Vancouver, BC
Sniffed out: the city’s best ideas for a full day of doggie nirvana. Herewith, the top dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, shops, and outdoor spots in Vancouver—home of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Barking Babies
1188 Homer St.
(604) 647-2275
This chic Yaletown boutique is the foremost purveyor of “lifestyles for the hip and canine.” Canine couture abounds here, with exclusive Tokyo fashions and an extensive collection of the hottest fashions, accessories, carriers, beds, and tasty treats to keep your hound, well, hip. www.barkingbabies.com
Fetch
5617 West Blvd. (604) 879-3647
104-120 West 16th St.,
North Vancouver (604) 986-8332
Fido is sure to find either location of this “dog’s dog store” fetching, stocked as it is with a well-curated selection of premium pet products from food to functional fashion. Or book him an appointment for a “grooming getaway” with one of the doggie stylists on staff at their popular dog Spaws. fetchstore.ca
Bark & Fitz
561 Cardero St.
(604) 568-6096
Discover the Bark & Fitz “fitzosophy” towards healthy pets at this sleek offshoot of the east-coast chain with an impressive stock of holistic foods and stylish gear in posh Coal Harbour digs. barkandfitz.com
Waterworkz Paw Spa
3831 Still Creek Ave, Burnaby
(604) 435-0002
Located in a suburb of Vancouver, this Warm Water Wellness Center’s mission is “to facilitate the physical, emotional and spiritual healing of dogs and their human companions.” The soothing, spa-like space offers rehabilitation for you and your canine companion with trained Warm Water Exercise facilitator Tanya Morin-VanderHammen. waterworkzpawspa.com
Dog & Hydrant
1146 Pacific Blvd.
(604) 633-3845
For the pawfect souvenir, get your pooch’s photo snapped by Dog & Hydrant’s owner and celeb-dog photographer, Tanya King, then browse the boutique stocked with natural food and treats, sweet toys, beds, and other essentials. thedogandhydrant.com
Woof!
1905 West 1st Ave.
(604) 568-4212
Post-romp at the Hadden Park off-leash dog beach, stop by this Kitsilano boutique, stocked with premium foods and toys, for a U-wash or a makeover from the official groomers of the 2009 World Police and Fire Games. woofdogshoppe.com
Mestiso’s Pet Spa & Supplies
3087 Oak St.
(604) 738-0033
Mestiso’s offers great grooming for dog’s of all sizes, as well as canine massage therapy for calming nervous temperaments and soothing arthritis and joint pain, hydrotherapy, and an array of essentials, from quality foods including raw meals to accessories and even inspired gifts.
True Carnivores
5961 West Blvd.
(604) 267-3647
Meet Rex’s raw food needs at True Carnivores, which caters to “companion carnivores” with an excellent array of hormone- and preservative-free human-grade raw foods, as well as treats, tummy tonics, and natural remedies, in addition to other doggie goodies.
truecarnivores.com
Bow Wow Haus
1340 Davie St.
(604) 682-1899
Hit this downtown dog store for healthy food and cool gear. Choose from locally made dog treats, raw food, and all-natural kibble for your picky eater—and snap up a new collar on your way out.
bowwowhaus.ca
Three Dog Bakery
4548 West 10th St.
(604) 737-3647
Stop by Three Dog Bakery for oven-baked and all-natural tasty treats, from cookies to cakes, at this little franchise boutique with a big heart: it supports the Gracie Foundation for neglected and abused dogs.
threedogvancouver.com
Pet Food N’More
3699 West 10th Ave. (604) 731-5907
3244 Oak St. (604) 730-9674
#745 – 333 Brooksbank Ave.,
North Vancouver (604) 980-0669
For over 20 years, the family-run Pet Food N’More has offered a wide variety of food, treats, and tantalizing toys in a low-key environment with knowledgeable staff. They’re also proud sponsors of The Canadian Guide Dogs for The Blind.
petfoodnmore.com
Opus
322 Davie St., Yaletown
(604) 642-6787
Nestled in the heart of Vancouver’s trendy Yaletown district is the über-hip and super pup-friendly boutique hotel, Opus. It offers a Lifestyle Concierge service and sink-side L’Occitane amenities for you, and daycare and walking services for your pooch of any size, who is allowed to stay at no additional cost. opushotel.com/vancouver
Loden Vancouver
1177 Melville St.
(877) 225-6336
A lavish retreat on the water’s edge in Coal Harbour, the Loden is a pooch paradise with a welcome package that includes a bed, doggie dishes, and biscuits. Book in advance for services such as a vacation photo album, a day at Pawsh Dog Spa, and specialized menu options for your dog of any size, who will incur a $35 fee for the stay. lodenvancouver.com
Pacific Palisades Hotel
1277 Robson St.
(800) 663-1815
Situated on Robson Street, Vancouver’s shopping destination, the Pacific Palisades welcomes your dog with a dog bowl, treat, and “Pet Inside” door hanger for a $25 per pet, per day, fee. The Palisades also features a pet-friendly tower, so notify at the time of booking. pacificpalisadeshotel.com
Fairmont Waterfront
Fairmont Waterfront 900 Canada Place Way
(866) 540-4509
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
900 West Georgia St.
(866) 540-4452
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
4599 Chateau Blvd, Whistler
(800) 606-8244
Choose from one of three dog-friendly Fairmont locations. All have a “Pets Are People Too!” program offering welcome mats, dishes, treats, toys, and information on pet activities around Vancouver. Fees vary from $25/night at Hotel Vancouver to a $35 one-time charge at the Waterfront, but dogs of any size are welcome at all three properties. Travelling dog-less? Get your fix at either the Hotel Vancouver or Waterfront property: as part of the Fairmont “K9 Ambassadors” program you’ll be greeted by Mavis, Beau, or Holly, resident Rovers guests are invited to take for a walk. fairmont.com
Adara
4122 Village Green, Whistler
(866) 50 ADARA
A two-hour drive from Vancouver is Whistler, BC, home of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, not to mention two world-class ski hills. Whistler’s Adara hotel puts a modern spin on nature’s beauty with “floating” fireplaces and natural elements integrated in its boutique hotel design. Rex is welcome to stay free of charge, and pet sitting and walking services are available while you hit the slopes. adarahotel.com
Hadden Park
1905 Ogden Ave.
Nestled near Vancouver’s Maritime Museum, a short stroll from the beautiful people sunning themselves at Kits beach, lies popular Hadden Park, offering off-leash access to the waters of English Bay and a gorgeous view of the downtown core. vancouver.ca/parks/info/ dogparks/index.htm
Stanley Park
2000 W. Georgia St.
Take in the ocean and Vancouver skyline while walking your dog along the 8.8 kilometer seawall that borders the city’s most famous park, and finish with an off-leash romp in the dog run (big dogs allowed if run is empty) located near the Shuffleboard Court area. vancouver.ca/parks/info/dogparks/index.htm
Spanish Banks Beach Park
4801 NW Marine Dr.
Dogs can splash in the surf in the designated off-leash area on this miles-long stretch of sand dotted with volleyball nets and concessions. vancouver.ca/parks/info/dogparks/index.htm
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
North to South: W 16th Ave.
Take one of the many trails and revel in the towering trees and peaceful environs of the magnificent 763-hectare Pacific Spirit Regional Park, which adjoins the University of British Columbia campus. Go leash-free, save for the occasional on-leash and no-dog trails, around streams, near the entrance, and when crossing paths with horses. metrovancouver.org
The Rex Dog Hotel + Spa
760 Terminal Ave.
(604) 696-5166.
Sleepovers have never been this much fun: the Rex dog hotel is complete with play areas, an on-site spa for pampering, a small dog-specific area, and even a water park. A family-owned and operated facility, you can rest assured Fido will be in good hands. rexvancouver.com
The DogHouse
All dogs: 2425 Manitoba St. (604) 708-6100
Small dogs only: 105-1833 Anderson St. (604) 737-7500
Also run by the Rex’s proprietors, The Doghouse is a supervised daycare offering attentive staff, walks, cozy beds and, of course, canine playmates. The Anderson St. location is for small dogs only (16 inches tall and under) and is perfectly situated for dropping your dog en route to a little Granville Island shopping, while the Manitoba Street location is all sizes welcome and offers a splash pool. thedoghouse.ca
DogCity
3458 W. Broadway
(604) 733-0012
If you plan to hit the shops, why not drop your dog at DogCity, offering overnight boarding, hiking on the north shore, dog walks, and even training programs. dogcity.ca
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