Exclusive | Pet-friendly Vancouver, Canada

Where to Hang Your Leash
As glitteringly beautiful as Vancouver itself, the Opus Hotel (322 Davie St; 604-642-6787; C$239+) adds boutique hotel chic to already hip Yaletown, mere steps from downtown shopping and the gay West End. Chic dogs are welcome in the hotel?s 97 guestrooms for no fee or deposit. They may not be left alone in-room or scamper into dining areas. Doggie day care and walking services are available or take the pooch down to the nearby Sea Wall and take a stroll together.

At Kimpton Hotels? gay-marketed and South Beach-hued Pacific Palisades Hotel (1277 Robson St; 604-688-0461; C$135+) every type of pet is welcome; regardless of size or species. There is no limit on how many pets accompany you. Treats, toys, food bowls, and pick up bags are provided, and the hotel furnishes you and your pet a list of nearby pet-friendly areas to visit. The hotel charges no fee or deposit, has a designated pet corner in the lobby, and offers Pooch Packages (wellness packages for pets that include massages for both pet and owner).

Pets are also welcome at Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites (1763 Comox St; 604-688-7711; C$130+), right in the heart of gay-favored Denman Street and steps away from Stanley Park and the Sea Wall. The charge is $20 per pet, per night. The hotel offers a Pamper Your Pooch package (C$149+) that includes welcome gifts and a $25 gift certificate for the nearby Doggy Style Deli.

Chow? dog-friendly spots to grab some kibble
The rainbow-flag adorned Davie Street boasts a flotilla of gay-frequented restaurants. For the best outdoor seating for you and your dog, try Hamburger Mary's (1202 Davie St; 604-687-1293; C$8-16), the Vancouver branch of this popular gay burger chain.

At the chi chi Hermitage Restaurant (115-1025 Robson St; 604-689-3237; C$27-38), on busy shopping street Robson Street, dogs are permitted at outdoor tables. Make a reservation as outdoor seating fills up quickly.

At Havana (1212 Commercial Drive; 604-253-9119; C$9-28) East Side women lounge over mojitos and Latin delights amid Cuban memorabilia. Service is friendly and eye candy is usually at an adjacent booth. Tie the pooch alongside as you take advantage of patio seating that gives prime views of Commercial Drive's dykes with dogs out shopping.

Run Dog, Run
These off-leash areas are located within Vancouver's gay West End district. Dogs must have a current license and be leashed outside of the off-leash areas. For more information, see www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/info/dogparks/index.htm.

Nelson Park?s (1030 Bute Street; 604-257-8400) unfenced off-leash park is available for play from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Stanley Park (Shuffleboard Court Area; 604-257-8400) caters to small dogs only. The park?s fully fenced off-leash area is available for off-leash play from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Join other dogs at play behind Vancouver Aquatic Centre and east of the ferry dock at Sunset Beach Park (1204 Beach Avenue; 604-257-8400). It?s off-leash 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Historic Gastown Guided Walking Tours (Meet at the statue of Gassy Jack, Water and Carrall Streets; 604-683-5650; June through August, 2 p.m. daily) provides a free, guided historic walking tour of Gastown. Accompanied by your four-legged pal, tour the area where Vancouver began.

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