As part of Twin Trees Vet's mission statement, our team is supported in living a healthy, active lifestyle. Working in the Vet ER can be stressful and draining. We acknowledge that in order to be our best on the job, we need to recharge when we are not on duty. We encourage our team to get outside, unplug, explore in nature, live a life filled with passion, adopt a healthy diet/ lifestyle and have FUN!!!
Featuring Dr. Lopez and her ski buddies living the dream in our beautiful backyard in Whistler, British Columbia. Music Track: Reminiscence by Ron Gelinas Chillout Lounge | https://soundcloud.com/atmospheric-mu... Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
]]>Dogs don't make our whole life, but they make our lives whole. And dogs get to live the dream here too, in our beautiful backyard of Whistler, BC. Featuring two salty dogs and their adventures on the coast. Music: 'The Woods' by Hollow Coves Filmed and edited by our Twin Trees Health Resources and Community Outreach Coordinator, the amazing Noémie-Capucine Quessy.
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Video made by the amazing and talented Brittney (Vet Nurse), filmed on her iphone, and featuring our beautiful backyard in Whistler, British Columbia. As part of Twin Trees Vet's mission statement, our team is supported in living a healthy, active lifestyle. Working in the Vet ER can be stressful and draining. We acknowledge that in order to be our best on the job, we need to recharge when we are not on duty. We encourage our team to get outside, unplug, explore in nature, live a life filled with passion, adopt a healthy diet/ lifestyle and have FUN!!!
]]>With so much terrain to explore, the Sea-to-Sky Corridor is a true paradise for people who like the Great Outdoors and there's nothing we like more than an adventure in our region's backyard with our dog by our side!
Snowshoeing is a serene way to explore our beautiful snowy mountain landscape and is the perfect way to fill up on fresh winter air with our furry friend.
While some backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears, there are still some trails that allow our four-legged companion to tag along.
Listed below are our favourite dog-friendly snowshoeing trails in the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region of BC. And they are free.
Dog Mountain Trail is a short and fairly easy 5km-return hike from the free parking lot of Mount Seymour Resort. The views of Vancouver are breathtaking on a clear day and the sunsets are spectacular. Dog Mountain is quite popular, both for dogs and their humans, keeping the trail in the snow well packed down and easy to follow. Ideal for an easy afternoon stroll, or a cheeky glimpse of the sunset with your best furry friend.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 5km roundtrip
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Elevation gain: Minimal in 2.2k
How to get there: Drive up Mount Seymour in North Vancouver. Park in the day lot 1 (or 5) and walk to the end of the parking lot section. Start at the Mount Seymour Trail kiosk, to the left of the Mystery Peak chairlift.
More info: http://vancouverhiatus.com
Hollyburn Mountain is located in Cypress Provincial Park, only a 30 minute-drive from downtown Vancouver. The short 7km roundtrip offers panoramic 360 views of the Lions Gate Bridge, Vancouver, West Vancouver, Howe Sound, Georgia Straight and the Lions. The trail is well-marked with poles with reflective lights so that it can be done after dark with a flashlight. For those early risers or sunsets chasers, the trail is so well-marked that it can be done with low light. Just make sure to carry a light and a backup light as the marker poles only reflect light.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 7 km roundtrip
Duration: 2-4 hours
Elevation gain: 430m
How to get there: As you near Cypress Mountain Resort, turn right at the "XC Skiing Area" sign. Drive for about 100m and you will see parking. On your left side you will see a big wooden map kiosk and for the snowshoeing trail, head up to the left following the huge power lines.
More info: http://vancouverhiatus.com
Bowen Lookout Winter Trail offers spectacular views of the Howe Sound, Bowen Island and the Sunshine Coast. A free backcountry access day pass is required to pass through Cypress Mountain resort and access the backcountry corridors to the Bowen Lookout Winter Trail and other winter hiking trails.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3 km roundtrip
Duration: 1-2 hours
Elevation gain: 110m
How to get there: The trail starts at the end of the Backcountry Access Corridor, about 30m west of the lower terminal of Eagle Express Quad Chairlift in the alpine ski area.
More info: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca
Cheakamus River Trail is located at the southern end of Whistler just off the Sea-to-Sky Highway. The picturesque trail takes you through beautiful old growth forest and provides great views filled with serenity and silence. You’ll cross a narrow suspension bridge covered with snow, overlooking the turquoise water of Cheakamus River flowing below.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 4km roundtrip
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation gain: some gradual, short hills
How to get there: Trailhead is located 10 minutes south of Whistler Village just off the Sea-to-Sky Highway. After the lights at Function Junction, turn left and drive about 300m until you see Cheakamus Lake Road on your left. The road is undrivable in the winter but you can park at the edge just before the turnoff. Snowshoe up Cheakamus Lake Road until you get to the passing bridge. After crossing the bridge, you’ll find the trails running along the river.
More info: http://whistlerhiatus.com
The Parkhurst Ghost Town Trail will take you through a large meadow with peakaboo views of the mountains before gently ascending through the deep forest along the scenic Green River. Parkhurst was a little logging town nestled on the edge of Green Lake. The town came into being in 1926 and with the years grew in size to include a school and a store. Parkhurst was abandoned in 1966 when the logging industry slowed down. Today, the ghost town makes a very unique and unusual snowshoeing experience to take your dog on.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 6km roundtrip
Duration: 3-5 hours
Elevation gain: Some short hills
How to get there: North of Whistler, just past Green Lake, look for the Wedgemount Lake sign on the highway. Turn right and cross the bridge. You'll see a sign for Wedgemount Lake and the small Sea-to-Sky sign attached to it. Park here and snowshoe to the right following the Sea-to-Sky Trail signs. If you have a 4x4 vehicle you might be able to park at the Whistler Paintball parking area about 1k further along.
More info: http://whistlerhiatus.com
Flank Trail is a scenic and amazing snowshoe trail in Whistler. The trail stretches 40km across the Whistler Valley, from Whistler's Olympic Park to north of Whistler by Ancient Cedars and Showh Lakes, offering breathtaking views of both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The area isn’t to be tackled in a day, rather explored in small sections. The endless trail takes you past beautiful vista points and impressive views of Alta Lake, Alpha Lake, Nita Lake and Green Lake.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Length: 40km overall, best explored in small sections
Duration: 2 hours from the Rainbow Trail Parking lot to the Flank Trail viewpoints
Elevation gain: Frequent loss and gain
How to get there: There are several entry points from Green Lake south to the Callaghan Valley. The recommended entrance point while snowshoeing with a dog is from the Rainbow Trail Parking. While the Rainbow Trail located to the left of the parking prohibits dogs since it is the watershed that Whistler gets its water from, the marked Flank Trail to the right is where you want to start. The trail slowly climbs up and reaches the Sproatt-Flank Trail where you continue to the right.
More info: http://whistlerhiatus.com
A short way along the Duffy Lake Road, just passed Joffre Lakes is the trailhead to Cerise Creek. Relatively short, the hike takes you through pristine forest offering incredible views of Joffre Peak, Mount Matier and Vantage Peak. The trail takes you to the Keith Flavelle Hut, a memorial cabin near the headwaters of Cerise Creek. The popular winter trail offers endless stretches of exploration through a backcountry wrapped in brilliant white snow.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Length: 8km round trip
Duration: 3.5 hours
Elevation gain: 305m
How to get there: The winter route is reached from Duffy Lake Road heading towards Lillooet, just after the Joffre Lakes parking lot. Watch for a marker for Cerise Creek at the start of the trail, next to an ‘Avalanche Area’ sign post. Once you are on the trail, access is fairly easy towards Keith's hut where you'll find other trails running from the cabin.
More info: http://www.trailpeak.com
Happy trails and happy tails!
By Noémie-Capucine Quessy
Note: It is important to remember that backcountry travel comes with a degree of risk. Make sure you follow the Three T's: trip planning, training, and taking the essentials. For more information, read Adventure Smart.
Also, be considerate of the on-leash areas, scoop the poop and keep your dog in full control at all times so we can keep those dog paradises open for a long time.
]]>My dogs and I have had many amazing adventures at Joffre Lakes, whether we hiked to the turquoise lakes in the summer or skimmed the frozen surfaces in the winter. There are many other dog-friendly trails near Whistler that we’ll be adventuring to this summer, but unfortunately Joffre Lakes hike won’t be one of them.
According to B.C.’s Ministry of Environment: “More people means more dogs, which affects the enjoyment of the park by other visitors, raises public health concerns and results in increased conservation efforts.”
Surely, not everyone is a dog lover. Also, too much excrement has been left visible on the trails and near drinking water sources. Additionally, the ministry says that “dogs, on- and off-leash, have an impact on the surrounding wildlife. Their sounds or scents can cause birds and other animals, like pikas (small mammals), to look for different habitat.” Unfortunately, these problems have led to the ban of dogs in the park.
As dog owners we have a responsibility to other hikers who use the trail. Good planning and preparation are essential elements for a successful trail experience. It is our job to ensure our furry friends continue to be welcomed on trails by teaching them how to be good stewards and good ambassadors for other dogs.
To ensure smoother encounters and to help your dog showcase his best manners on the trails, you can follow these simple rules of dog hiking etiquette:
Dogs are not allowed in some provincial parks, such as Garibaldi Provincial Parks, and most wildlife refuges. Some trails will allow off-leash canine companions, while some others welcome only leashed dogs. Make sure you do your research before heading to the trail, and carefully follow the laws and regulations that apply.
No one wants to be walking over poop or worse, stepping on it and carrying the unpleasant scent, considering one of the great joys of hiking is to revitalize on fresh air. Also, depending on what dogs are fed, canine feces can take up to a year to decompose. Dog droppings often contains parasites and the eggs from these parasites can linger for years in the soil, leaving other pets and animals vulnerable to serious infection. Pet waste can also wash into lakes and streams, polluting them with bacteria and potentially making people and wildlife who drink from them sick. To avoid all this, bring bags and scoop the poop!
When you encounter other trail users, whether they are hikers, trail runners, bikers, or horse riders, make sure you observe common sense and simple courtesy. Dogs and owners should always yield the right of way, making sure to step well clear of the trail to allow other users to pass. Many trails are narrow and it is always best to prevent legs, leashes and paws from getting tangled.
A friendly dog owner is always more comforting to encounter on the trails. As in everyday life, being friendly helps foster good relations, especially with non-dog people.
It is important to be considerate of others and to make sure our pooch won’t disturb other hikers or wildlife. If the trail allows dogs to be off leash, make sure your dog stays within sight and within earshot of you, and demonstrate excellent voice recall. If you have a friendly dog, teach him restraint so he only greets when he has permission. This is important to ensure your pooch won’t chase after wild animals or approach other trail users who prefer to be left alone.
Hikers and dogs should stick to the trail to minimize environmental impact. It is important to respect natural habitats and leave plants and wildlife undisturbed. Don’t let dogs run where they shouldn’t and the same applies to you. Be sure to stay on the marked trail.
A dog can have just as much impact on vegetation, wildlife and nature as humans can. Practicing Leave No Trace is about making good decisions to protect and preserve the environment that we all enjoy. It is important to leave all plant and animal life exactly the way we found it for others to enjoy as well.
Hiking nature trails is amazing for physical and mental health for both you and your dog. Let’s keep our trails dog-friendly by honoring the rules and regulations, which are meant to protect the trails so that we, our pets and others can enjoy safe meaningful hikes.
For more information on the prohibition of dogs in Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, please visit the BC Gov New.
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Learning to Crow demonstrates a beautiful and strong connection between dog and human aw well as their passion and hunger for the mountain life. Learning to Crow was filmed by Matty Richard himself and edited by Nicolas Teichrob who is a very talented local artist and photographer.
View more of Nicolas's work here: Nicolas Teichrob Photography
Tanya and Wicket ripping the bike trails
Whistler is full of cross country bike trails and hiking trails you and your dog can enjoy together. A few of our favorites are:
For more trail options take a look at our Dog Friendly Parks and Trails page. There is so much terrain to explore right outside our door!
Torino and George playing in the river with Katie's Pet Care. Photo: Katie Campbell
Swimming and playing in the water is a right of passage for all dogs. We are so lucky to be surrounded by so many lakes and rivers. Be sure to take your dog for a dip on those hot summer days. Arfa park located in Creekside and Barking Bay at Rainbow Park are the top dog beaches.
A fun multi-sport adventure could include a bike ride on the Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds trail and then jumping in Loggers Lake to cool off for a fresh finish.
If you and your pup are looking for a challenge and want to explore further into the mountains the options become endless.
"They motivate us to play, be affectionate, seek adventure and be loyal. "
- Tom Hayden
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Whistler is a pet-friendly community and asks dog owners to follow rules for responsible pet ownership. Did you know that by licensing your dog you assist us in making decisions on where dog parks are most needed?
Whistler’s Animal Responsibility Bylaw sets out the rules for responsible pet ownership:
Dogs must be leashed in Whistler, except in designated off-leash parks.
Whistler is bear country and off-leash dogs can create risky encounters with wildlife. Leashing your dog will protect you, your dog, other people and pets, and Whistler's wildlife.
Dogs are not permitted on public beaches for public health reasons, and are not permitted in playgrounds and water parks for safety reasons.
Any dog roaming at large in the municipality may be seized and impounded at the owner's expense.
Whistler has four parks with designated off-leash areas:
Off-leash dogs must be in the owner’s control and remain in off-leash areas. Owners must also have a leash visible, and leash dogs when entering and exiting off-leash areas. Ensuring your dog is well trained and will return immediately when called will help avoid potentially risky encounters with bears.
Whistler has three mixed use off-leash areas (seasonal conditions may apply):
1. Spruce Grove: Dogs off-leash are permitted inside the field areas when the fields are not in use.
2. Meadow Park ball fields: Dogs off-leash are permitted inside the field areas when the fields are not in use.
3. Winter Only: The Valley Trail is groomed for multi-use (off leash dogs permitted) activities as snow amounts allow in the following sections:
Dogs in Whistler must possess and wear a valid dog licence.
Licences are available at the Municipal Hall or Whistler Animals Galore(link is external) (WAG). WAG receives 50 per cent of proceeds for licences purchased at the animal shelter.
Licence fees:
Licences must be renewed annually, starting on January 1. Renewals can be done in person or online through the RMOW’s online dog licence renewal service(link is external).
To renew online, users need the account number and access code as listed on the renewal notices. For assistance, contact Financial Services.
Visitors must ensure their dogs are wearing a valid licence from the community where they permanently reside.
Being a responsible pet owner has its perks – not just for your dog, but for other dogs in Whistler, too!
Whistler's Bylaw Services staff and Whistler Animals Galore(link is external) (WAG), Whistler's animal shelter, work together to help return lost pets to their owners.
Learn how to to report a lost or found dog. If your dog has been picked up by a bylaw officer and brought to the animal shelter there is a fee to retrieve it.
Please pick up after dogs and dispose of waste appropriately. Failure to do so could result in a fine of $100.
Compostable dog waste bags are provided at many parks and trail junctures. Bag it, and bin it.
Dog owners in Whistler can help turn their pet’s waste into high-quality soil, thanks to a pilot program in two of Whistler's off-leash parks: Bayly Park and Alpha Lake Park.
Pick Up Protocol (PUP) program provides special compostable dog waste bags, which dog owners can use to pick up their pet’s waste before disposing of them in a marked red PUP bin. The waste collected will be added to Whistler’s composting stream, rather than being shipped as garbage to the landfill. More
Bylaw Services
604-935-8280
bylawservices@whistler.ca(link sends e-mail)
Whistler Animals Galore (WAG)
604-935-8364
If your pet is seeing snow for the first time, take them outside to explore in a safe, enclosed environment. Stay with them to make them feel comfortable or to let them in if they want to rush back inside.
If your pet loves to stay outside, be sure that they have a shelter from the wind, snow and ice. Provide fresh water and check water bowls frequently to be sure they’re not frozen.
Check your cat’s access point regularly so it doesn’t become frozen over or blocked by snow.
As cats may hide underneath cars for warmth, it's important to check under your hood to make sure cats aren’t using it. Look under the hood and bang lightly on the car to alert any cat that it’s time to move.
Most antifreezes have a sweet taste and can be inviting for animals to ingest. This can make pets gravely ill and requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment! Be aware of any puddles caused by antifreeze leaks in your garage or driveway. If you happen to spill antifreeze while adding it to your car, clean it up immediately and make sure all antifreeze containers are wiped clean on the outside and tightly sealed before storing them away.
Check your pet's paws when they come inside and gently wipe off any grit, salt, or compacted snow. If you notice any skin discolouration, pain, swelling, or blisters, take your pet to the vet for treatment.
Paw pads can become burned and irritated by the ice melting salt products that get spread on sidewalks and driveways. To protect outdoor animals, switch to one of the pet safe ice melting products available instead of using traditional rock salt. Also be sure to wipe your pet's feet before they begin to lick their paws as excessive licking can become another source of irritation.
Outdoor pets are susceptible to frostbite, especially on the ear tips. Always make sure your pet is indoors when the temperature gets uncomfortable and examine them physically to look for signs of frostbite.
Playing around in the cold can really build up their appetite. Make sure your pet is well fed, and stays well hydrated by always keeping a bowl of fresh water indoor.
Winter requires a new set of responsibilities when it comes to owning an elderly pet. The cold outdoor environment is especially tough on the stiff joints of older pets. Their bones and joints become weaker and they begin to slow down. A new diet may be in order, or proper exercise and warmer living spaces. Older pets can also become more easily disoriented, especially in snow. Keep outdoor time short and be sure they have a warm spot to rest when they come back in.
Adventuring through the snow can be exhilarating for most dogs and even some cats. Be aware that snow can also hide potential dangers like partially frozen lakes, hunter traps or tree wells. Be sure to provide you pet with the gear they need to have a fun and safe day outdoors. If you plan on taking your furry companion camping, have a look at ourMust-have Winter Camping Essentials for Your Adventure Dogpost.
And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! Short walks on warmer, sunny days or a quick run through powdery snow are other great ways for you and your pets to get a bit of exercise and enjoy the fresh air on those beautiful winter days.
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We have such a warm dog-lovers community that supports other dog owners. Planning to spend the day at the ski resort, but don’t want your canine to stay at home? Send him on an Adventure Hike with Whistler Alpine Dogs. They’ll pick up and drop off your dog for full or half-day adventures.
Saundra started Alpine Dogs in 2008, and I’ve heard the highest compliments of her. Dogs get excited when they hear the Alpine Dogs truck pull up in the driveway. They come back happily exhausted, too. A tough - and exhilarating - workout does just as much for dogs as it does for humans.
Canines evolved to be active. Before they became pets, dogs hunted, guarded their territory, and scavenged for food. Just like us, the modern lifestyle can pose health risks for dogs. Think about all the health issues humans face with our sedentary lifestyles. Dogs can get chronic lifestyle diseases too.
Maybe more so than humans, dogs have a hard time finding intellectual stimulation in our modern lifestyles. They can’t check out a Youtube video or read blogs. Dogs can get bored. Just because they have a backyard to run around in doesn’t mean they’re getting the stimulation they need to be healthy and well. Exploring new places in nature and smelling new scents can help them gain that stimulation.
Here’s another upside to giving your dog a long hike. Well-exercised dogs behave far better than dogs that stay at home all day. Think about how much pent-up energy an eight-year-old has if she doesn’t get to play. It’s the same idea.
Pick-up times are 9 am for full-day and morning adventures and 12:30 pm for afternoon half-day adventures. They also offer a 10-walk discount card for Whistler residents. Your dog must be spayed/neutered, have had the routine vaccinations, and be friendly and social. He’ll have a blast with his doggy pals while you adventure with your human pals. Check out the Alpine Dogs website here.
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