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Pet care guide

Dog-friendly walks on Kamloops' North Shore

By the Animal House team · Reviewed

A dog trotting across deep snow with hills and blue sky behind

Where can dogs run off leash near the North Shore?

The Rivers Trail at Aviation Way has an off-leash section with flat, easy access to the Thompson River, plus a fenced dog park. It's one of the closest off-leash spots to Northills Centre.

For a bigger outing, Kenna Cartwright Nature Park on Mount Dufferin has more than 40 km of off-leash trails, shared with hikers and mountain bikers. Peterson Creek Nature Park has shadier trails that wind through a gully.

Are there fenced dog parks?

Yes. The City of Kamloops has fenced dog parks that are open year-round, including Ord Road Park, River Street Dog Park, Juniper Ridge Park and Aberdeen Hills Park. Westsyde Centennial Park has a fenced area too, with a spot for dogs to swim.

Where can dogs swim in summer?

Dogs are welcome at the beaches at Overlander Park and Pioneer Park, and at Mission Flats Nature Park, where the river is shallow once spring runoff has passed. Keep an eye on the current and the water level, which change through the season.

What should I bring?

  • Water and a bowl, especially from June to September
  • Poop bags, and a leash even in off-leash areas
  • A towel for swimmers

After walks in dry grass, check your dog for cheatgrass seeds and ticks. See our guides on cheatgrass and foxtails and ticks in Kamloops and Revelstoke.

What are the rules?

Leash rules differ from park to park and can change. Always follow the posted signs, and check the City of Kamloops website for the current off-leash areas.

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