Fraser River Park is a sprawling, unfenced destination that feels remarkably peaceful due to its location away from major traffic. The park is split into two distinct zones for dogs:

1. The West Side: A massive, open grassy area that is off-leash all day, every day. It’s flat, clean, and perfect for dogs who love a high-speed game of fetch with a river breeze.

2. The Dog Beach: Accessible via the boardwalks and pathways, there is a sandy stretch along the North Arm of the Fraser River where dogs can legally swim and explore the tide flats.

The park is famous for its wooden boardwalks that snake through restored marshes. While the boardwalks themselves are technically part of the off-leash transit, they can be narrow, so it’s a great place to practice “single-file” walking with your pup.

💡 Barkcouver Tip

Be careful with the East Side of the park! While the West side is off-leash year-round, the East Side has seasonal restrictions. From May 1 to September 30, dogs must be on-leash on the east side to protect nesting birds and the sensitive riparian habitat. In the winter (Oct–April), the whole park opens up for off-leash roaming.

Insider Move: Check the tide charts for the Fraser River. At low tide, the “beach” grows significantly, revealing hidden sandbars that allow your dog to walk quite far out into the river in shallow water. It’s a magical spot for sunset photos!