“Dog is man’s best friend,” so the saying goes. We don’t think there’s any saying truer than that on Father’s Day! This year, we’d like to help dad get the most out of his four-legged best friend’s company. Staying at home is one option if the weather is less than ideal, and there are some great activities to do with your pooch if so. But if the weather is beautiful, don’t stay cooped indoors! This year we’d like to help dad get out of the house by sharing with you some dog-friendly parks and off-leash areas around Burnaby we think dad and his “best friend” will both enjoy!
1: Confederation Park’s Off-Leash Trail
Fresh air will do both dad and his dog good no matter what age they are! If you haven’t been to the Confederation Park’s off-leash trail located across from Penzance Drive, perhaps make Father’s Day the occasion! This trail is known as one of the best off-leash parks in the midtown Burnaby area. Dad and his best friend can navigate their outdoors adventure along this trail while being surrounded by BC’s natural beauty. Run, walk, jog, hike, or even dance (if you want to!) along the 1.14km trail.
2: Burnaby Heights Park (the Off-Leash Enclosure)
The off-leash enclosure at Burnaby Heights Park includes a water fountain just for dad’s dog (if the sun is out and it’s hot, anyway!). There are also enough benches and space in the park for everyone who wants to visit, with or without their pooch. Remember to bring sunscreen however as there is not as much shade from the sun as there is in other parks. On the plus side, the view of the North Shore Mountains from this area is a spectacular sight to behold!
3: Robert Burnaby Park
Robert Burnaby Park is located within East Burnaby and features a lot of cool things to do, including an open off-leash area and shared trail for dad’s favourite pooch! You could play a game of catch or get the family involved in a game of baseball at the baseball diamond. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, playground, and picnic area. This is a must-visit if you want to share Father’s Day with both your dad and his best friend, especially if they’re nature lovers. Why not create a picnic basket or fill up a cooler of snacks and drinks and bring it along with you? (Don’t forget to bring Fido his dog-friendly variety!)
4: Barnet Marine Park
Whatever time of day you visit Barnet Marine Park, you’ll see some spectacular views! The large sandy beach is a popular spot to swim in in the summertime and Burrard Inlet’s nearby sounds and smells will be a welcome escape on this special holiday. The foreshore leg part of Drummond’s Walk passes through the off-leash area where Dad can play a game of catch with his favourite four-legged buddy. Drummond’s Walk itself is a great trail to walk along in and of itself, too!
5: David Gray Park
If you’re concerned about your dad’s pup wandering away from a non-fenced off-leash area, or if his pup needs work on his recall, try going to David Gray Park. Your pup can wander around leash-free for a while, and if they get thirsty (something bound to happen if it’s hot out), there is a nearby water fountain they can drink from.
6: Burnaby Mountain Park
Known for having one of the most gorgeous views in the Burnaby area, Burnaby’s Mountain Park has many amenities aside from the fantastic views of Metrotown, downtown Vancouver, the ocean, and the North Shore mountains, including—you guessed it—a dog-friendly trail. Dad can check out the totem poles with his best friend as well as keep his kids or grandkids entertained at the playground. Just be prepared for a drive and to bring your sweater as the park is indeed in the middle of the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area and the elevation makes the air quite cool—but the trip here is so worth it for the view!
7: Taylor Park
Taylor Park is not just fun for dad and his dog, it’s a fun place to visit for the whole family! In addition to the off-leash park, there is a basketball court, a ball hockey court, a disc swing, a bike park, a casual sports field, a picnic area, and some really cool mosaic artwork done by local high school art classes. The off-leash area can be accessed via the pedestrian trail connecting from Southpoint Drive, or dad can take his pooch along for a leashed walk along the trail before letting them loose in the enclosed area. A drinking fountain is also available here for dad’s favourite pooch.
8: Malvern Park
If all the other dog parks are too crowded, or if dad’s dog is smaller and laid-back rather than large and energetic, check out Malvern Park’s off-leash area. There is a grassy field right beside the main parking lot, which makes it convenient for quickly parking and then getting dad’s pooch out to play right away! The short trail loops around and emerges back near the entrance, about 1/3 of a kilometre long, and a water fountain is available after you’ve completed the loop so dad’s pup can have a drink! If dad is a fan of geocaching, there is definitely one hidden within the park. Bring a GPS and see if you can find the latest surprise!
9: Burnaby Lake Regional Park
This is a great area for the whole family to relax in, including dad’s best friend! Although most of the area requires your dog to be on a leash, there is an off-leash, fenced off park near the northern entrance of Piper Spit (the nature house). There are many birds and wildlife living in this area as well as a sense of calm and peace while navigating the trails. This would be a great place for dad and his best friend if a calm Father’s Day is what they’re both looking for, especially if they’re avid bird watchers or nature fans.
10: Deer Lake Park
There’s all sorts of activities for dad and his best friend to do here! Dad can bring his dog along the off-leash trail here in the heart of the Burnaby area close to Metrotown. Dad can also rent a boat for a day, go out in a canoe, go for a morning jog or bike ride, go out for a picnic, or even try out kayaking for the first time in this area. If there’s any day or place to start learning how to paddle a kayak, Father’s Day and Deer Lake Park would be it.
Whatever you decide to do on this holiday, we hope you, dad, and his four-legged best friend have a wonderful and relaxing Father’s Day! Have fun!
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