Saanich
Dog Guide
Trails, regional parks, and a sprawling off-leash network. Saanich is one of the largest municipalities in Greater Victoria, with more green space and trail access than almost anywhere else.
A sprawling municipality with serious trail infrastructure.
Saanich is the largest municipality in Greater Victoria by area, stretching from the Uptown corridor north to the Saanich Peninsula. It is a diverse municipality with everything from urban centres to rural farmland, forested parks to waterfront trails.
For dog owners, Saanich is a standout. It has more regional parks, more trail kilometres, and more off-leash zones than any single municipality in the region. The "People, Pets and Parks" strategy governs dog access, and there are 3+ designated off-leash zones with clear signage. However, retractable leashes are banned in all Saanich parks, with fines of $150 to $300.
Local tip: If you're planning to explore Saanich's parks regularly — especially the off-leash zones — it's worth reading through the municipality's official People, Pets and Parks Strategy. It lays out exactly where dogs can go off-leash, how the trail network connects, and what the current bylaws say. Think of it as the cheat sheet for navigating Saanich with your dog — especially handy before your first visit to a new park.
Saanich leash law: Retractable leashes are banned in all Saanich municipal parks. Use a standard fixed-length leash in on-leash areas. Dogs must be leashed in most parks unless specifically designated as leash-optional. Check the Saanich Dogs in Parks page for current schedules and maps.
Trail Paradise
Mount Douglas, Thetis Lake, Elk/Beaver Lake — Saanich has more trails per capita than anywhere else in the region.
3+ Off-Leash Zones
Dedicated off-leash areas at Mount Douglas, Cuthbert Holmes, and Panama Flats for varied experiences.
Regional Park Access
Regional parks offer bigger, wilder experiences than municipal parks for adventurous outings.
Where to walk your dog in Saanich
Mount Douglas Park (PKOLS)
Five kilometres of forested trails with summit views of the city and ocean. Off-leash activity is permitted on trails and in designated areas. A flagship park for adventurous dogs.
Cuthbert Holmes Park
Designated off-leash areas along the Colquitz Creek trail. Naturalized terrain with interesting smells and a quieter atmosphere than the busier city parks.
Panama Flats
A large natural area with wetland trails and open fields. Off-leash activity is permitted in designated sections. Can be muddy in winter, but excellent for nature-loving dogs.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
A regional park with lakeside trails and forest paths. Dogs must be leashed, but the extensive trail network offers hours of exploring.
Is Saanich right for you and your dog?
Unmatched trail network
If your dog loves hiking, Saanich is the best base in Greater Victoria.
Varied terrain
Forest, wetland, lakeside, and ocean walks — all within one municipality.
Good off-leash signage
Clear signage and waste stations across designated off-leash zones.
Retractable leash ban
Standard fixed-length leashes only in all Saanich parks. Fines of $150 to $300.
By Anna & Perry, Happy Homes Team — eXp Realty
Last updated: May 27, 2026