Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations

May 1, 2023

Your Pooch Vacation Guide to Canada’s Western Mountains

When planning a trip, the first thing pup parents might wonder is: what do we do with the dog? Don’t choose between limiting your travel options or leaving them at home with the dog sitter or at a doggy daycare. If you set your sights on a trip to Canada’s Western mountains, there’s plenty of dog-friendly vacation destinations, activities, and accommodations to ensure that no furry friend gets left behind! After all, they’re part of the family. Take them with you on the adventure of their lifetime!

Discover top dog-friendly vacation destinations in Canada’s Western Mountains with tips for what to do and where to stay.

Bring Fido to Banff

Pet-Friendly stays at Fairmont Banff Springs — Discover Pet-Friendly stays at Canada’s Castle in the Rockies – Fairmont Banff Springs

Hike the Hoodoos Trail | This moderate route is perfect for families and dogs to experience the best views with minimal elevation. This 10km loop takes roughly 2.5 – 3.5 hours to complete. Banff has more than 1,500km of hiking trails and nearly all of them are dog-friendly (so long as dogs are kept on-leash). Check with Parks Canada make sure you’ve selected the right route for you and your furry friend before you go hiking.

Dog-friendly Skiing & Snowshoeing | As the seasons change, several hiking trails transform into winter wonderland cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. There are several dog-friendly options to choose from, ranging from easy to moderate. Healy Creek and Castle Junction are perfect for introducing your pup to either sport. Keep them on leash and in control at all times. Discover all pet-friendly cross-country ski trails on Parks Canada help you plan the perfect dog-friendly vacation in winter.

Shop until you drop and roll over | There are plenty of pet-friendly stores along Banff Avenue to peruse with your pup— just look for the window stickers and dog bowls outside of stores. They’ll love joining you at your favorite shops, or picking out their new favorite souvenir together from Banff Doghouse or Rocky Mountain Flannel Company as a reminder of your adventures.

STAY | Treat your pooch like royalty with unrivaled mountain views and room service at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Explore the grand halls of this Scottish baronial castle or relax at one of six pet-friendly patios- if the weather permits. A portion of your pet’s stay will be donated to the local Bow Valley SPCA, Canada’s only no kill, no cage adoption center. View pet policy.

LOCAL TIP
Plan a dog-friendly vacation any time of year and discover the best trails and treats year-round in pet-friendly Banff for with the entire family—including Fido.

Pet friendly hotels Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs - sleeping dog on a comfortable bed — Relax and unwind after a day filled with adventures

Dog at Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada's Castle in the Rockies, dog-friendly vacation destination — Treat your pooch like royalty at the Fairmont Banff Springs

Canine Ambassador Fairmont Banff Springs - Bear — Meet Bear, the Canine Ambassador at Fairmont Banff Springs

Doggy Paddle in Lake Louise

Canoeing with dogs on Lake Louise, CR Orange Girl Photograhy — Go canoeing with you pooch on Lake Louise, *photograph by Orange Girl Photography*

Doggy Paddle | One of the best views of Lake Louise is from your own canoe out on Lake Louise. Tick off this experience from your bucket list with your loyal companion at your side. Soak up panoramic views of Victoria Glacier and Fairview Mountain. Don’t forget to pack your camera and their life vest!

Lake Moraine | You won’t want to miss a scenic visit to Moraine Lake with your furry friend. Beat the jammed parking lots by visiting for a sunrise or sunset hike. Or reserve a Parks Canada shuttle seat (recommended for small dogs) in advance for a safe and seamless adventure. Passengers can bring small pets on board (at no charge) as long as they keep their pets in a secure and clean carrier small enough to fit on their lap.

Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House | If your dog loves walkies, a hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House is a must! This 7 km round-trip trail (recommended for bigger dogs) passes through stunning scenery with an elevation gain of 1300 ft. You and your furry friend can enjoy coffee, tea and light snacks at outdoor tables—don’t forget to pack extra treats for them!

STAY | Let them spend more time enjoying the new smells and sights of Lake Louise when you stay steps from the shore at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. A portion of your pet’s stay at this dog-friendly mountain resort will be donated to the local Bow Valley SPCA, Canada’s only no kill, no cage adoption center. View pet policy.

LOCAL TIP
Short on time? Plan the perfect long weekend away with your pooch and enjoy 3 days of pet-friendly adventures in Banff National Park.

Pet Friendly Accommodations at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise — Summer, dog-friendly Lake Louise

Dog-friendly Lake Louise, Photography by Devaan Ingraham — Spoil them with winter walkies, *photograph by Devaan Ingraham*

Dogs at Lake Louise, a dog-friendly vacation destination - Photo by @mixatchdogpack — Travel with the entire pack, *photograph by @mixmatchdogpack*

NEW sights and smells in Jasper

Traveling with pets to National Parks - dog friendly trails, Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise — Enjoy the new sights, smells, and fresh mountain air in Jasper National Park

Jasper Sky Tram | Visit one of few pet-friendly trams in Canada. Soar with your pooch over Jasper National Park to the peak of Whistler Mountain at an elevation of 2,263 meters. You’ll both be in awe of the panoramic views from the Jasper Sky Tram to the summit.

Dog-Friendly Rafting | Embark on a canine friendly adventure that will keep their tails wagging all day long. Jasper Raft Tours offers dog-friendly rafting trips for the whole family, including fluffy. Your dog will love being included in your family adventures. After all, your pooch deserves it! Bring your own canine life vest or Jasper Raft Tours will provide one for you.

Wine & Dine with your Dog | Steamed Salmon, Chicken breast or plant-based? Whatever your dog’s dietary preferences, they’ll drool over the Great Hound Menu at The Great Hall and the Emerald Lounge. These venues offer spectacular views overlooking Lac Beauvert. Every successful dog-friendly vacation should include an unforgettable meal together.

STAY | Make traveling easy and fun at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. You’ll receive a welcome package upon with everything you and your pooch need for an unforgettable stay. Accommodations are spacious enough for you and your dog to stretch out and relax in comfort. Place the “Pet on Vacation” sign on your door when they want some ‘me-time’ or extra privacy. Find out everything you need to know about their Furmont Stay.

LOCAL TIP
Your dog can join the pack during activities at Jasper Park Lodge like canoeing or stand up paddle boarding at The Boathouse, or they can spend time with a trained Canine Ambassadors while you’re exploring the park on foot.

Dog-friendly vacation ideas in Jasper - A dog on Lake Beauvert — Dogs love spending time at Lac Beauvert, photograph by @koda.yeg

dog-friendly vacations in Jasper - Dog riding the Jasper Sky Tram CR @caffeinemedicated — Pet-friendly Jasper Sky Tram, *photograph by @caffeinemedicated*

Dog at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Spring and Summer — Treat them like family at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Wagging tails On whistler TRAILS

Dog-friendly hiking trails in Whistler - A dog resting on a forest hike — Hit the dog-friendly trails and explore old-growth forests with your furry friend in Whistler.

Explore Canine Cove | A whistler local favorite, dogs can meet and play lakeside at Canine Cove and roam the off-leash dog beach at Lost Lake Park. Start with a swim, play fetch with their new furry friends, and dry off with a 4km lake loop hike. Don’t forget to pack a towel for muddy paws. See all recommended dog-friendly Whistler hikes to help you plan the perfect dog-friendly vacation.

Forged Axe Throwing | Experience a true Canadian sport year-round with your four-legged friend. Forged Axe Throwing welcomes you to bring your well-behaved dog along. If you’re lucky, you might even run into their shop dog, Bandito, or their league mascot, Toots.

Go Chasing Waterfalls | Whistler is home to some of the best scenic hikes, including spectacular routes to picturesque waterfalls. You’ll be glad you brought them along on your hiking adventure to unique sites, like Brandywine Falls and Nairn Falls. To learn more about dog-friendly hikes and maps of the area, visit the Whistler Visitor Center.

STAY | A stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is truly a pooch’s paradise. Every four-legged guest receives a Comfort Pet Amenity upon arrival. This includes a comfy dog bed, water/food bowl, and a selection of kibble. There’s no shortage of activities and things to do with your pooch during your stay.

LOCAL TIP
From leash-free play areas to treats & more, discover 6 ways to pamper your pooches in Whistler on your next dog-friendly vacation.

Pet-friendly Travel in Whistler, Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane — *photograph by Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane*

Canine Ambassador Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Alta — Discover Whistler’s Great Outdoors Together

Dog-friendly vacation hikes in Whistler — On-leash dog-friendly hikes and trails in Whistler

Start Planning Your Pooch Vacation

Did you know that all Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are pet-friendly? Discover our best travel offers for your next vacation to Canada’s Western Mountains at iconic Fairmont Resorts.