Comments

Allie from Burnaby writes:

Love this park! So many happy people and happy dogs! The leash-optional trails are great for friendly happy dogs and their families to get some exercise in a beautiful natural setting. We've visited many times over the years and keep coming back. It's wonderful to see our dog so full of joy. We just wish there were more places like this one!

Posted: October 25, 2022 01:56:40 PM PST

Daily Walker from Vancouver writes:

For years, we've walked daily throughout the park. With the increased use over the past year we've noticed an increasing lack of trail etiquette, especially from cyclists and running/training groups. Sharing the path - going single file, keeping to the right - is rare, and we often have to step off the path so as not to have panting groups of runners passing within inches of us. Cyclists fly around blind corners and through trail crossings at high speed, weaving through walkers and runners. At best, they'll yell or ding bells so that walkers can get out of their way - they don't seem to understand what yielding means. Some signage has been added in certain areas to remind cyclists to slow down, but it's being ignored. We have daily issues with dangerous cyclists yet rarely with dogs.

Posted: April 24, 2021 12:17:31 AM PST

Maria from Vancouver writes:

Love love love Pacific Spirit park. I just moved close by and run in it 3 times per week. However, I’m now wondering about safety as there was an incident last week where a runner got mugged. In everyone’s experience, how safe do you feel the park is?

Thanks!

Posted: February 3, 2021 08:46:31 PM PST

John from Vancouver writes:

Great park but ruined by people who don't control their dogs. I originally moved right next to the park just so I can run/walk here. Multiple incidents of dogs jumping on me. Now I just run on the streets. I love dogs and have one, but this is not acceptable.

Posted: January 17, 2021 01:46:17 PM PST

Sati from Vancouver writes:

To those complaining about off leash dogs. How about you stick to the leash only trails which is about a third?

I can't tell you how often someone on a bike come whipping around a corner, and pedestrians, children, dogs have to fly out of the way.

If anyone is to be banned in this park it should be the cyclists that seem to think it's just for them. And I speak as someone who cycles through the forest to go to work (pre-pandemic).

Dogs are NOT an issue if you go as slow as you should be going with families, kids and dogs WALKING in this park!

Posted: October 17, 2020 09:31:52 AM PST

Michael from Many Now in Vancouver writes:

Want to thank "jan from Vancouver" and others below, I have to stop cycling I think due to a permanent injury, it's heartbreaking but I was thinking of going back to childhood thing, hiking but was worried about dogs on the trails. THANK YOU! For letting me know - as bad as it is to have a dog attack you on bike (I had one earlier this year) I think it would be worse without having a bike to get away/defend yourself.

Other than that the park is beautiful and large. I love it! I did some work trying to stop development in Pacific Spirit Park, creating flyers, posters.

Posted: September 24, 2020 03:43:01 PM PST

jan from Vancouver writes:

I live close by and absolutely love cycling in this park but the amount of out-of-control off leash dogs is extremely frustrating. I am a dog-lover but people often don't realize how dangerous it is for both the dog and the cyclist to have an unexpected dog running in front of a cyclist. Unfortunately I hit one once (I couldn't stop in time). If dogs are going to be off-leash, they need to be controlled by their owners. I really wish there were more areas in the park that were only for leashed dogs, walkers and cyclists as well as some enforcement of the rules by the parks.

Posted: September 3, 2020 07:11:36 PM PST

Too many dogs from Vancouver born and raised writes:

Decided to head here after not visiting for years. I used to love running in the trails.

The leash optional rule has to be one of the dumbest I've seen in Vancouver, home of many dumb rules. Why on earth would off leash dogs be allowed in such a park? No wonder it seemed devoid of wildlife or birds. Poor things are probably scared stiff.

I do not remember so many dogs being here when I used to visit years ago. It's bizarre. I will not be coming back here until the policy changes.

Posted: February 17, 2020 03:14:22 PM PST

Hugh from Vancouver writes:

Love the Pacific Spirit Park trails that I have run, biked and walked for past 27 years. All seasons the park provides an incredible oasis of tranquility and beauty in the middle of our busy city.

I will say that I regret the commercialization of the park by dog walking companies. Today I ran into three large groups of dogs - 2 off-leash, one on-leash (but barely in control). Not fun encounters when you have a single dog (even if the single dog is friendly, coming upon a pack is overwhelming).

Why not limit "pack" sizes to three? Who picked 6 as a manageable number?

See you in the park!

Posted: November 29, 2019 10:47:48 AM PST

Ashley from Vancouver writes:

This park is great, super easy 10k run and great to bike. For those people who are saying dogs are an issue, maybe don't go on the off-leash trail. If you're scared of dogs why would you go to a dog area? I have never had a problem with unruly dogs and do this trail 4x a week.

Posted: August 3, 2018 01:41:43 PM PST

Tree hugger from London, UK writes:

April 2018 - I headed out on a dry and surprisingly sunny day aiming to cover a rough perimeter of the park. It took a while getting used to the map but the paper copies at the info point off 16 Ave came in handy! I really enjoyed the North and South sections. In hindsight, I would skip the West section though as it involves a lot of walking along the pebble beach which is a leg wrecker in walking boots and the SW Marine Trail as you're close to the busy road so not very peaceful. Overall, a really enjoyable, mostly flat walk (if you avoid the bits with steps!) with some great wooded sections and photo opportunities.

Posted: April 15, 2018 08:03:31 PM PST

Annah from New west writes:

It was a pleasant stroll, perfect to run or walk. Definitely very easy and no hills. It was a little confusing as to where it started but that may have been due to us not finding the main parking lot. Once in the park there were signs throughout along with markings which were easy to follow.
Fab all season hike, we did it end of March and it was a beautiful day. Gorgeous tall cedar trees everywhere!

Posted: March 30, 2018 02:37:32 PM PST

Lion Tamer from Vancouver writes:

Walked this on 2017-02-03, day of a big snowfall.

Paths were great in the snow, in the spring they get very muddy. There's not that much in ways of scenery, and the paths near the road can get a bit noisy. The dogs were mostly behaving themselves, with a couple exceptions.

It's easy to get lost, there are plenty of maps, but so many trails and junctions that you're bound to make a wrong turn - I made 3.

Generally speaking, a great trail in the winter and the snow, not really recommended in the summer.

Posted: February 7, 2017 11:55:55 AM PST

David Ernesto from Vancouver writes:

Wonderful park to visit if you can make it either during the regular workday, or very early on the weekends - outside of those times, it tends to be packed with untrained dogs running off-leash on all trails (including, unfortunately, ones marked leash required or no dogs allowed). Hard to find a good time to bring the kids because of this problem, but a lovely gem of the city otherwise.

Posted: February 6, 2017 01:13:59 PM PST

Canine Conduct Code is Clear from Vancouver writes:

Googling Metro Vancouver: Canine Code

Canine Code of Conduct
"Keep your dog under control in all places at all times. Dogs must be leashed, unless in a designated off-leash area or on a designated leash-optional trail.
Scoop your dog's poop and deposit the bag in a designated container (not the forest). Leave all trails as clean—or cleaner—than when you arrived.
Respect wildlife and their habitat—you and your dog are in their home.
Keep your dog out of streams, creeks, ponds, wetlands and shorelines. A variety of wildlife lives in these areas including fish, frogs, salamanders and birds.
Keep your dog from digging or causing damage.
Yield the right-of-way to other hikers. Keep your dog close and under control as others pass by. Yield the right-of-way to equestrians. Say hello so riders know you are there, and keep your dog close, quiet and under control as horses pass by.
Always be courteous. Don't give other trail users any reason to complain. Set an example by being a conscientious owner with a well-behaved dog enjoying the trails. "

The section here that says: "Yield the right-of-way to other hikers. Keep your dog close and under control as others pass by. Yield the right-of-way to equestrians. Say hello so riders know you are there, and keep your dog close, quiet and under control as horses pass by." It says it all, eh.

Posted: August 5, 2016 09:37:24 PM PST

Danielle from Vancouver writes:

Reading these postings I share the concerns of people who feel interfered with by dogs off lease, especially when the owners do not have voice control over their animal companions and the dog comes too close, jumps on you, or follows you with unknown intentions so you feel backed up against a tree, with the owner standing there doing nothing about it. Like people owners need to ensure that their pets observe a correct amount of personal space around the people they met on a trail (whether on or off lease). The reason that there are laws that related to 'personal space' being protected around each citizen is so that EVERY BODY (human or animal) can feel safe and enjoy the place where they live on the planet.

Trails marked 'lease required' at Pacific Spirit Park are actually far fewer than this that are 'lease optional' -- which if dog owners were empathetic it would be useful and helpful. Some owners+dog are - they have the dogs that are obviously under control of the owner with the smiling eyes and no interest in interfering with other hikers -the kind of owner or pet you just feel like saying 'hi' to.......and others are not and have dogs, that if they where children would be acting out of control and unacceptable. I get it that an animal companion is a surrogate child for many people, and that means they are the parent, and legally responsible for their companion's behavior. Please don't let your dog do to other hikers what you wouldn't do yourself or let a child do to other people: if you are in voice control of the dog (a legal requirement if s/he is off lease even on a 'lease optional' trail) please use your commands to prevent you companion from going up and sniffing people, walking too close to them, growling at them, or otherwise interferring with their personal space. You won't like it if someone else dog did this to you and the owner couldn't control it, nor if you had a smaller, less muscular (dog or child) and a out of control
creature in their category threatened their safety and relaxation -- and right to proceed in peacefulness through the forest. Thank you for listening.

Posted: August 5, 2016 09:05:27 PM PST

Joy A. Alvarez from Dunbar writes:

I believe people are not dog unfriendly ... i believe we all do like dogs. But the fact is, I am afraid of those which are not mine; I don't feel at ease in their presence. So,how I wish and desire that those off the leash ones still be taken cared of by their owners. Dog's attention be called frequently. So, for those dog owners, don't drive us away where dogs are not accommodated. Be responsible for you off the leash dogs. They are not mine and naturally I am simply afraid of them /blessings.
#joy alvarez

Posted: September 28, 2015 12:36:05 AM PST

Elizabeth from Vancouver writes:

This park was very easy to get to by transit, and on a sunny summer Sunday I was surprised that it was not crowded. I often found myself alone. I didn't plan a route, so I was mostly trying to prolong the walk by avoiding trails leading to Imperial or 16th, and I appreciated that those were clearly marked. For the most part the trails were wide and flat, and mostly shady.
I'm not a dog owner, so I wasn't paying attention to which areas were on- or off- leash, but I came across a lot of off-leash dogs. I'm not afraid of dogs; I find the best way act around them is indifferent, and I found that the dogs may stop by for a quick sniff but never hung around, jumped, or barked. I would have to agree, that if you're afraid of dogs or if your children don't know how to act around dogs, you should try a different park; but for the average person this place was beautiful and the atmosphere was friendly.

Posted: June 7, 2015 02:06:24 PM PST

Kristie from Vancouver writes:

I feel so bad when non-dog people run into the worst dog owners and it never fails, those are the two groups that meet up or maybe they're just the ones that are vocal. I admit to sneaking from one off leash trail to another via an on leash trail. My dog is under voice control and very well behaved but I am still in violation and I know it. I also pull my dog to the side for cyclists, runners, horses and people travelling faster than we are. I also don't understand why people who are afraid of dogs or dislike dogs go to off leash areas. Like having a picnic at Spanish Banks. I love the park and most of the people and canines in it.

Posted: May 22, 2015 12:02:51 AM PST

I'm back for more from derpville writes:

Dogs are also supposed to be leashed at trailheads too thus preventing the idiocy at intersections. Again, please read canine code of conduct. Im not bothered by dogs that are well behaved. Also, please dont stand in the middle of the bloody trails talking to your doggy friends. It's extremely annoying and inconsiderate of other users. I'm so sick of the entitled dog owners like "hello this is Vancouver."

Posted: April 28, 2015 08:58:23 AM PST

Lindyhiker from Vancouver writes:

Great trails and very easy. Good for trail running and ambling about.

Most dogs in the park are well-behaved, though sometimes at the off-leash trailheads it can get a bit "hairy". If you like dogs, like I do, it's no big deal. There are on and off-leash areas in the park, which people should respect.

Entitled owners like "This is Vancouver" below are another story - there are on and off-leash areas in the park for conservation reasons (please don't let your dog run through Still Creek! It's a salmon spawning stream!), and it's always a good idea to respect other park users, not just other dog owners. Don't be a poop about how you walk your dog, and people won't complain about dogs. Simple.

Posted: April 21, 2015 03:57:20 PM PST

This is Vancouver from Vancouver writes:

TO: Control your dogs from Derpville and Brenda. Hello? Are you guys in the wrong city? This is Vancouver. If you wanted to hike where there are no dogs then there are ample of trails that don't allow dogs that you guys could have chosen. Our furry friends too would like to enjoy the trails outdoors on sunny days. Go pick on of the hundreds of trails that our city has to offer that doesn't allow dogs instead of complaining that the dogs are "in your way"

Posted: April 20, 2015 02:33:42 PM PST

Control your dogs from Derpville writes:

Off-leash dogs are supposed to be on the trail, not running around on the bushes or streams Nf popping out in front of people. In fact, near streams they are supposed to be leashed! Would also be nice if dog owners would respect the "leash required trails." My current experience is most don't. May I suggest reading the canine code of conduct posted on Metro Vans site! Very few dog owners seem aware of the rules and it is starting to become frustrating using this park.

Posted: April 3, 2015 05:13:02 PM PST

Lisa yaroshuk from Abbotsford writes:

The park is spectacular and an enjoyable place to walk. Parking is not very adequate. People need to learn to leash their dog in the leased areas, and the off-leash areas are fine provided the dog owners pay attention to their dogs when dealing with other dogs and people.

Posted: February 21, 2015 05:48:56 PM PST

Miss C. from Downtown writes:

LOVE this trail because I can take my dogs... I go here on a relgular basis. For those of you afraid of dogs then simply go somewhere else - how can you seriously call it an 'issue'?? The majority of beaches and trails are not dog friendly so take your pick. Why should our pets be cooped up inside all day while we enjoy the outdoors? Most pet owners know if their dog should be kept on the leash or not so just relax and enjoy your walk.

Posted: August 26, 2013 10:06:58 AM PST

Veronica from Vancouver writes:

Love the trails and our kids are always delighted to see dogs on the trails. The dogs and owners look so happy when they enjoy their forest freedom. Nice to see everyone share.

Posted: June 25, 2013 10:50:13 PM PST

Christopher from Vancouver writes:

There are many trails in the park, some are dog off-leash, others are not. If you are visiting and dog-adverse, there are usually maps (sometimes for the taking) at all the major entrances. Then you can plot a route more to your liking.

It's a good idea to take a map with you or, as I do, store a digital copy on your phone. Over the years I have directed or escorted many lost people towards the exits (it's easy to go in circles when unfamiliar with the paths).

Another nice route is to go all the way from Marine Drive to the coast (which, be warned, features a large off-leash dog area). The end does feature a gradual but significant hill.

Finally, if you really don't want to encounter dogs, the vast majority of the regions parks are not dog friendly, and you might feel more comfortable at one of them.

Posted: August 26, 2012 09:12:33 AM PST

Sarah Katherman from STEAMBOAT SPRINGS writes:

I love this park! We are here for a month and have been several times with our dog. We keep her leashed where she is supposed to be leashed and allow her to be off-leash on the designated trails. She loves it, we love it and we have never had any problems with other dogs or with unfriendly people. The off-leash areas are clearly marked for those who want to avoid them.

Posted: May 22, 2012 11:10:12 AM PST

Odette from Vancouver writes:

I love to walk and or jog at Pacific Spirit. I have never had an issue with dogs there and have been going frequently for some time now. If they are off the leash you can assume they are friendly. We have to share spaces like Pacific Spirit in harmony with those around us....including those with fur & four paws!

Happy Tails & Trails!

Posted: March 30, 2012 03:35:23 PM PST

Maggie from Vancouver writes:

Great park really, but same problems with dogs than Brenda. My kids (and I sometimes)are affraid by dogs, always unleashes, so I can't go inside Park with them now. It's becoming to be a big issue.

Posted: March 15, 2012 07:56:19 PM PST

Nesta Leduc from whitehorse writes:

Had a tough time today
It was raining hard and dark
Had a GPS but did not find a map except one on a board at intersection of nature and deer ....
Unfortunately it was too high and too dark for me to be able to read
Note, it is possible for a tall person to kneel down, but not so easy for a short (5foot) person to reach up
Had to ask a runner to show me the way out of the park

Posted: February 17, 2012 11:34:37 PM PST

Hiker from Vancouver writes:

This trail is fantastic! There are some dogs but they were all great. I like that there is a forest in the city for our four legged friends to run around in. Too bad we have negative people in the city that don't like to share with pets

Posted: February 12, 2012 12:53:10 PM PST

Chelsey from vancouver writes:

i love this trail it is calm and comforting. dogs on leaches are the problem of their owners. i love dogs and they seem to be very well behaved on this trail.

Posted: January 13, 2012 09:49:59 AM PST

Brenda from Vancouver writes:

I have been trying to run on the Pacific Spirit Park trails - very beautiful but one problem is people's dogs which are not on leashes. Is this really allowed? This morning was terrible - I was barked at, surrounded by dogs, stopped by groups of people and their unleashed dogs, had to stop and actually get off the path because of dogs, tripped over dogs, etc. Why are dogs allowed to roam freely in this context? I don't get it. This was on a trail just off W 16th and Wesbrook Mall.

Posted: October 16, 2011 03:59:43 PM PST

Shirley from Vancouver writes:

Can a stroller be used at this trail?
Thanks.

Posted: August 15, 2011 03:21:47 PM PST

Alexandre Klinke from Vancouver writes:

A very beautiful walk, specially when it's snowing. The route suggested was really helpful.

Posted: December 16, 2008 06:13:51 PM PST