Balaclava Park is a sprawling, five-hectare green space that serves as the primary outdoor living room for the Dunbar community. It is famously flat and open, known for its iconic black running track (originally built for the 1954 British Empire Games training).
The off-leash area is a large, unfenced grassy field located right in the center of the park, between the softball diamond and the running oval. Because of its size and lack of barriers, it’s a paradise for “long-distance” runners—dogs who love to sprint for a frisbee or ball without hitting a fence. It has a very relaxed, neighborly vibe where local “regulars” gather throughout the day.
💡 Barkcouver Tip
Because this park is unfenced and sits right between active sports fields, it’s best for dogs with excellent recall. If your pup is a “joiner” who might try to play shortstop in a softball game, keep them on a long lead!
Insider Move: Keep an eye on the clock here. Balaclava has “split hours” to accommodate the local sports teams. Off-leash play is permitted from 7:00 am to 10:00 am and again from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. In the winter, the morning sessions are beautifully misty and quiet—perfect for a peaceful start to your day.
