If you’re looking for things to do in Pemberton with a dog, start with the easy wins: a lake loop, an off-leash run, and a waterfall outing, all close to town. This guide keeps it practical, with clear etiquette reminders and a simple half-day plan you can actually follow.
Staying overnight? Pemberton Valley Lodge offers dedicated pet-friendly accommodation, a large dog wash station, and a clear pet policy so you can book with confidence.
Pemberton is an easy place to explore with a dog, but it works best when everyone follows the same basics.
In most public spaces, the expectation is that dogs stay on-leash unless you are in a designated off-leash area. What that means is you plan for the leash first, and treat off-leash time as something you do in the right places.
If you are heading onto trails, especially multi-use trails, it helps to think a step ahead.
Pemberton Valley Trail Association notes that dogs should be leashed, especially on horse and bike trails. So if you see horses, or you are on a trail that bikers use, keep your dog close and controlled.
It keeps the outing calm for you, and it avoids trouble for everyone else on the trail.
And yes, pick up after your dog and dispose of waste properly. It sounds basic, but it is part of what keeps these areas dog-friendly over the long term.
If your dog needs a real run, start with the off-leash locations the Village identifies. These spots are clear and predictable, and they reduce the guesswork. That matters because “off-leash” can mean very different things depending on where you are.
One option is the dog beach at One Mile Lake Park. This designated off-leash area is a good fit when your dog likes water, and you want an easy outing that does not require a big plan.
The other straightforward option is the Pemberton Off-Leash Dog Park. It’s useful when you want a quick off-leash session, but you don’t want to build your day around a longer walk.
For most people, One Mile Lake is the cleanest answer to “what should we do with the dog.” It’s simple, scenic, and it works whether you have an energetic dog or a dog that just wants to sniff and stroll. The trail is typically done on-leash, and there is a designated dog beach area for off-leash time.
One Mile Lake Park has picnic tables and many surrounding trails, with lake access for swimming and paddling. So it’s not just a dog stop; it can be a solid base for the whole group. If you want one place that covers a walk, a break, and a bit of lake time, this is usually it.
Bring water and a towel. If your dog goes in the lake, you will be glad you did!
The Pemberton Off-Leash Dog Park is the easiest option when you want a fenced-in, predictable outing without committing to a longer walk.
Located at 7408 Cottonwood Street near the Community Centre and Skatepark
Nairn Falls is a good option when you want a short outing that still feels like you did something. It has that “quick adventure” feel without turning into a full-day mission. It also has clear rules, which makes planning easier.
The brochure for Nairn Falls Provincial Park states that pets must be on a leash at all times. It also notes specific areas where dogs are not allowed, including the Alice Lake Trail, the beach, picnic areas, and playgrounds. So this is not a place for off-leash time, and it is not a place to test boundaries.
If you treat it as a leashed walk, it works well. You get the scenery, you keep things simple, and you stay within the park guidelines.
If you’re staying overnight, it helps to choose a place that has a real system for pets. At Pemberton Valley Lodge, a significant portion of the hotel is set aside as pet-friendly accommodation. That matters because it sets expectations for both pet owners and non-pet guests.
The lodge has a large dog wash station in the covered underground parking area, and towels are available. That’s practical after a lake day or a muddy walk.
Start with One Mile Lake for an easy walk plus the dog beach, add the off-leash dog park if your dog needs a bigger run, and finish with a leashed waterfall outing at Nairn Falls.
The Village of Pemberton identifies designated off-leash options, including the dog beach at One Mile Lake Park and the Pemberton Off-Leash Dog Park.
Rules vary by location, but the guidance is to leash in public spaces unless you’re in a designated off-leash area, and the Pemberton Valley Trail Association specifically recommends leashing dogs on horse and mountain bike trails.
Yes, but pets must be on a leash at all times, and there are specific areas where dogs are not allowed
Insider-only offers, local stories, and trip ideas from people who live the mountain life.
Package offers you won’t find elsewhere
Travel tips from locals who know Pemberton
First looks at new events and happenings
We send 1–2 thoughtful updates a month. That’s it.
No spam. No fluff. Just good stuff—locally brewed.