Parks, Recreation and Culture recognize the importance of dogs to residents by providing five dog off-leash areas. These off-leash areas are a safe way to exercise and socialize your dog while meeting with other dog owners.

Dogs off-leash are permitted in specific areas for dogs to exercise off-leash provided dogs remain under their owner's control and that owners carry a leash with them at all times. With the exception of designated off-leash areas and private property, all dogs must be on a leash in the Town of Ladysmith.

Each dog off-leash park includes signage, a dispenser stocked with biodegradable waste bags and a waste container.


 CLICK map to enlarge
Dog Fenced Off-Leash Park Dog Off-Leash Parks ( not fenced)
Davis Road Dog Park Transfer Beach (above deKoninck Way within
the area defined by wood fencing) 
Gourlay Janes Park
on Chemainus Road
Dog Off Leash Trails No Dogs Allowed Areas
Holland Creek Trail Playgrounds Sports Fields Cemetery
Heart Lake & Stocking Lake Loops Transfer Beach below deKoninck Way

 

Dog Off-Leash Park Rules:

In addition to knowing when and where dogs are allowed off-leash, there are some simple rules for owners to follow:
  • Make sure your dog is wearing a current license tag on their collar and that their vaccinations are up to date.
  • Pick up after your dog and dispose of waste in a waste container.
  • Do not let your dog jump on people.
  • Female dogs in heat and puppies under 4 months are not allowed.
  • Owners must be in attendance with their dog at all times within the boundaries of the dog off-leash area.
  • Owners must obey all park rules and relevant parking requirements.
  • Dogs must be on a leash prior to entering and upon leaving the off-leash area.
  • Leashed dogs are not allowed in the off-leash parks, as this creates issues with leash aggression and dogs feeling they need to protect their owners.
  • A maximum of two dogs per person in the dog off-leash area.
  • Dogs that are deemed vicious and restricted breeds are banned from off-leash parks and must be leashed and muzzled on trails.
  • Ensure you have control of your dog and your dog is in sight at all times, whether on or off-leash.
  • Owners are personally liable for any damages or injury inflicted by their dog.
  • Children must be supervised.
  • Choke chain collars are to be removed prior to entering a fenced off leash dog park.
  • A maximum fine of $200 can be levied against any person not complying with these responsibilities. Call Coastal Animal Control Services at  1.888.754.1397 to report infractions.