Living
Pet-Friendly Places in Kelowna
Kelowna Team
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Summary
A local guide to the dog beaches, off-leash parks, patios, and breweries in Kelowna that actually welcome your pet.
In this article:
The best pet-friendly places in Kelowna are Cedar Creek Dog Beach, the North Glenmore Dog Park, and the taproom at Unleashed Brewing Co. This guide covers where to take your dog, from beaches and off-leash parks to a hike, brewery patios, coffee, a vet, and a pet supply shop. Kelowna's dog-friendly reputation is only partly earned: many places tolerate dogs, but fewer are set up for them. Bylaw officers enforce the rules on the main beaches and issue tickets, so use the designated spots.
| Spot | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Creek Dog Beach | Dog beach | Deep water, rocky shore |
| Poplar Point Dog Beach | Dog beach | Shallow, best in May or June |
| Downtown Sails Dog Beach | Dog beach | Tiny; check posted seasonal rules |
| North Glenmore Dog Park | Off-leash park | Fully fenced, no shade |
| Mission Recreation Park Dog Park | Off-leash park | Separate big and small dog areas |
| Knox Mountain Park | Hike | Leash required on trails |
| Unleashed Brewing Co. | Brewery | Dogs allowed inside the taproom |
Where can dogs swim in Kelowna?
Dogs in Kelowna swim at the designated dog beaches along the lake, not the main city beaches. Dogs aren't allowed at Boyce-Gyro or Hot Sands, and bylaw officers issue fines.
Cedar Creek Dog Beach
5200 Lakeshore Rd | Free
Cedar Creek is the main dog beach for the Mission: a large rocky beach with an off-leash field above it. The water gets deep quickly, which suits strong swimmers. The catch: the rocks are hard underfoot, so wear water shoes. Parking along Lakeshore fills on July weekends; arrive early.
Poplar Point Dog Beach
589 Poplar Point Dr | Free
Poplar Point is a small beach near Knox Mountain that stays shallow a long way out, which suits dogs that wade rather than swim. It's best in May or June. By late August, when the lake level drops, the water can smell swampy.
Downtown Sails Dog Beach
End of Bernard Ave | Free
This tiny beach by the marina at the end of Bernard is a convenient cool-off spot for dogs already downtown, though not worth a special trip. It's often crowded with pedestrians. The City of Kelowna posts the current off-leash rules and seasons on signs at the beach; check them before letting a dog off leash.
Off-Leash Parks
Kelowna's two most useful off-leash parks are North Glenmore Dog Park and Mission Recreation Park Dog Park.
North Glenmore Dog Park
2150 Glenmore Rd N | Free
North Glenmore is the best option for high-energy dogs: a large, fully fenced park with wide dirt paths, near the Glenmore landfill. The catch: there's no shade, and by 2 PM in mid-July the ground gets very hot. Go early in the morning, or in fall.
Mission Recreation Park Dog Park
Gordon Dr | Free
This is the main dog park for the lower Mission, with separate fenced areas for big and small dogs. It's busiest around 5 PM on weekdays, when a large group forms; dogs that get overwhelmed or play rough do better at other times. The water fountains are sometimes off early in the season, so bring a travel bowl.
Hiking
Knox Mountain Park
450 Knox Mountain Dr | Free
Knox Mountain Park is the main dog-friendly hike in Kelowna, with lake views from the first pavilion. Dogs must be leashed on the trails; bylaw officers patrol the Apex trail and ticket without a warning. A designated off-leash dog park near the entrance, mostly dirt, is available after the hike. Ticks are common in the tall grass in spring.
Beer & Patios
Kelowna's most dog-friendly patios are in the North End brewery district, where most patios allow dogs.
Unleashed Brewing Co.
207-880 Clement Ave | Check site for prices
Unleashed Brewing Co. describes itself as an entirely dog-friendly brewery and is one of the few places in Kelowna that allows dogs inside the taproom, with dog beds, water bowls and a dog menu. The seasonal IPA is a good order. The catch: it gets loud when several dogs bark at once, so it suits socializing dogs more than a quiet pint.
Rustic Reel Brewing Co.
760 Vaughan Ave | Check site for prices
Rustic Reel's large patio welcomes dogs that stay leashed and on the ground, with no paws on the table. Staff bring out a water bowl on arrival, and there's a full food menu plus brunch. The patio fills by 4 PM on Fridays; arrive early for a corner table with room for a dog to lie down.
Kettle River Brewing Co.
731 Baillie Ave | Check site for prices
Kettle River, down the street from Rustic Reel, has a small, dirt-floor, backyard-style patio that allows dogs. Its in-house kitchen, Provisions, serves a rotating pub food menu. The catch: space is tight, and very large dogs won't fit easily between the picnic tables.
Coffee & Breakfast
Sprout Bread
1295 Cannery Ln | Check site for prices
Sprout Bread is a downtown bakery in the cultural district known for its sourdough, with a dog-friendly patio. On Saturday mornings the line often runs out the door; one person can order while another waits outside with the dog. Street parking nearby is scarce in summer.
Vet Care
Burtch Animal Hospital
1455 Harvey Ave | Standard vet pricing
Burtch Animal Hospital, off the highway on Harvey, is a straightforward vet clinic whose vets are direct and don't push unnecessary supplements. It's worth knowing before a dog eats something it shouldn't on the trail. Routine appointments can take a week, so book regular shots early. The parking lot is small.
Pet Supplies
Kelowna's best pet supply shop for food and gear is The Bone & Biscuit in Orchard Plaza.
The Bone & Biscuit
1876 Cooper Rd (Orchard Plaza) | Premium pricing
The Bone & Biscuit is a premium pet supply store carrying high-end raw food, freeze-dried treats and durable gear. Staff are knowledgeable about food allergies. Prices are higher than at big box stores, and treats are handed out at the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on Kelowna city beaches?
No. Dogs aren't allowed on Kelowna's main sand beaches like Hot Sands or Boyce-Gyro, and bylaw officers patrol them and issue fines. Use the designated dog beaches like Cedar Creek or Poplar Point instead.
Which Kelowna breweries allow dogs inside?
Unleashed Brewing Co. on Clement Ave is one of the few breweries in Kelowna that allows dogs inside the taproom. Other breweries like Rustic Reel and Kettle River only allow dogs on their outdoor patios.
Is Knox Mountain off-leash?
No. Dogs must be on a leash at all times on Knox Mountain's hiking trails. There is a small designated off-leash fenced pen near the bottom entrance, but the rest of the park is strictly on-leash.
When can dogs go to Downtown Sails beach?
Only when the posted seasonal off-leash rules allow, so check the City of Kelowna signs before going. The beach is by the marina at the end of Bernard Ave. It is very small and gets crowded quickly with foot traffic from Bernard Avenue.
Are there indoor dog parks in Kelowna?
No. Kelowna doesn't have any public indoor dog parks. Dress for the weather at the Glenmore or Mission dog parks, or go to Unleashed Brewing, which allows dogs inside.
