Where are the best dog-friendly trails in Greater Victoria?

The Galloping Goose is the backbone of Greater Victoria's trail network, stretching 55 kilometres from the Inner Harbour to Sooke — the longest continuous trail in the region. The trail passes through View Royal, Langford, Colwood, and Metchosin, with over 20 access points for dogs. The 6.5 km section from the Gorge Bridge to the Selkirk Trestle is the most popular for dog walkers, offering waterfront views and shaded stretches. Average walk time: 1 to 1.5 hours for the popular section.

Running 13 km from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal through Sidney, North Saanich, and into Saanich, the Lochside Trail connects farmland, ocean viewpoints, and residential areas. It links to the Galloping Goose at the Switch Bridge, creating an extensive 68 km combined loop. Dogs must stay leashed, but the 3 m-wide paved and gravel trail and open sightlines make it comfortable for reactive dogs. Average walk time: 2.5 to 3 hours for the full trail.

The E&N Rail Trail follows the old rail corridor from Sooke through Metchosin and into Langford. It offers a quieter, more natural experience than the Galloping Goose, with forested sections, creek crossings, and open meadows. Dogs love the varied smells and terrain. Some sections can be muddy in winter.

Mount Douglas (PKOLS) offers 5 kilometres of forested trails with a summit viewpoint at 213 m above sea level, overlooking the city and ocean. The lower trails are gentle and shaded, while the summit route includes 120+ stairs and steeper grades. Off-leash activity is permitted on trails and in designated areas. Average summit hike: 45 minutes to 1 hour. The trails are well-maintained and offer a true forested escape within the city.

Thetis Lake is one of the most popular regional parks in Greater Victoria, with 6 km of well-signed and maintained trails circling two lakes through second-growth forest. Swimming areas are available in summer (leash restrictions apply at the beach). Dogs must be leashed in most areas, but the varied terrain — including forest paths, lakeside boardwalks, and rocky viewpoints — make it a favourite for adventurous dogs. Average loop time: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Elk Lake and Beaver Lake offer a 10-kilometre trail loop through forest and along the lake shore — the longest flat lakeside loop in Greater Victoria. Dogs are allowed off-leash at the beach area, though seasonal date restrictions apply (check CRD Parks for current dates). At other times and in other areas of the park, dogs must be on leash or under control. The flat, well-maintained paths are ideal for longer walks and jogging with your dog, and it's one of the most popular exercise spots for dog owners in Saanich. We bring Ziggy and Lady Sahara here about four times a week. The trails are gorgeous but shared with horses, runners, and dozens of off-leash dogs on weekends, so make sure your dogs are under control. Average loop time: 2 to 2.5 hours. It's a real gem.

The Dallas Road waterfront trail is Victoria's most iconic dog walk, stretching 3 km along the bluff above the Strait of Juan de Fuca with views to the Olympic Mountains 18 km across the water. A designated off-leash zone near Cook Street makes this a favourite for morning dog walkers — expect to see 20 to 30+ dogs on a sunny weekend morning. The lower beach areas may have different rules than the upper trail. Average walk time: 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Mount Finlayson in Goldstream Provincial Park is a challenging 4 km round-trip hike climbing 330 m in elevation with panoramic summit views. The trail climbs through second-growth forest with exposed root sections and rocky terrain near the top. Average hike time: 1.5 to 2 hours. This trail is designed exclusively for fit, active dogs with optimal joint health.