From the rugged coastline of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park to the sandy shores of West Vancouver, Victoria in British Columbia is home to many gorgeous dog-friendly beaches. Whether you’re looking for a quiet beach for a romantic sunset stroll or an expansive shoreline for a full day of play with your pup, the city has the perfect beach for you and your four-legged friend. So, grab your leash and explore this list of the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in Victoria, B.C.!
The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Victoria, BC
- Mystic Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍 Capitol BC, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Nice little gray sand beach on the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
Magnificent waterfall from the top of the cliffs to the sandy shores.
A winding 2.4-km hike from the road leads to a spectacular view of the beach and the ocean.
Plenty of parking spaces but gets crowded quickly in high season.
- Elk/Beaver Lake
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A post shared by Finlay and Felix (@the_tollers_two)
🗺️ Address: 📍 5267 Patricia Bay Hwy, Victoria, BC, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in the designated area
Beautiful, peaceful lakes with long trails to stretch your legs.
A playground makes this spot ideal for family outings.
Plenty of free parking spaces available.
Be sure to keep your dog on a leash from June 1 to September 15.
Don’t forget to bring your paddle boards for a great adventure with your pup!
- Cadboro-Gyro Park
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🗺️ Address: 📍 Sinclair Rd, Victoria, BC V8N 6B4, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Stunning oceanfront park with sandy beach, picnic areas, playground, tennis courts, and boat ramp.
Jog along the ocean with your best buddy, enjoying the breathtaking views of Haro Strait.
Keep your eyes peeled: a sea monster called Carborosaurus is said to have been prowling these waters since the 1930s!
- Parker Park in Cordova Bay
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A post shared by Teya, Mahdi, Ruby & Remi (@thepoodlegirls)
🗺️ Address: 📍 5405 Parker Ave, Victoria, BC V8Y 2N1, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
A hidden gem for long beach walks, but best when the tide is out.
Small park nearby and long sandy beaches for more tranquility.
Dogs are allowed off-leash all year round.
Be sure to pick up after your dog and respect the neighborhood that is nearby.
- Thetis Lake Regional Park
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🗺️ Address: 📍 View Royal, BC, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
💲 Cost: No admission fee, but you must pay for parking May–October
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, except the main picnic area beach
Popular open space on the edge of Lake Thetis for hiking and refreshing swims.
Go canoeing early in the morning with your pup, and you might have the lake all to yourself!
Your dog will love wading through the dog-friendly areas of this beautiful freshwater lake.
Picturesque views all around the beach.
- Spiral Beach
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A post shared by ⋘ ᴛᴀʙᴀᴛᴀ & ᴢɪɢɢʏ ⋙ (@tabsandziggs)
🗺️ Address: 📍 1119 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Nice place for lovers of rocky and pebble beaches.
Stunning views of the mountains and even Washington State on a clear day!
Perfect spot to take your dog off leash all year round.
- Gonzales Bay
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A post shared by Jimmygeorgeslapointe (@cocobeanthenaughtysausage)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Victoria, BC V8S 2G8, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, from September to May
Beautiful, scenic, crescent-shaped beach where dogs are allowed off-leash from September to May.
Parking is a bit tricky, so be sure to arrive early.
Keep your eyes peeled, and you might be lucky enough to spot an elephant seal!
- Ross Bay Public Pebbles Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍 Victoria, BC, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Pebble-covered beach located near the road for easy access.
Gorgeous views to sit back and watch your pup happily wade through the water.
Less crowded than most other surrounding beaches.
- Telegraph Cove
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🗺️ Address: 📍 4040 Telegraph Bay Rd, Victoria, BC V8N 4J5, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Rocky, secluded beach with driftwood and logs to sit on.
Incredible killer whale observation spot!
The waters are cold but ideal for kayaking and canoeing.
Keep in mind that there are no facilities and that parking is limited.
- Island View Beach
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A post shared by Karina Heins-Kaemmer (@karinahk)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Cordova Channel,, BC, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, from September to June
Vast sandy beach with breathtaking sunrises.
Panoramic seascape view of Haro Strait and Mount Baker.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at the park campsite.
It is best to go at low tide to enjoy a long walk with your dog.
Conclusion There is nothing quite like the feeling of sand between your toes and the sound of waves lapping against the shore. If you and your dog are looking for a great place to spend a day at the beach, head to one of these dog-friendly beaches in Victoria, B.C. But be sure to observe any rules, and don’t forget to bring a leash, plenty of water and food, and your dog’s favorite treats and toys!
Featured Image Credit: Karsten Bergmann, Pixabay
From the rugged coastline of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park to the sandy shores of West Vancouver, Victoria in British Columbia is home to many gorgeous dog-friendly beaches. Whether you’re looking for a quiet beach for a romantic sunset stroll or an expansive shoreline for a full day of play with your pup, the city has the perfect beach for you and your four-legged friend. So, grab your leash and explore this list of the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in Victoria, B.C.!
The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Victoria, BC
1. Mystic Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Lucy Pug Pelland (@lucygoooseypug)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Capitol BC, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Nice little gray sand beach on the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
Magnificent waterfall from the top of the cliffs to the sandy shores.
A winding 2.4-km hike from the road leads to a spectacular view of the beach and the ocean.
Plenty of parking spaces but gets crowded quickly in high season.
2. Elk/Beaver Lake
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Finlay and Felix (@the_tollers_two)
🗺️ Address: 📍 5267 Patricia Bay Hwy, Victoria, BC, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in the designated area
Beautiful, peaceful lakes with long trails to stretch your legs.
A playground makes this spot ideal for family outings.
Plenty of free parking spaces available.
Be sure to keep your dog on a leash from June 1 to September 15.
Don’t forget to bring your paddle boards for a great adventure with your pup!
3. Cadboro-Gyro Park
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Zoey 🤍 (@zoeytheislanddog)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Sinclair Rd, Victoria, BC V8N 6B4, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Stunning oceanfront park with sandy beach, picnic areas, playground, tennis courts, and boat ramp.
Jog along the ocean with your best buddy, enjoying the breathtaking views of Haro Strait.
Keep your eyes peeled: a sea monster called Carborosaurus is said to have been prowling these waters since the 1930s!
4. Parker Park in Cordova Bay
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Teya, Mahdi, Ruby & Remi (@thepoodlegirls)
🗺️ Address: 📍 5405 Parker Ave, Victoria, BC V8Y 2N1, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
A hidden gem for long beach walks, but best when the tide is out.
Small park nearby and long sandy beaches for more tranquility.
Dogs are allowed off-leash all year round.
Be sure to pick up after your dog and respect the neighborhood that is nearby.
5. Thetis Lake Regional Park
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Homewood Constructors Ltd. (@homewoodconstructorsltd)
🗺️ Address: 📍 View Royal, BC, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
💲 Cost: No admission fee, but you must pay for parking May–October
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, except the main picnic area beach
Popular open space on the edge of Lake Thetis for hiking and refreshing swims.
Go canoeing early in the morning with your pup, and you might have the lake all to yourself!
Your dog will love wading through the dog-friendly areas of this beautiful freshwater lake.
Picturesque views all around the beach.
6. Spiral Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ⋘ ᴛᴀʙᴀᴛᴀ & ᴢɪɢɢʏ ⋙ (@tabsandziggs)
🗺️ Address: 📍 1119 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Nice place for lovers of rocky and pebble beaches.
Stunning views of the mountains and even Washington State on a clear day!
Perfect spot to take your dog off leash all year round.
7. Gonzales Bay
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jimmygeorgeslapointe (@cocobeanthenaughtysausage)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Victoria, BC V8S 2G8, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, from September to May
Beautiful, scenic, crescent-shaped beach where dogs are allowed off-leash from September to May.
Parking is a bit tricky, so be sure to arrive early.
Keep your eyes peeled, and you might be lucky enough to spot an elephant seal!
8. Ross Bay Public Pebbles Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sabine (@adognamedsabine)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Victoria, BC, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Pebble-covered beach located near the road for easy access.
Gorgeous views to sit back and watch your pup happily wade through the water.
Less crowded than most other surrounding beaches.
9. Telegraph Cove
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Lexy and Jasper (@lexy_and_jasper)
🗺️ Address: 📍 4040 Telegraph Bay Rd, Victoria, BC V8N 4J5, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Rocky, secluded beach with driftwood and logs to sit on.
Incredible killer whale observation spot!
The waters are cold but ideal for kayaking and canoeing.
Keep in mind that there are no facilities and that parking is limited.
10. Island View Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Karina Heins-Kaemmer (@karinahk)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Cordova Channel,, BC, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, from September to June
Vast sandy beach with breathtaking sunrises.
Panoramic seascape view of Haro Strait and Mount Baker.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at the park campsite.
It is best to go at low tide to enjoy a long walk with your dog.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Lucy Pug Pelland (@lucygoooseypug)
A post shared by Lucy Pug Pelland (@lucygoooseypug)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
- Nice little gray sand beach on the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
- Magnificent waterfall from the top of the cliffs to the sandy shores.
- A winding 2.4-km hike from the road leads to a spectacular view of the beach and the ocean.
- Plenty of parking spaces but gets crowded quickly in high season.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Finlay and Felix (@the_tollers_two)
A post shared by Finlay and Felix (@the_tollers_two)
- Beautiful, peaceful lakes with long trails to stretch your legs.
- A playground makes this spot ideal for family outings.
- Plenty of free parking spaces available.
- Be sure to keep your dog on a leash from June 1 to September 15.
- Don’t forget to bring your paddle boards for a great adventure with your pup!
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Zoey 🤍 (@zoeytheislanddog)
A post shared by Zoey 🤍 (@zoeytheislanddog)
- Stunning oceanfront park with sandy beach, picnic areas, playground, tennis courts, and boat ramp.
- Jog along the ocean with your best buddy, enjoying the breathtaking views of Haro Strait.
- Keep your eyes peeled: a sea monster called Carborosaurus is said to have been prowling these waters since the 1930s!
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Teya, Mahdi, Ruby & Remi (@thepoodlegirls)
A post shared by Teya, Mahdi, Ruby & Remi (@thepoodlegirls)
- A hidden gem for long beach walks, but best when the tide is out.
- Small park nearby and long sandy beaches for more tranquility.
- Dogs are allowed off-leash all year round.
- Be sure to pick up after your dog and respect the neighborhood that is nearby.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Homewood Constructors Ltd. (@homewoodconstructorsltd)
A post shared by Homewood Constructors Ltd. (@homewoodconstructorsltd)
- Popular open space on the edge of Lake Thetis for hiking and refreshing swims.
- Go canoeing early in the morning with your pup, and you might have the lake all to yourself!
- Your dog will love wading through the dog-friendly areas of this beautiful freshwater lake.
- Picturesque views all around the beach.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ⋘ ᴛᴀʙᴀᴛᴀ & ᴢɪɢɢʏ ⋙ (@tabsandziggs)
A post shared by ⋘ ᴛᴀʙᴀᴛᴀ & ᴢɪɢɢʏ ⋙ (@tabsandziggs)
- Nice place for lovers of rocky and pebble beaches.
- Stunning views of the mountains and even Washington State on a clear day!
- Perfect spot to take your dog off leash all year round.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jimmygeorgeslapointe (@cocobeanthenaughtysausage)
A post shared by Jimmygeorgeslapointe (@cocobeanthenaughtysausage)
- Beautiful, scenic, crescent-shaped beach where dogs are allowed off-leash from September to May.
- Parking is a bit tricky, so be sure to arrive early.
- Keep your eyes peeled, and you might be lucky enough to spot an elephant seal!
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sabine (@adognamedsabine)
A post shared by Sabine (@adognamedsabine)
- Pebble-covered beach located near the road for easy access.
- Gorgeous views to sit back and watch your pup happily wade through the water.
- Less crowded than most other surrounding beaches.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Lexy and Jasper (@lexy_and_jasper)
A post shared by Lexy and Jasper (@lexy_and_jasper)
- Rocky, secluded beach with driftwood and logs to sit on.
- Incredible killer whale observation spot!
- The waters are cold but ideal for kayaking and canoeing.
- Keep in mind that there are no facilities and that parking is limited.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Karina Heins-Kaemmer (@karinahk)
A post shared by Karina Heins-Kaemmer (@karinahk)
- Vast sandy beach with breathtaking sunrises.
- Panoramic seascape view of Haro Strait and Mount Baker.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at the park campsite.
- It is best to go at low tide to enjoy a long walk with your dog.
Conclusion
There is nothing quite like the feeling of sand between your toes and the sound of waves lapping against the shore. If you and your dog are looking for a great place to spend a day at the beach, head to one of these dog-friendly beaches in Victoria, B.C. But be sure to observe any rules, and don’t forget to bring a leash, plenty of water and food, and your dog’s favorite treats and toys!
Featured Image Credit: Karsten Bergmann, Pixabay
