s the list of hiking trails dogs are allowed on in Whistler:
Longer Hiking Trails
- Ancient Cedars Walk
- Brandywine Falls
- Nairn Falls
- The Sea to Sky Trail
- Whistler Interpretive Forest
- Whistler Valley Trail
Shorter Scenic Walks
- The Valley Trail
- Green Lake
- Whistler Olympic Park (dog-friendly ski and snowshoeing trails)
Off-leash Dog Parks
- Alpha Lake Park – Creekside Area
- Rainbow Park – along Valley Trail
- Lost Lake Park – at Canine Cove
However, there are popular hiking trails in Whistler, and while humans can hike these trails, dogs are not allowed to.
โ Hiking trails that dogs aren’t allowed on in Whistler:
- Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain
- Rainbow alpine trails
- Skywalk trails
- Provincial Parks
Best Dog Friendly Hotels In Whistler
If you’re looking for accommodations for the best pet-friendly hotels in Whistler, here are a couple that not only take care of you but also your furry friend.
Most hotels and lodges in Whistler will likely have additional fees if there are damages or house cleaning fees. There’s also a two-dog maximum in each room.
๐ก Note: Dogs may not be allowed in some areas of the hotels. Ask the hotel beforehand to ensure where your dog is allowed to be.
The Crystal Lodge
One of the top hotels in Whistler, The Crystal Lodge, is in an excellent location in the village. For the humans, there’s an outdoor pool, hot tub, free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, a games room, and more.
And as for your companion, The Crystal Lodge lets pets stay for free! If you request to bring your dog, pet bowls, blankets, and possibly a few treats will be provided for your stay.
Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre
Also, located in Whistler Village, the Pan Pacific Village Centre is another excellent spot. While the hotel doesn’t let your dogs stay for free ($25.00 CAD plus tax per pet fee per night, a capped maximum of $100.00 CAD per pet per stay).
It does take a $5.00 CAD donation from your pet fees and donate it to the local animal shelter known as Whistler Animals Galore (WAG).
However, there’s an outdoor swimming pool (saltwater), two hot tubs, a spa, an on-site restaurant, and more for the humans.
Dog Walking And Pet Sitting Services In Whistler
If you’re looking for pet sitters or dog walkers in Whistler, here are a few of the highly rated ones.
Whistler Dog Sitting
One of the more well-known companies in Whistler that caters to dogs is Whistler Dog Sitting. They offer in-room sitting in a Whistler accommodation or at home, dog walks, and daycare.
Whistler Dog Sitting website here.
Whistler Dog Nanny
Owner Kayla started the Whistler Dog Nanny company with the goal of serving the Whistler community with customizable care.
While the private group walks are only for the local Whistler dogs, there’s the private walk option or the parallel walk option, where you can walk your dog from a safe distance. Whistler Dog Nanny also offers training services if you need overnight care.
Whistler Dog Nanny website here.
Doggy Tales Whistler
If you’re looking for a dog walking service in Whistler, then Doggy Tales Whistler is for your doggo! They offer a 2 to 3-hour Small Pack Walk Club, Adventure Walks that range from 2 to 3 hours, Private Sitting, and Doggy Sleepover.
Doggy Tales Whistler website here.
Veterinary Services
In case of an emergency, there’s Coast Mountain Veterinary Services in Whistler or Mountainside Veterinary Hospital (North Vancouver), which is open 24/7.
Conclusion
As you can see, Whistler is quite dog-friendly and has many hiking trails and activities for dogs. I hope that you and your dog have a wonderful time exploring everything that Whistler has to offer.
Have a good day ๐