Three Day "Dog Friendly Comox Valley" Itinerary
The Comox Valley is a fantastic destination for you to travel with a four-legged friend in tow. From trails sought out for biking and hiking to peaceful trails for those who prefer solitude, and vast sandy beaches they’ll want to frolic on, our region is a place packed full of activities for both of you. Then there are the eatery patios and accommodation options where pups aren’t just welcome, but encouraged.
The Comox Valley has a mixture of on-leash and leash- optional areas, including some that change seasonally. Brush up on our on-leash and off-leash etiquette before you arrive, and a gentle reminder that leash-optional still requires pups to be under control, for their safety and others’ (including the wildlife that calls the region home).
Day 1: Nature Parks & Vineyard Patios
Get your trip off to the perfect pup-centric start by grabbing coffee at The Mill in Comox, with its dog-friendly patio, before driving out to Seal Bay Nature Park. Wind your way through the forest down to the ocean. Leashes are mandatory in April, May, and June, with a mix of on- and off-leash trails outside of those months.
After you’ve frolicked in the forest for a few hours, it’s time for the pup parents to unwind some more over at 40 Knots Winery. They love (well-behaved, human-friendly) dogs. Enjoy a true taste of the valley’s terroir with a flight and a nibbly, locally sourced light picnic lunch before taking a relaxed wander through the vines.
In the afternoon, get situated and settled at your dog-friendly accommodation. Some favourites include the Old House Hotel & Spa, which is conveniently located right next to the Courtenay Riverway for a quick scenic walk whenever you need to stretch your legs. Smith Lake Farm is also a popular spot for dog lovers as there are so many beaches and trails nearby. Both their glamping sites and cabins are available for an add-on pet option (call for their full policy). Eat in the comfort of your rural accommodation or head over to Boonie’s Pizza to split a delicious pie with your pup at your side on the patio.
Day 2: Brunch & Beaches
Day two begins with a solid brunch to fuel a day of activities, with Tidal Cafe in Comox pleased to welcome dogs on the patio.
Then it's time for a morning at the beach. Goose Spit is a long stretch of sand that provides you with incredible 360 views of the mainland mountains and ocean, estuary, and Island mountains while you play. Leashing is required from March 1 until May 20 due to Brant geese migration. Kye Bay is also very popular with local pups and is leash-optional—there are plenty of tide pools to sniff and extensive sand to explore. Head to the Griffin Pub near the Comox Airport for lunch. It’s well-known for its dog-friendly patio and flavourful classic pub fare.
In the afternoon, if you’re not both tuckered out, there’s another adventure at Nymph Falls. Here, leashing is optional, a decision stated loudly on signage so there are no surprises. You’ll both love splishing and splashing in the pools.
By this point, your dog's exercise and enrichment quota is no doubt happily filled, so it’s time to refuel at Ace Brewing Co or Gladstone, both of which welcome dogs. Gladstone has a heated and covered patio, so it’s a solid contender for dog-friendly meals even in the fall and winter.
Day 3: A Dog-Friendly Mountain Experience
Day three gives you two choices: bike or hike in Cumberland, or head up to Mount Washington. In the summer, dogs are welcome in Paradise Meadows in Strathcona Provincial Park. It is vital that they are on-leash for wildlife safety and sensitive ecosystems. In the winter, Mount Washington allows dogs on specific Nordic and snowshoe trails—such as the aptly named Snow Paws trail—so that they can join you for an epic day in the snow. After a long day in the outdoors, wind down over a few plates and craft beers in cozy comfort at Cumberland Brewing Co. (their patio is covered and heated in winter).
Forgotten something vital for your pup or simply want to treat them? The Comox Valley has many pet stores and farm stores that stock locally made dog treats, typical brand dog foods, and even dogwear, leashes, and toys themed around our West Coast locale. With Cumberland, Comox, and Courtenay being so dog-friendly, there are also many vets if something does crop up during your visit, as well as dog walkers and pack walkers if you do want to briefly visit a spot that doesn’t allow dogs with peace of mind.