Words Dr. Ashlee Albright, Peninsula Veterinary Hospital
Summer has arrived and many islanders and tourists are heading to the beach with their dogs in tow! The Saanich Peninsula is home to some beautiful oceanside beaches and lakes. It brings me so much joy to watch a dog chasing sand fleas or fetching sticks and balls again and again from the water.
As dog guardians, it is our responsibility to be mindful that public beaches must be shared respectfully and safely with young children, wildlife, other dogs, people who might be scared or uncomfortable around off-leash dogs, and the environment. While picking up after our pets is our obligation and a common courtesy, it unfortunately remains a persistent issue in most communities. Pet guardians should be checking posted signage and respecting environmental protection zones as off-leash dog rules vary between parks and at different times of the year. A good rule of thumb to follow is that unless a park is clearly marked as an off-leash dog park, restrictions apply between June 1 to September 15 for many parks.
I have compiled the following list of park rules and restrictions for some of our best local hotspots:
Island View Beach Regional Park: Dogs are required to be on a leash at the park campground. From June 1 to September 15, dogs must be on leash when passing through all beach areas above the natural boundary of the sea, and are not allowed to linger in one spot.
Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary (Roberts Bay): Under the Migratory Bird Sanctuary Regulations, allowing pets to run “at large” (unleashed) is illegal at this park. This designated bird sanctuary provides critical resting and feeding habitat for thousands of seabirds, waterbirds and shorebirds.
Cy Hampson Park: This 3.5-hectare waterfront park boasts two fenced off-leash dog areas, large grassy open spaces and beach access. This park is open to off-leash dogs at all times of the year.
Durrance Lake: Dogs are not permitted on the beach from June 1 to September 15, but are permitted leashed on the trails around the lake.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park: Dogs must be leashed at all times throughout this park and trail system. Dogs are not allowed in designated beach or picnic areas at Beaver Lake beach, Hamsterly beach, Eagle beach and Water Ski beach between June 1 and September 15, except to pass through on a leash without stopping.
Parker Park: This smaller waterfront park in Cordova Bay has beach access and dogs are allowed controlled off-leash year round between 6 and 9 a.m.
Coles Bay Regional Park: Dogs are allowed off-leash under control on the short trails to Coles Bay. However, from June 1 to September 15, dogs must be on-leash at the beach while passing through.
Thetis Lake Regional Park: Dogs are not allowed in designated beach or picnic areas in the Prior Lake beach and dock area, and Thetis Lake main beach, between June 1 and September 15, except to pass through on a leash without stopping. Otherwise, dogs are allowed to be on-leash or under control off-leash.
Peter Grant Park, Dominion Brook Park, Horth Hill, Adam Kerr Park, Centennial Park: While not waterfront, these smaller local parks offer either fenced off-leash grassy areas and/or trail systems where dogs are allowed to be off-leash under control year-round in designated areas or trails.
Whether you are a local islander or a visitor to this gorgeous slice of paradise, we are so privileged to explore the natural beauty of Vancouver Islands’ regional parks and trails. Being respectful of seasonal restrictions and ensuring our dogs are under our control is essential to keep these spots and their wildlife protected.
