The Complete Guide to Off-Leash Parks in Saanich

Saanich is home to some of the best off-leash parks in Greater Victoria, including Mount Douglas Park, Cuthbert Holmes Park, and Panama Flats. But the rules changed recently, and if you have not kept up, you may be caught off guard with a $150 to $300 fine. Here is the current state of off-leash access in Saanich, including the retractable leash ban and the 3+ designated off-leash zones you need to know about.

The New Rules

Saanich updated its parks bylaw to clarify off-leash zones and add a retractable leash ban across all municipal parks. The key changes: dogs can be off-leash only in the 3+ clearly designated areas, retractable leashes are prohibited in all parks regardless of leash status, and bylaw officers now have more flexibility to enforce compliance with fines of $150 to $300.

"Saanich enacted a retractable leash ban across all parks because these leashes give dogs too much freedom in areas where they should be under close control."

— Greater Victoria Dog Guide

The retractable leash ban is the big one. Even in areas where dogs are allowed off-leash, you cannot use a retractable leash as a transitional tool. If your dog is on a leash in a non-off-leash area, it must be a standard fixed-length leash.

Mount Douglas Park

The crown jewel of Saanich parks. Mount Douglas offers over 5 kilometres of forested trails, summit views across the city to the Olympic Mountains, and designated off-leash zones. The trails are well-maintained with a mix of paved, gravel, and natural surfaces. The summit parking area on Sinclair Road is the most popular access point, but the trail from Ash Road is quieter and equally rewarding, with fewer crowds and more forested sections.

Off-leash zones are clearly marked with signage at each entry point. Outside these zones, your dog must be on a standard fixed-length leash. The trails can be steep in places, gaining over 200 metres in elevation to the summit, so consider your dog's fitness level before tackling the full route. For senior dogs like Sahara, the lower loop trails are gentler.

Cuthbert Holmes Park

A hidden gem along the Colquitz Creek corridor, this naturalized park offers off-leash areas that follow the creek trail for approximately 2 kilometres of winding, tree-lined path. It is less crowded than Mount Douglas and offers a more relaxed pace — ideal for dogs who prefer sniffing over sprinting.

The creek trail can be muddy in winter, so boots are recommended for both you and your dog. In summer, the dense tree canopy keeps temperatures 3 to 5 degrees cooler than nearby streets. This is Sahara's favourite off-leash spot in all of Greater Victoria, and the gentle terrain is easy on senior dog joints.

Panama Flats

A large natural area in central Saanich with over 100 hectares of wetland trails and open fields. Off-leash activity is permitted in designated sections with good signage. The open fields are great for fetch, while the trails offer shade and variety. Birdwatchers share this space, so be mindful of nesting areas, especially from March through June.

Etiquette in Saanich Parks

Saanich takes park etiquette seriously, and so should you. Here are the basics: pick up after your dog every time (fines of $100 to $250 apply), keep your dog under voice control in all off-leash areas, and respect all posted signage. Use a standard fixed-length leash in on-leash zones, never a retractable leash. If your dog is reactive around other dogs, visit during off-peak hours, early mornings on weekdays are the quietest.

The dog-owning community in Saanich is generally welcoming and well-informed. Most regulars know the bylaws, follow them, and appreciate when newcomers do the same. Pack extra waste bags, bring water for both you and your dog, and leave the park better than you found it.