Nanaimo Off Leash Dog Parks

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Nanaimo Dog Off Leash Parks & Trails

1 May Richards Bennett Pioneer Park – the forested area behind May Bennett Pioneer Park offers a 1km network of trails for Fido to explore. There is a moderate incline but no major climbs or obstacles. Gravel roadside parking is available surrounding the perimeter of the park.

2 Diver Lake Park – a large sports field provides space for team sports in the summer, but from October to April, it is open to off-leash dogs. This is one of two off-leash areas in Nanaimo that feature water access. This off-leash area adjoins the parking lot at the end of Black Frank Drive.

3 Beaufort Park – tucked away in central Nanaimo, Beaufort’s dog off-leash area adjoins the gravel parking area at the end of Chelsea Crescent. It is a partially fenced area with plenty of space for dogs to run and play.

4 Westwood Lake Park – Found at the end of Westwood Road, this 6 km perimeter trail has long been popular with dog walkers. The dirt road running beneath the power lines on the southern side of Westwood Lake is open to off-leash canines.

5 Invermere Beach – found in north Nanaimo off of Icarus Drive, this is currently the only off-leash public beach park. Visitors will find parking at the top of a set of wooden stairs that lead to the beach. This is a great spot to take your pet for a cool off during the heat of summer (or any time of year for water dogs!). The stairs are steep and the beach is rocky, so this is not recommended for those with mobility issues.

6 Northfield Park – this fenced park is located centrally along the Parkway Trail behind the Visitor Info Kiosk at the intersection of Northfield Road and Hwy #1. There is good access to the paved Parkway Trail and ample parking.

7 Wardropper Park – this open field park in the Departure Bay area is the perfect spot for throwing the ball around for Fido. You will find access to the park on either side off Departure Bay Road or Bay Street. Parking is limited and available on the Departure Bay Road side of the park.

8 Colliery Dam Park – the off-leash dog area is immediately adjoining the Upper Lake parking lot off Nanaimo Lakes Road. It is also accessible from the Lower Lake parking area off of Wakesiah Avenue and Sixth Street via an on-leash walk along the concrete and dirt paths that lead from the Lower Lake area to the Upper Lake area.

9 St. George Ravine Park – found in the Townsite neighbourhood, this dog off-leash area is located at the top of a ravine. This park is best suited for smaller dogs, but all are welcome. The area is not fully fenced. Please note that the ravine trail is not a part of the dog off-leash area but is open to on-leash dogs.

10 Gallow’s Point (Protection Island) – visiting Protection Island? Why not take Fido along with you?

11 Cable Bay Trail – located in south Nanaimo near Cedar, this trail winds through a forest of cedar, alder and fir for just under 2 km and eventually leads to a rocky beach where wildlife is often seen.

12 Beban Park – this fully fenced dog park is located at the corner of Labieux and Dorman Roads next to Merle Logan Field.

For more information visit the City of Nanaimo website.