Dog-Friendly Courtenay: Things To Do With a Dog in Courtenay

Located in the heart of Vancouver Island, dog-friendly Courtenay is the only city in the Comox Valley. With craft breweries, fresh local food, forested trails, beaches, and scenic rivers, it’s made for outdoor living.

Whether you’re enjoying house sitting in Courtenay or you’re a local pet parent looking for things to do with your furry family member, there’s plenty to keep humans and their pets busy here.

Read on for everything you need to know about exploring the city with a pooch pal, including tips on how to find a Courtney pet sitter – or become one yourself!

Dog-friendly restaurants, Courtenay

No need to leave your four-pawed pal behind when hunger strikes! These dog-friendly restaurants in Courtenay welcome furry companions on their patios, so you can both enjoy the outing. Just be sure to check ahead – some spots may have seasonal or space-based restrictions.

Boonies Pizza

Boonies serves up huge, crunchy-crusted pizzas with creative toppings like miso sauce, pear, and pepperoncini chimichurri, plus all the classics you know and love. Grab a takeout or relax with your pooch pal on the dog-friendly patio.

Location: 1705 Comox Ave, Comox, BC V9M 3M1, Canada

The Yellow Deli

This friendly, cozy deli is perfect for a casual bite. Pooch pals are welcome outside while you enjoy wholesome fare like all-day breakfasts, build-your-own sandwiches (hot or cold), fresh salads, homemade soups, and irresistible desserts.

Location: 596 5th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 1K3, Canada

Fluid Bar & Grill

Craving a hearty meal? Fluid serves favorites like the Reuben sandwich, jambalaya, steak, nachos, and classic fish & chips. Catch the game on TV or relax outside with your pup on their dog-friendly patio.

Location: 1175 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, BC V9N 2K2, Canada

Atlas Cafe

Atlas is known for its egg-centric breakfasts and tasty lunch and dinner menus with healthy bowls, burgers, and more. Note that there’s only one dog-friendly outdoor table!

Location: 250 6th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 1M1, Canada

Phat Parrot

This family-run takeaway joint dishes out gourmet burgers, loaded hot dogs, tacos, and poutine – all at great prices. Picnic tables outside mean you and your furry friend can kick back and enjoy the meal together.

Location: 278 N Island Hwy, Courtenay, BC V9N 3N8, Canada

Dog-friendly breweries, Courtenay

Courtenay has a whole host of pubs with pet-friendly patios, where you can enjoy a menu of delicious bites and locally brewed beers.

Gladstone Brewing Co.

Known for its great-value eats, this local favorite serves things like smoked brisket sandwiches, birria tacos, and fully loaded nachos. Enjoy live music, local beers, and a heated patio where furry friends are welcome.

Location: 244 4th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 1G6, Canada

Ace Brewing Company

Pups can join on the large, open-topped patio, where you can sip a flight of craft beer while snacking on nachos, burgers, or tacos. There are even treats for four-legged friends!

Location: 150 Mansfield Dr, Courtenay, BC V9N 6C5, Canada

Dog-friendly cafes, Courtenay

Whether you’re in the mood for a morning latte, a fresh smoothie, or a wholesome brunch, these cafes offer outdoor seating where furry friends can gobble up the crumbs!

Mudsharks Coffee Bar

With a relaxed atmosphere and a dog-friendly patio, Mudsharks is a great stop for coffee and a bite to eat. The menu features plant-based and gluten-free options, plus protein-packed breakfast bagels, veggie bowls, sweet treats, smoothies, and coffee.

Location: 255 6th St #111, Courtenay, BC V9N 1G6, Canada

Rhodos Coffee and Bistro

The signature dishes here include fluffy pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, West Coast bagels, and fresh soups, salads, and bowls. Coffee is roasted in downtown Courtenay and sourced from small organic farms, and pooch pals are welcome in the outdoor seating area!

Location: 364 8th St #103, Courtenay, BC V9N 2N6, Canada

Tidal Café

Regularly voted the best brunch spot in the Comox Valley, Tidal Café has a cozy, central location and a dog-friendly patio. Enjoy strong coffee, bennies, bowls, and brunch classics. There’s a special kids’ menu, and furry friends might even be treated to a bit of bacon!

Location: 146 Port Augusta St, Comox, BC V9M 3N6, Canada

Goose Spit Park, Vancouver Island

Dog-friendly beaches and parks, Courtenay

From dog-friendly beaches near Courtney to riverside parks for dogs, the city’s full of places for pups to roam, sniff, and explore. Remember that furry friends must remain under control at all times (even in leash-free zones) – fines may apply if they’re not.

Comox Dog Park

This fully fenced dog park offers lots of space for four-legged friends to run and play. It’s a popular spot with friendly regulars, and there’s a water fountain to keep pups hydrated after all that zooming around.

Location: 2085 Wallace Ave, Comox, BC V9M 1W4, Canada

Cumberland Dog Park

A little further afield, this is another great place for furry friends (and humans!) to stretch their legs and socialise.

Location: Cumberland, BC V0R 1S0, Canada

Goose Spit Park

This scenic beachfront is perfect for a long stroll with your pooch pal. You’ll find wide sandy stretches at low tide and plenty of easy access to the sea at high tide. Note: Dogs must be leashed from March 1 to May 20 due to the Brant Goose migration.

Location: 60 Hawkins Rd, Comox, BC V9M 3X3, Canada

Courtenay Marina Park

Leash up and enjoy a scenic walk through this waterfront park. Watch small planes glide into the nearby airpark, spot river otters, and take in stunning sunsets over the mountains.

Location: 510 Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk, Courtenay, BC V9N 2B5, Canada

Sandwick Park

This peaceful little park has a number of well-kept trails winding through towering evergreens – ideal for a shaded walk with Fido on the leash.

Location: Muir Rd, Courtenay, BC V9N 9A1, Canada

Puntledge Park

A local favorite for tubing, swimming, and relaxing by the river, this quiet park features dog-friendly walking paths. Please keep pooch pals leashed to protect sensitive salmon spawning areas.

Location: 401 Willemar Ave, Courtenay, BC V9N 3L3, Canada

Marina Park in Comox

With food trucks, picnic tables, and lots of pups to meet, Marina Park is an easy place to spend the afternoon. Leashed furry friends are welcome to join while you enjoy views of the boats in the marina.

Location: 127 Port Augusta St, Comox, BC V9M 3N8, Canada

Seal Bay Regional Nature Park

Immerse yourself in nature as you wander the forested trails with your four-pawed pal – leashes are required from April to June, and year-round in some areas.

Location: Bates Rd, Courtenay, BC V9J 1X4, Canada

Millard Lookout

This tucked-away lookout offers great views of the ocean and the ideal opportunity for a calm walk with your pup on the leash.

Location: 1407 Sandpiper Dr, Courtenay, BC V9N 9T9, Canada

Bear Creek Nature Park

Follow easy, flat trails along the Oyster River in this less-traveled park, just a twenty-minute drive from Courtenay. Furry friends must be leashed from August through December to protect wildlife in the area.

Location: Macaulay Rd, Black Creek, BC V9J 1B9, Canada

Seal Bay Regional Nature Park, Vancouver Island

Dog-friendly walks, Courtenay

From short strolls to longer wanders, these dog-friendly walking trails are perfect for stretching those legs – just don’t forget the leash!

Royston Seaside Trail

This scenic coastal path features shipwreck views and lots of sniff-worthy spots for pups. Poop bags and bins are available at the parking lot; please keep furry friends leashed while you explore.

Location: 3768 Hilton Rd, Courtenay, BC V9N 5N3, Canada

Length: Just under 2km one way

Ruth Masters Greenway

A variety of gentle trails follow the south shore of the Puntledge River. The 18-acre area was gifted by local environmentalist Ruth Masters to protect the natural beauty she loved. Dogs must stay on leash.

Location: 68 Powerhouse Rd, Courtenay, BC V9N 8Y1, Canada

Length: Various trail options

One Spot Trail

An 8km path for walking, running, and cycling winds through farmland and forest, including a loop through Wildwood Forest via the Bob Webb Trail. As livestock graze near the trail, Fido must be kept on the leash.

Location: 3388 Cessford Rd, Courtenay, BC V9J 1R6, Canada

Length: 8km

Mac Laing Nature Park

This short, peaceful walk follows Brooklyn Creek, with wooden benches, birds, and beautiful plant life year-round. It’s a quiet place to unwind with your furry friend on the leash.

Location: Comox Ave, Comox, BC V9M 2R8, Canada

Length: 2km round trip

Comox Marina, Vancouver Island

Tips for pet parents in Courtenay

Take advantage of the off-season calm

Popular spots like Marina Park or Goose Spit can get crowded in peak months. If your furry friend prefers quieter outings, aim for early mornings or visit during the off-season – fall and spring are perfect for peaceful walks and fewer distractions.

Explore beyond Courtenay

There are some great nearby adventures for dogs just outside the city. Head north to Miracle Beach Provincial Park (on-leash only), or explore the trails around Nymph Falls Nature Park – perfect for a change of scenery and some river views.

Plan ahead for your vacation

Heading out of town? Take the stress out of travel by arranging a trusted pet sitter in advance. With TrustedHousesitters, your furry family members can stay happy and relaxed at home while a verified sitter takes care of them, giving you total peace of mind while you’re off enjoying your trip.

Find out more

Tips for pet sitters in Courtenay

Keep wildlife in mind

Courtenay’s surrounded by natural beauty – and that includes wildlife. Whether you’re walking near the river or exploring forest trails, be mindful of deer, birds, and even the odd seal. Keeping your pooch pal leashed and close helps protect everyone.

Support local dog-friendly businesses

Courtenay and Comox are full of cafes, breweries, and restaurants with pet-friendly patios. Mudsharks Coffee Bar and Gladstone Brewing Co. are great places to chill with your pooch pal – just be sure to double-check their policy in advance.

Try house and pet sitting

House and pet sitting is a great way to experience a new place like a local, and Courtenay is no exception. With its stunning natural surroundings and pet-friendly spots, it’s the perfect destination for sitters looking to explore the beauty of Vancouver Island while caring for some furry companions.