From the rugged coast to the majestic Rocky Mountains, British Columbia is a province to behold! For a really genuine expertise, get off the overwhelmed path and discover a number of the smaller cities and fewer identified points of interest together with your pet!
British Columbia is a province stuffed with spectacular locations. Whistler, Vancouver, Kamloops and the Okanagan would possibly instantly pop to thoughts. And so they’re completely fantastic pillars for any journey. However if you wish to uncover a few of BC’s hidden gems, seize the leash and hop within the automotive for a canine pleasant highway journey in British Columbia!
We’ve ready your itinerary, filled with adventures and reminiscences, visiting a few of these lesser traveled locations. Starting in Vancouver, the highlights of this canine pleasant highway journey in British Columbia are: Lillooet, Kamloops, Clearwater and 100 Mile Home.
On the way in which you will notice waterfalls, an azure lake, mountains, desert panorama, hoodoos, and extra. That’s fairly superb for only a few days! And to prime it off, we’ll share some free lakeside campsites the place you may keep.
Canine Pleasant British Columbia Highway Journey Itinerary
We started this circle tour in Vancouver, touring to Lillooet, Kamloops, Clear Water, 100 Mile Home, and again to Vancouver. However you possibly can hop on the route anyplace and journey it in both path.
First Cease: Lillooet, British Columbia
I used to be completely in awe in Lillooet. In every single place I parked the automotive there was a towering mountain backdrop.
Lillooet is a city of breathtaking surroundings. Whichever path you enter from, you’ll be struck by it instantly. Driving up from Vancouver I pulled over many occasions simply to absorb the panorama. Coming in on from the west on Freeway 99, you’ll be greeted earlier than you get to city by Seton Lake. And right here you’ll discover your first choice free of charge tenting!
Canine Pleasant Actions In Lillooet, British Columbia
Seton Lake
Lower than 10 minutes from downtown Lillooet (and throughout from a free campground) is the splendidly blue Seton Lake. Picnic, paddle board, swim, or launch a ship for an excellent day on the lake together with your canine.
To entry the canine pleasant a part of the lakeshore comply with Seton Lake Reserve Highway to a lakeside parking zone. The primary seaside will not be open to pets.
Seton Viewpoint Path
After admiring Seton Lake up shut, you may hike to an epic lookout above it. Overlooking the lake and one of many hair pin turns you’ll drive on to succeed in it, it makes for a really cool picture opp!
To achieve the parking space, enter “Seton Lake Viewpoint Path” in your mapping app. It’s tough to identify the trailhead whereas driving, so park within the massive pullout right here.
The trailhead is a jaunt throughout the freeway from this pullout. Although it’s an uphill stroll that should be taken slowly as a result of cliff edges close to the path, you have to be to succeed in the perspective in 10-Quarter-hour.
In case you are a dawn or sundown chaser, then circle this cease in your map for positive! It’s phenomenal any time of day, however first gentle and the golden hour could be really particular. We visited in mid-afternoon and liked the view.
Osprey Park
After enjoying and adventuring across the lake, head by means of Lillooet to Osprey Park. This scenic riverside space offers you the chance to see marmots and osprey up shut!
The osprey have constructed a big nest on prime of the bridge so it’s straightforward to identify them. There’s exploring to do on, over, and underneath the foot bridge.
After that there’s a brief, stunning riverside path to stroll. Right here you gained’t be capable of miss the calls of marmots. There actually are loads of them, so in case your pup is tempted to chase wildlife, you’ll want to maintain tight to the leash!
Marmots reside underground and are members of the squirrel household, however are a lot, a lot bigger. They’re skittish — not the kind of wildlife it’s a must to fear about approaching you or your canine.
The place To Keep In Lillooet
- Reynolds Resort – A boutique lodge in downtown Lillooet. Charges from $129-$179/evening, plus $15/evening for pets.
- BC Hydro Campground – Throughout from Seton Lake. Approximate open dates from mid-Might by means of mid-September. First come, first serve. Free for a most 14 days.
The place To Eat In Lillooet
- Fort Berens Vineyard – Beautiful outside patio setting and grass space. Award profitable wines from British Columbia’s latest and most fun rising wine area. Name forward for reservations!
- Lillooet Brewing Firm – A model new brewery set to open in late 2022. Craft beers created from native and natural elements.
- Abundance Artisan Bakery – “Healthful Handmade Meals.” Bakery gadgets, pizzas and pasta served on a cute picket patio.
Touring From Lillooet To Kamloops
As you permit Lillooet, discover the desert panorama on the opposite facet of the highway. It’s fairly uncommon to see this terrain in British Columbia!
Marble Canyon Provincial Park
Between Lillooet and Kamloops plan to have a riverside campfire picnic at Marble Canyon. There’s a day use space with many picnic tables and hearth rings proper on the river.
Throughout the river there’s a waterfall cascading down the cliff to finish the scene. Paid tenting is out there right here too, if you happen to want to keep.
Juniper Seashore Provincial Park
One other option to stretch your legs as your canine pleasant highway journey by means of British Columbia takes you to Kamloops is Juniper Seashore Provincial Park. Right here you may discover the desert panorama and stroll alongside the Thompson River. Or select this as a spot to setup camp in your approach to Kamloops!
Kamloops Hoodoos
Simply earlier than you attain Kamloops from Lillooet, plan a cease to see the balancing rock and hoodoos. It is a favourite of mine, and hope will probably be for you too!
It is a enjoyable little journey with nice lake views and a path to distinctive geographical formations. To seek out it, sort in “Kamloops Balancing Rock and Hoodoos” to your mapping app.
The parking space may be very small and unsigned. Coming from Lillooet, will probably be in your reverse facet, and it’s best to drive previous it, discover a protected place to show round, after which entry it from the identical facet of the highway.
When you’re parked, head by means of the fence and all the way down to the correct to start discovering all of the distinctive formations. (And be careful for little cacti!)
Second Cease: Kamloops, British Columbia
Kamloops is the most important metropolis on our itinerary. Due to this fact, it’s an excellent place to refill on any necessities. (Though most necessities can be found in all the cities, if vital).
Round Kamloops you and your canine can sit up for fantastic, heat sundown desert walks and discovering hoodoos!
READ MORE ⇒ 7 Necessities For Desert Mountaineering With Your Canine
Canine Pleasant Actions In Kamloops, British Columbia
Buse Hill
For a comparatively brief hike (slightly below 2km a technique), Buse Hill delivers with an unexpetedly rewarding payoff. You would possibly spend extra time right here than you’d count on!
Discovering the top rock was enjoyable, and taking within the valley views under made for an excellent hike with Riley. The gentle colourful tones over the desert created an additional peaceable night to get pleasure from.
Two notes of warning for this stroll are doable cow encounters and the cliff edges when you attain the highest.
Buse Hill is positioned right here. There isn’t any signal for the path, so look ahead to the signal asking automobiles to remain on the highway. That is the place the path begins and the place you’ll need to park.
Search for the observe heading up the grassy hill to the forest to start your stroll. The path was worn nicely and was straightforward to comply with.
Deep Lake Hike
Deep Lake is a 3.4km loop path by means of desert grassland that involves a small, open lake within the hills. It’s thought-about reasonably difficult and encounters with cows and different wildlife are doable.
Riley suggests making noise on any path to let wildlife and animals know of your presence so they don’t seem to be startled.
There are such a lot of canine pleasant parks and trails to take a look at round Kamloops. Right here’s a listing of those we’re hoping to go to on our subsequent journey:
- Kenna Cartwright Park – An off-leash park with over 40km of trails and lots of overlooks of Kamloops.
- Peterson Creek Park – Much like Kenna Cartwright Park with 10km of trails.
- Dallas Barnhartvale Nature Park – Strive the Pussy Willow or Hoodoo trails for finest views of the silt bluffs created by a previous glacial lake.
- Mara Loop Path – 4.3km loop path by means of Kamloops’ desert panorama. Not really helpful for warm days, as it’s absolutely uncovered.
Canine Seashores In Kamloops
In the event you’re in Kamloops on a scorching day, there are two native canine seashores to take a look at. The biggest is at Overlander Park. This big, off-leash expanse of white sand alongside the river and by no means feels too crowded.
For an on-leash canine seaside, head to Pioneer Park in downtown Kamloops. Right here your pup can have a splash within the river, then benefit from the paved strolling trails.
A 3rd choice is at Paul Lake Provincial Park, slightly below half-hour from Kamloops. It’s not terribly widespread for provincial parks to have a chosen canine seaside., so this place is a gem! And you’ll camp right here, too.
The place To Eat In Kamloops
- Eat Clear Categorical – Wholesome, guilt free indulgences. Nice choices for a takeaway lunch, only a few seats for street-side eating. Vegan pleasant.
- The Artwork We Are Cafe – Wraps, sandwiches, soups, salads with a robust concentrate on native sourcing and a road facet patio. Vegan pleasant.
- Shiny Eye Brewing – “Imaginative and at all times evolving kitchen menu.” Dine on the canine pleasant patio, or order drafts and meals for pickup.
The place To Keep In Kamloops
- Edith Lake – Picturesque desert lake campground with websites proper on the water. $15.00 per evening from April 2 – October 10.
- Paul Lake Provincial Park – Massive campground set on a scenic lake with alternatives for mountain climbing, swimming and boating. Beginning at $28 per evening.
- The Plaza Resort – Pretty trendy decor with price range pricing. As little as $90 per evening. Pet price $25/evening max 2 pets, welcome present for pets on arrival.
Driving From Kamloops To Clearwater
To interrupt up your drive between Kamloops and Clearwater, make a cease at Excessive 5 Diner. This very eclectic and funky eatery makes a speciality of consolation.
Excessive 5 Diner
You may have a meal on their pet patio, or decide up some take away for a picnic. Thompson River Provincial Park is only a 15-minute drive for a riverside lunch and stroll. Or if you happen to’re heading east on Freeway 24, the free Latremouille Lake Campground can be simply Quarter-hour away.
Thompson River Provincial Park
Thompson River Provincial Park is a good place to stretch your legs (and stroll off lunch) between Kamloops and Clearwater. We loved a peaceable stroll alongside and above the river right here earlier than persevering with on our method.
This place additionally makes a great base camp for exploring Clearwater. Campsites for all sorts of campers can be found for $23/evening.
Third Cease: Clearwater, British Columbia
Clearwater is the third cease on our canine pleasant highway journey in British Columbia. This superb wilderness playground is correct within the coronary heart of BC.
A gateway to Wells Grey Provincial Park, Clearwater offers you quick access to the park’s many waterfalls. There are such a lot of trails to discover on this park, you’ll be mountain climbing to your coronary heart’s content material for positive! Begin on the customer’s heart for path recommendation and a park map to assist plan your go to.
Canine Pleasant Actions In Clearwater, British Columbia
Spahats Falls
Spahats Falls is the primary waterfall you’ll come to as you drive into the park. Right here you and your canine can stroll to the waterfall in a couple of minutes, or benefit from the 3km path for an extended pet pleasant hike.
Standing on the rim of this huge gorge watching the falls take their plunge is a formidable view.
Helmcken Falls
Helmcken Falls is one other sight to behold, and a well-liked purpose to go to Wells Grey. Being the fourth highest waterfall in Canada, it positive has a presence.
At Helmcken Falls you can too select to view the falls after strolling a couple of minutes or make a hike out of it. The Rim Path is about 8km spherical journey on comparatively flat floor and provides totally different views on the falls.
Dawson Falls
Dawson Falls is sort of a mini Niagara. It’s extensive and multi-tiered because it plunges down, making it fairly totally different from the opposite tall, skinny waterfalls within the park. Strolling to the falls takes about 20 to half-hour on a primarily flat, well-worn path.
Trophy Meadows
Trophy Meadows supplies the chance for each again nation mountain climbing and tenting. It’s an excellent place to remain in your canine pleasant highway journey in British Columbia.
In the event you prefer to take photos of your canine with flowers, then this path is unquestionably for you! From round mid-Might by means of mid-August the meadows are lined in a colourful vary of wildflowers and attractive alpine blueberries.
It takes about 45 minutes on a mild ascent by means of previous development and alpine forest to succeed in the open meadow the place the largest flower fields are positioned. Flowers and blueberries will be seen alongside the way in which although! We had been a bit late in August for the alpine subject to be in full bloom, however there was loads of proof of how magnificent it was.
From the meadow, you may proceed mountain climbing 1.5 hours to Sheila Lake the place again nation tenting is permitted. Sheila Lake is 6km round-trip from the parking zone, so it’s additionally a good selection for a day journey.
Silvertip Falls
Silvertip Falls isn’t removed from Trophy Meadows. It’s a 2.1km out-and-back on a reasonably difficult path. Dropping from 550 toes, it splits into many stunning tails because it comes down. And it’s the tallest waterfall within the park! Because it’s an extended stroll from the principle highway, it’s additionally extra prone to be a quieter waterfall hike than the others.
The place To Keep In Clearwater
- Raft Cliffs Rec Website – $14 donation. A community of biking/mountain climbing trails start on the campground. Superior views inside strolling distance.
- Thompson River Provincial Park – $23/evening
- Birch Island Campground – Non-serviced websites beginning at $20. First canine free, after that +$2/evening.
- Jasper Approach Inn – Resort, cabin, tent, and RV websites all obtainable on Dutch Lake. Resort beginning at $107 + $20/evening per pet.
The place To Eat In Clearwater
- Wild Flour Bakery – Glorious breakfast cease! All the things crafted from scratch in-house. A couple of sidewalk tables obtainable.
- Strawberry Moose – Snackery consisting of bakery gadgets and sandwiches with cute outside setting.
- Gateway Grill – Brunch and dinner menu. Bubble tea bar. Canine pleasant patio.
- Clearwater Farmer’s Market – Each Saturday from Might – October. 9am-12pm.
Driving From Clearwater To 100 Mile Home
Latremouille Lake Recreation Website
The free, first-com, first-serve lakeside campground at Latremouille Lake Recreation Website is simply minutes out of your route on this canine pleasant highway journey in British Columbia. There are 9 websites, and lots of have direct entry to the lake.
Goose Lake Recreation Website
One other free tenting choice close to Latremouille is Goose Lake. This campground can be on a lakeshore, and there’s a small carry-in boat launch ramp obtainable.
Goose Lake might be higher for paddling than swimming, because it’s fairly chilly. However most canine don’t thoughts the water temperature and will get pleasure from a swim right here.
Bridge Lake Provincial Park Campground
Bridge Lake has a small forested campground for campers and tents. There are even a couple of walk-in websites with quick access to Bridge Lake. Full with a canine pleasant strolling path and lake entry, we stopped at this park simply to take a break from driving.
However, it’s additionally a great place to spend an evening or two. The campsites are $18 per evening.
Bridge Lake Ice Caves
With a couple of kilometers of canine pleasant trails to discover, Bridge Lake Ice Caves is an attention-grabbing cease in your canine pleasant highway journey in British Columbia. Trails lead alongside a lake and round some intriguing rock formations. The ice stays into June, however was gone for our go to through the peak of summer season.
Loon Bay Resort
If staying in a cabin sounds interesting, then Loon Bay Resort seems like an incredible choice! They’ve lake entrance cabins with hearth pits beginning at $105/evening.
And for the campers, websites are $33 for no hook ups, and $46 for full hook ups.
Additionally they have all kinds of watercraft leases obtainable for you and your pup to get out on the water!
Fourth Cease: 100 Mile Home, British Columbia
The ultimate cease on this canine pleasant highway journey in British Columbia is 100 Mile Home. In and round this city, you and your canine may have a full vary of actions to select from! There are extra waterfalls, a fireplace lookout, a historic outside museum, and lakes to camp, swim, and paddle.
Canine Pleasant Actions In 100 Mile Home, British Columbia
Centennial Park/Bridge Creek Falls
Bridge Creek Falls is a lush riverside stroll and solely 5-10 minutes from downtown 100 Mile Home. It felt like somewhat metropolis oasis with all of the vegetation.
The speeding water drowns out artifical sounds making for a peaceable stroll. And there are further trails across the park and previous the waterfall to increase your stroll if you happen to select!
Sepa Lake/108 Mile Heritage Website
Canines are welcome to affix you for a stroll again in time on the outside museum at 108 Mile Heritage Website. They only can not go inside any of the buildings.
There are buildings right here relationship again to the 1860s, through the time of the Cariboo gold rush.
After touring the grounds, take a stroll round 108 Mile and Sepa Lake. The mixed lake trails make a 10km loop and are identified for wonderful chook sighting alternatives — together with pelicans!
For a shorter stroll, the Sepa Lake loop is 3km or the 108 Mile loop is 7km.
Begbie Lookout Recreation Website
Fifteen minutes south of 100 Mile Home, you may hike to a decommissioned hearth lookout tower. From the parking zone any path you select will take you there. There are a few single-track trails that wind up and across the small mountain to the lookout. Or take the extensive gravel service highway.
As you’d count on, it’s a little bit of a climb. However the prime is reachable in 10-Quarter-hour. From there you may discover the highest of the mountain after which climb the tower for the very best views!
On a transparent day, there’s a 9-million hectares view to admire! A picnic desk is out there up on the prime, making this a pleasant place to take a break from the automotive.
In the event you’re a van lifer or boon-docker, you’re additionally welcome to spend the evening within the parking space. We spent an uninterrupted evening right here with one different van life camper. There are two picnic tables and two pit bogs accessible from the parking zone.
READ MORE ⇒ Automotive Tenting With Pets: Prep The Automotive, What to Pack, and Extra
Howard Lake Recreation Website
Howard Lake provides free lakeside tenting, the place you may swim, boat and fish. Nevertheless, becoming an enormous rig on this small campground could possibly be difficult.
Canim and Mahood Falls & Mahood Lake In Wells Grey Provincial Park
At simply over 2km round-trip, the stroll to Canim Falls is bound to go away you with a smile. Enterprise a bit additional alongside and also you’ll be proper on prime of the falls for an unbelievable feeling and sight!
After your hike, Mahood Lake Campground is simply down the highway. There you may arrange camp, benefit from the canine pleasant seaside, or take one other waterfall hike to Deception Falls (2km round-trip).
The place To Eat In 100 Mile Home
- Rise and Grind Espresso Home – Cute! Canine pleasant patio.
- Cask and Cleaver – Brewery and restaurant with canine pleasant patio.
The place To Keep 100 Mile Home
- Inexperienced Lake Provincial Park – Campgrounds embody Arrowhead, Sundown View and Emerald Bay. Websites beginning at $28.
- 99 Mile Resort – Close to downtown 100 Mile Home. Household-run lodge, very pet pleasant. Consists of space for canine to run. Charges begin at $80.
- Spruce Hill Resort Spa – Cabins beginning at $129 + $15 per canine/per evening. Tent and RV tenting obtainable as nicely. Cabins and campers each have entry to a pool and a fitness center.
- Cariboo Bonanza Resort – Cabins and campground on stunning Horse Lake. Open Might by means of September. Cabins beginning at $82 +$5 per evening for pets, most cost $50. Campground beginning at $30.
Driving From 100 Mile Home To Vancouver
The final leg of the journey takes you again to Vancouver and closes the loop in your canine pleasant highway journey in British Columbia.
Chasm Ecological Reserve
Just some minutes from the freeway and the finale of the journey is an enormous lava layered canyon. That is the outline from BC Parks had us heading there in a flash.
“A spectacular show of color illustrates the park’s wealthy geology within the Chasm Creek Valley and a part of the Bonaparte River Valley. Successive lava flows type layers in various tones of pink, brown, yellow and purple. These have been revealed within the steep lava-layered canyon partitions by means of erosion over the previous 10 million years.”
From BC Parks web site.
On the finish of the final ice age, water from the melting glaciers carved this 8 km lengthy, 600-metre extensive, 300-metre deep canyon.
The views had been spectacular from the parking zone and solely obtained higher as we hiked the chasm edge. Imagining the forces that sculpted this panorama made it much more exceptional.
The path past the fence skirts the sting a lot of the way in which, so undoubtedly plan for an on-leash stroll. You additionally would possibly need to assume twice about this hike if you happen to’re uncomfortable with heights. Even if you happen to don’t hike previous the fence, it’s nonetheless a worthy view!
Vancouver to Kamloops Highway Journey Full
That completes our canine pleasant, smalls cities circle tour highway journey in British Columbia. We hope we’ve impressed you to see extra of what British Columbia has to supply!
Tell us your favourite stops within the feedback under. And be sure you go away a observe if you happen to’ve found one thing alongside the way in which that you just and your canine liked!
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: GoPetFriendly.com LLC is a participant within the Amazon Companies LLC Associates Program, an affiliate promoting program designed to supply
a method for web site homeowners to earn promoting charges by promoting and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and some other web site which may be affiliated with Amazon
Service LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Affiliate, the proprietor of this website earns a fee from qualifying purchases.
(Visited 1 occasions, 1 visits immediately)
