Long Beach Lodge Resort is paradise for both humans and dogs alike. For the month of February, we’re waiving our pet fees and donating them to the local CARE Network.
This will sound like a trick question, but what’s the worst part about going on vacation? Well if you’re a dog owner, the worst part is leaving your pet at home. Even just the way they stare at you when you’re packing your bags can take away from the excitement of your trip.
The good news is that out here at Long Beach Lodge, we know that dogs are like family and we’ve set up our resort so that you can bring your pooch with you. With 20 pet-friendly units to choose from you, you can spare yourself the guilt (and cost) of leaving your dog behind. And with endless beaches and trails to rip around on, your dog might even have a better vacation than you do.
For the entire month of February, Long Beach Lodge Resort is waiving our pet fees and donating that revenue to the local CARE Network. So there’s nothing stopping you from bringing your four-legged family member along for the ride.
With that in mind, we’ve assembled a non-exhaustive list of our favourite dog walks, some of which start right at the Lodge.
Keep in mind that there are no designated off-leash areas anywhere out here on the coast, so make sure your dog is leashed and under control at all times. Give the shorebirds plenty of distance and watch out for bears, cougars and wolves. Keep an vigilant eye on the surf and be mindful of the tides.
Cox Bay
Let’s start with the walk that begins the moment you walk out of the lodge. Our resort sits towards the north end of Cox Bay, which is a 1.5-kilometre stretch of pristine sandy beach hemmed in by rainforest and rocky headlands. In other words, we’re situated on one of the best dog walks in BC.
If you head towards the south end of the beach, it might just be you, your dog and the massive logs that the storms have brought up. It’s worth noting that low tide makes the beach extra spacious, not to mention the beautiful tide pools that it uncovers.
The north end of the beach tends to be a little busier, but you can find your way out to Sunset Point which is a great spot to watch the waves crash into the headland and, as you might have guessed, watch the sun melt into the horizon. Either way, don’t forget to check out our Stick Library on your way to the beach…
Cox Bay Lookout
While the beach itself is in contention for one of the best dog walks in BC, the Cox Bay Lookout could be one of the best dog walks on the planet. Keep in mind that the walk can be quite muddy and requires some light rock-scaling, so make sure both you and your pooch are up for it. Yes indeed, this dog walk can be a little spicy.
The unmarked network of trails starts at the far south end of Cox Bay and meanders through the forest up around a series of bluffs until you and your dog are rewarded with one of the best views the Westcoast has to offer.
There are two separate summits to choose from, but the taller one (on the lookers’ right as you walk south on the beach) has the best view. Be careful, because not all trails lead to the top and some of the offshoots are a result of people wandering around in the dark. On that note, make sure you have plenty of daylight and a headlamp just in case.
The hike through the forest doesn’t take long—maybe 30 minutes after you step off the sand, but the way down takes a little longer. Make sure to give yourself extra time for navigation and DO NOT wear flip flops.
North and South Chesterman
Not everyone wants to bushwack through the Canadian Jungle with their dog, so both North and South Chesterman are great options for low-stress beach cruising. The two beaches are connected by a spit (also called a tombolo) which is exposed at low tide and leads to Frank Island.
If you walk from the end of South Chesterman to the end of North Chesterman, it’s almost three kilometres of beautiful white sandy beach. You can drive there from the lodge and pay to park on South Chesterman or Lynn Road. Or you could take an extra 30-40 minutes to walk there on the MUP, which is the Multi-Use Path that runs parallel to the road from Downtown Tofino all the way to Ucluelet. The MUP can be a good dog walk unto itself, but the beaches are nicer!
Tonquin Connector
The Tonquin Connector is one of the best dog walks that the Tofino area has to offer. It’s a moderately-graded gravel path that makes its way through the forest from The Tofino Community Hall to Tonquin Beach, and carries on through the forest on a bluff above the ocean towards Middle Beach.
From the Community Hall, you can also connect to the Industrial Park (and therefore the Tofino Brewery, which has a dog-friendly patio). Keep in mind that the connector is not a loop, so you generally have to come back the same way that you went in.
Long Beach
Whoever named Long Beach may not have been all that creative, but at least they were accurate. The pristine beach stretches over 16 kilometres of untamed, undeveloped wilderness.
Its’ in the Pacific Rim National Park and there’s plenty of wildlife, so be sure your dog is leashed at all times. And Combers Beach, which is technically part of Long Beach, is off-limits to dogs year-round in order to protect the shorebirds.
But if you park at the north end at one of the two public lots at the North end of Long Beach, you’re well away from Combers.
Enjoy!
Like we said, this list is non-exhaustive and there are quite a few dog walks that we didn’t mention. Either way, Long Beach Lodge Resort looks forward to welcoming both you, your family and your four-legged friends!