If you’re travelling to Squamish with a dog, one of the first things you’ll search for is where you can actually let them off the leash. Trails are great, but sometimes your pup just needs to run, sniff, play, and socialize without a leash attached.
The good news: Squamish has been steadily building out its off-leash options since 2022, and the town now has several officially designated areas across different neighbourhoods. Whether you need a fully fenced enclosure or a wide-open trail space, there’s something that will work for your dog.
Here’s a breakdown of every off-leash dog park in Squamish, what to expect at each one, and how to get there from The Crash Hotel.
The Official District of Squamish Off-Leash Rules
Before you head out, know these conditions. They apply to all District-designated off-leash areas and were developed through a pilot project based on public feedback from Squamish residents:
- You must carry a leash and keep it visible at all times
- Your dog must wear a valid dog licence tag
- Clean up and dispose of all waste in the provided bins
- Maximum of three dogs per person off-leash
- Bylaw enforcement patrols these areas regularly
These pilot locations were chosen through a community survey, and the District Council endorsed the plan based on the feedback. Continued access depends on responsible, respectful use from everyone, so please follow the guidelines.
Eaglewind Park Off-Leash Enclosure
Address: 1170 Bailey Street, Squamish
Type: Fully fenced enclosure
Distance from The Crash Hotel: 10-minute walk
Eaglewind is Squamish’s most established fenced dog park, and the go-to spot for owners who need a secure, enclosed space. The enclosure is fully fenced, so you can drop the leash without worrying about recall. The surface is a mix of gravel, astroturf, and patches of grass, with shaded seating areas and poop bag dispensers on-site.
A few things to know before you visit: there are no water stations on-site, so bring your own. Pack your dog’s favourite toys if they need encouragement to get moving. After rain, parts of the enclosure can get muddy, so pack a towel and maybe an extra set of shoes. The park is smaller than an open field, but reviewers consistently note it feels bigger than a backyard, which is enough for most dogs to get some good exercise and meet a few new friends.
Free parking is right next to the enclosure. Located behind Save-On-Foods, it’s also an easy 5-minute detour off the Sea-to-Sky Highway, making it a popular pit stop for dog owners driving between Vancouver and Whistler. If you need a break from the car and your pup needs to stretch their legs, this is the most convenient stop on the corridor.
Brennan Park Dog Run
Address: Brennan Park Recreation Centre, Squamish (between the BMX park and the artificial turf field)
Type: Fully fenced dog run
Distance from The Crash Hotel: 5-minute drive
Brennan Park’s fenced dog park area opened in spring 2024 and is the newest off-leash addition in Squamish. It sits on the grounds of Brennan Park Recreation Centre, one of Squamish’s main community hubs, surrounded by sports fields, a pool, an arena, and the BMX track.
The fenced run is located along the eastern edge of the gravel field, with a parking lot right on-site. It’s a purpose-built enclosure, not a converted green space, which means it was designed with dogs and their exercise needs in mind. Brennan Park is convenient for dog owners staying in or near downtown Squamish, and the surrounding park gives you plenty of space to walk and stretch before or after your visit. On weekends, especially, it tends to be a social spot where you’ll find other dog owners doing the same thing.
Merrill Park Off-Leash Trail Area
Address: 2300-B Greenwood Way (behind St. Joseph’s Church), Garibaldi Highlands
Type: Off-leash trail area, not fenced
Distance from The Crash Hotel: 10-minute drive
Merrill Park was the first official location in the District’s off-leash pilot project, opened in summer 2022. It’s a forested park in the Garibaldi Highlands neighbourhood, with trails winding through the trees and some stunning views of the surrounding mountains. A waste station is provided at the trailhead.
This one is different in character from the enclosures above. It’s not a fenced dog park area, so it’s best suited to dogs with reliable recall. What you get in exchange is a genuine trail and hike experience through a forest park, where your pup can explore, sniff, and run at their own pace through natural surroundings. It’s a good spot to keep an eye out for local wildlife, so stay aware and keep your dog close if you spot anything.
This is good for owners who want a hike rather than a park visit, dogs that do better in quieter, natural environments
Powerline Service Road, Brackendale (Off-Leash Trail)
Address: Squamish Valley Road to Depot Road, Brackendale (under the BC Hydro right-of-way)
Type: Off-leash trail, not fenced
Distance from The Crash Hotel: 15-minute drive
This is the longest and most open of Squamish’s off-leash options. The trail runs under the BC Hydro powerlines through Brackendale in a wide loop from Squamish Valley Road down to Depot Road. It’s a wide, open, gravel-surfaced trail with plenty of room for your dog to move and play. Brackendale is also known for its bald eagle viewing in winter, so the area around this trail has some great wildlife watching on the side.
Note: As of the District’s last public update in fall 2024, this location was listed as nearly open. We recommend confirming the current status with the District of Squamish before making the trip, specifically for this location.
This is great for high-energy dogs that need distance and open space, dogs with strong recall, and owners who want a longer off-leash outing rather than a park session.
Coming Soon: John Hunter Park, Valleycliffe
The District’s pilot project also includes John Hunter Park in the Valleycliffe neighbourhood as a future fenced off-leash area. This location requires investment in fencing and infrastructure before it can open, and no confirmed timeline has been set. It was included in the plan based on public feedback calling for an off-leash option in that part of town. Worth keeping an eye on the District of Squamish’s website for updates as this one moves forward.
One Place to Skip: Garibaldi Provincial Park
Worth calling out clearly: Garibaldi Provincial Park does not allow dogs, period. No exceptions. This comes as a surprise to many visitors, given how close it is and how spectacular the trails and views are. If Garibaldi is on your itinerary, your dog will need to stay behind. Plan accordingly.
For a dog-friendly alternative with a similar forest feel, head to Merrill Park or the Brackendale trail instead.
Staying at The Crash Pet Friendly Hotel | Squamish
Ready to plan your trip? The Crash Hotel is Squamish’s most pet-welcoming place to stay. With pet-friendly room options, all sizes are welcome with no weight limits or breed restrictions, and the pet fee is a flat one-time $25 per stay. Not per night.
Off-leash areas and their conditions may change. Always confirm the current status with the District of Squamish before your visit.
