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11 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Victoria, BC 2024: Off-Leash & On-Leash Places to Visit

Chelsie Fraser

By Chelsie Fraser

labrador retriever dog at the beach

When it comes to beach adventures, there’s nothing better than one where you can take your dog with you. Victoria is home to epic dog-friendly sand playgrounds and pebbly beaches. We rounded up the top 11 amazing dog-friendly beaches in Victoria, BC, to help you find your next adventure.

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Top 11 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Victoria, BC

1. Willows Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 2895 Beach Drive
🕐 Open Times: Any time
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Often busy with people and dogs
  • Double-check the rules for the time of year that you visit; dogs aren’t allowed in the water year-round
  • Clean beach with gentle waves
  • Shallow water that’s great for dogs and young children

2. Sandcut Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 11033 W Coast Rd. Shirley, BC
🕐 Open Times: Any time
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Easy 400-m walk from the parking lot along Highway 14
  • Gravelly beach
  • Not overly busy
  • Often foggy, creating a unique, mystical atmosphere

3. Island View Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 3215 Island View Rd, Saanichton, BC
🕐 Open Times: Any time
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Short hiking loop
  • Washroom facilities make it a great choice for families
  • Breathtaking sunsets
  • Fantastic views of Mt. Baker

4. Mystic Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 Capital, BC
🕐 Open Times: Any time
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Located on Juan De Fuca Marine Trail
  • Cascade waterfall pouring over rock cliffs
  • Easy 2-km hike under the canopy — it’s recommended to wear waterproof hiking shoes
  • Unique features uncommon to many beaches

5. Parker Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 5519 Parker Ave.
🕐 Open Times: Any time
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Parking lot located right next to the hiking path
  • Best at low tide
  • A hidden gem for long nature walks with your pup
  • Plenty of space for dogs to run

6. Spiral Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 1119 Dallas Rd.
🕐 Open Times: Any time
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Stunning views of the water
  • Rocky beach area accessible by stairs
  • No lighting, so make sure to bring a flashlight if out after dark
  • Open to off-leash dogs year-round

7. Gonzales Park

🗺️ Address: 📍 1809 Crescent Rd.
🕐 Open Times: Any time
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Public washrooms available
  • Best at high tide
  • Great sandy beach at low tide
  • Busy on sunny days

8. McMorran Park and Beach Access

🗺️ Address: 📍 5115 Cordova Bay Rd.
🕐 Open Times: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • A quiet stretch of beach
  • Plenty of driftwood to sit and relax on
  • Parking is tight and limited

9. Ross Bay Public Pebbles Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 Victoria, BC
🕐 Open Times: Any time
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Waterfront walkway
  • Road level for easy access
  • Great spot to watch kite surfers
  • Less busy than most other Victoria beaches

10. Telegraph Cove

🗺️ Address: 📍 4040 Telegraph Bay Rd.
🕐 Open Times: Any time
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • No washrooms or facilities
  • Limited parking
  • Secluded and quiet
  • Fantastic spot for whale watching

11. Macaulay Point Park and Fleming Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 304 Clifton Terrace
🕐 Open Times: Any time
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, only in specific areas
  • Popular dog park
  • Picnic area
  • Rock climbing wall
  • Plenty of parking
  • Dogs must be on-leash in most of the park but can be off-leash in designated areas

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Conclusion

There are many options for dog-friendly beaches close to Victoria and Vancouver Island. Most allow off-leash play with few restrictions, perfect for enjoying a swim or oceanside stroll with your beloved pooch!

See also:


Featured Image Credit: MaraZe, Shutterstock

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