Victoria and its surrounding areas are home a long list of incredible regional parks and trails, many of which are great to explore with our furry friendly companions.
While we navigate all of great nature that the capital region has to offer, the CRD is reminding the public of how to keep our pups safe—along with all of the other wildlife that’s out there.
CRD’s Paws in Parks asks pet owners to pause to consider simple canine courtesy, including the following:
Protect nature by keeping your dog away from wildlife and sensitive areas
Help protect your dog and wildlife by keeping your dog in sight and under control. Visitors with dogs share parks with wildlife—bears, wolves, cougars, deer, elk, small mammals, ground-nesting birds and salmon—which rely on parks for survival.
Having your pet on leash where required reduces human-wildlife conflicts. It protects your dog and the plants and animals that rely on these natural areas. An off-leash dog may chase or attract a bear or cougar, making the bear or cougar rush towards other people further up the trail, or back to you.
Ground-nesting birds, small animals, and their young, can be stressed or even killed by off-leash dogs.
Always respect others who might not welcome your dog’s attention
Remember that “my dog is just being friendly” is not reassuring for some people. Although your dog’s curiosity and playfulness may seem harmless, it can have a negative impact on other—including pets and wildlife.
In summer, dogs are not allowed to stay in designated beach and picnic areas. This helps reduce visitor conflicts and keeps these busy spaces clean for the enjoyment
of all.
Watch that your dog is under control, in sight, and on a leash where required
Dogs are required to be under control, or on a leash where specified, for the safety of all users, including hikers, cyclists and horse riders.
Be prepared when you head out, and carry a leash and collar for unexpected encounters. Your dog must be able to respond immediately to voice commands, and if your dog is not trained and jumps up on others, please put it on a leash.
Scoop your dog’s poop and take it to the trash
Be prepared when you visit the park by bringing your own bags. Leaving plastic bags filled with dog waste on the ground puts other dogs and wildlife at risk. If they get curious and bite into these bags, they can choke or become sick.
Uncollected dog waste has the potential for adverse health impacts on people, on dogs, and on the environment.
Dog poop can contain many harmful organisms, and bacteria and parasites from dog waste can remain in the ground for years. If children, other dogs or animals come in contact with dog faeces, they can get sick.
Plus, nobody likes to step in dog poop!
Dogs are welcome at all CRD regional parks and trails, but are required to be on a leash at:
- Ayum Creek Regional Park
- Brooks Point Regional Park – in the area designated as the Environmental Protection Zone
- E&N Rail Trail – Humpback Connector
- Francis/King Regional Park – Elsie King Trail
- Galloping Goose Regional Trail
- Island View Beach Regional Park – Campground
- Jordan River Regional Park – Campground
- Lochside Regional Trail
- Sea to Sea Regional Park
- Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park
- Sooke Potholes Regional Park
For information on pets in parks, visit the CRD online.
