White Rock, British Columbia, is a dog lover’s paradise. With its stunning coastal location, mild climate, and active community spirit, this charming seaside city offers some of the most spectacular off-leash areas where your four-legged family members can run, play, and socialize to their heart’s content in various dog parks. Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting with your pup, this guide will help you discover the best spots for unleashing fun while being a responsible dog owner.

Centennial Park Off-Leash Area

Located at 1600 Centennial Park Road, this spacious off-leash area is a favourite among locals and their canine companions. The park features wide open grass fields perfect for fetch games and group play, mature trees providing natural shade during hot summer days, and well-maintained pathways for easy navigation.

What makes Centennial Park’s dog park special is its community atmosphere. Regular visitors often form informal social groups, and it’s not uncommon to see the same friendly faces (both human and canine) week after week. The park offers excellent visibility, making it easy to keep an eye on your dog while they explore and make new friends.

Amenities:

• Ample parking
• Waste bag dispensers and disposal bins
• Water fountain for both dogs and owners
• Benches for relaxation
• Separate areas for large and small dogs during peak times

Southridge Park Off-Leash Area

Located in the Southridge neighbourhood, this lesser-known park offers a quieter setting for dogs who enjoy smaller groups or are still gaining social confidence. With rolling hills, wooded areas, and open meadows, it’s a great space for sniffing, running, and exploring.

The varied terrain makes Southridge ideal for active dogs who want to play in a dog park to socialize. Natural obstacles and gentle elevation changes provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation, keeping your dog engaged throughout the visit.

Amenities:

• Natural agility features
• Shaded areas under mature trees
• Multiple entry and exit points
• Well-maintained trails
• Regular maintenance and cleaning

Ruth Johnson Park

While primarily a regular park, Ruth Johnson Park has designated off-leash hours that make it a valuable option as a dog park for dog owners in the area. The park’s manicured lawns and central location make it particularly convenient for quick exercise sessions or socialization opportunities.

Off-leash hours: Check with the City of White Rock for current schedules, as these may vary seasonally.

Beach Access and Coastal Adventures

White Rock Beach – Off-Leash Hours

One of White Rock’s most unique offerings is the opportunity for dogs to experience beach life during designated off-leash hours. There’s nothing quite like watching your dog’s first encounter with sand between their toes and the endless expanse of Semiahmoo Bay stretching before them. Familiarize yourself with dog beach-friendly areas.

Current Off-Leash Beach Schedule:

• October 1 to March 31: Dogs allowed off-leash from sunrise to 10:00 AM and from 5:00 PM to sunset
• April 1 to September 30: Dogs allowed off-leash from sunrise to 9:00 AM and from 8:00 PM to sunset

Beach Etiquette Essentials:

• Always clean up after your dog – this includes waste left on sand, rocks, or walkways
• Keep dogs away from picnic areas and food service locations
• Be mindful of wildlife, especially during migration seasons
• Rinse salt water from your dog’s fur and paws after beach visits
• Respect other beach users, including families with small children

Safety Considerations: The beach environment presents unique challenges. Salt water can be harmful if consumed in large quantities, and some dogs may experience stomach upset from drinking seawater. Always bring fresh water for your pet. Additionally, be aware of tides and currents, and never leave your dog unattended near the water.

Pier and Promenade Areas

While not off-leash zones, the White Rock pier and promenade offer excellent on-leash walking opportunities. The scenic waterfront paths provide mental stimulation through new sights, sounds, and smells, making them perfect for dogs who enjoy urban exploration.

Pet Etiquette: Being a Courteous Dog Owner

Responsible dog ownership goes beyond cleaning up after your pet. Good pet etiquette means being aware of how your dog’s behaviour affects others and taking steps to ensure positive, safe interactions for everyone around you.

The Golden Rules of Off-Leash Areas

Know Your Dog’s Temperament

Not all dogs are suited for off-leash spaces. Consider your dog’s comfort with others, recall ability, and stress tolerance before heading to an off-leash park. If your dog tends to be anxious, reactive, or lacks basic training, more preparation might be needed before introducing them to a group setting.

Master the Recall Command

Your dog should come when called, even with distractions. Practice recall regularly in calm environments before relying on it in a busy off-leash area.

Read Canine Body Language

Understanding dog signals can help prevent problems before they escalate. Watch for signs like stiff posture, raised hackles, intense staring, or guarding behaviour. If you see any of these, calmly redirect your dog and create space.

Supervise Constantly

Off-leash doesn’t mean hands-off. Keep your dog in sight and check in with them regularly. Be ready to step in if their behaviour changes or if play gets too intense.

Respect Space and Boundaries

Not all dogs want to interact, and that’s fine. If another owner calls their dog away or avoids interaction, respect their choice. Pay attention to your own dog’s signals too—tired or overstimulated dogs may need a break.

Proper Waste Management

Always clean up after your dog, no exceptions. Bring more waste bags than you think you’ll need and use proper bins. If your dog leaves a mess on hard surfaces or walkways, rinse it if possible. Some owners find tools like poop scoops helpful, especially those with limited mobility.

Water and Food Etiquette

Bring your own water bowl to reduce the risk of spreading illness. Avoid letting your dog use communal water dishes. If you bring treats or toys, be prepared to either share or keep them out of sight to prevent conflict with other dogs.

Responsible Dog Ownership in White Rock

Licensing and Registration

All dogs in White Rock must be licensed each year. This helps lost dogs find their way home and shows you’re following local regulations. Visit the White Rock City Hall website for details.

Vaccination and Health

Keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date, especially rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella. Regular vet checkups help ensure your dog is healthy and not spreading illness in social environments.

Spay and Neuter

Dogs that are spayed or neutered often show more stable behaviour in groups. Unaltered dogs may be more prone to dominance or territorial reactions.

Training and Socialization

Professional training can make a big difference. Look for group classes focused on recall and off-leash confidence. Early and consistent socialization builds better behaviour in public spaces.

Reporting Violations and Safety Concerns

Maintaining safe off-leash spaces is a community effort. If rules are ignored or safety is at risk, here’s what to do.

When to Report

Immediate Safety Concerns:

• Aggressive dogs posing a threat

• Attacks or injuries caused by dogs

• Owners becoming hostile or abusive

How to Report

As White Rock dog owners, we have dedicated city resources that make pet ownership simple and easy. Our community supports you through several channels designed for your four-legged friends.

Service	Contact	Purpose
General Dog Info	[email protected]	Licensing, bylaws, resources
Animal Control	604-541-2146	Non-emergency concerns
RAPP Hotline	1-877-952-7277	Wildlife violations (24/7)
Community Events	City Programmes	Dog activities, engagement

These resources keep us connected, informed, and ready to be responsible pet owners whilst maintaining our White Rock community’s friendly atmosphere for dogs and their families.

Building Community Through Responsible Dog Ownership

White Rock’s off-leash spaces are more than parks, they’re places where people connect and dogs learn to socialize. Responsible behaviour helps keep these spaces open and welcoming for all. Every time your well-mannered dog has a good interaction, it strengthens public support for off-leash privileges. But one incident of poor behaviour can jeopardize access for everyone. Whether you’re tossing a ball at Centennial Park, walking the beach, or taking a break at Southridge, you’re part of a wider community that values the bond between people and pets. By staying informed and respectful, you help make White Rock a place where dogs and their families can truly feel at home.

Questions Often Asked

Does White Rock Allow Dogs?

Absolutely, White Rock welcomes dogs! You can bring your leashed dog to most public areas and walk along the Promenade during designated hours. If you want your dog to run freely, Ruth Johnson Park has a special off-leash area where they can play without restrictions.

Is White Rock Lake Safe for Dogs?

Yes, White Rock Lake is generally safe for dogs with proper precautions. We’ve noticed the waterfront areas need some extra care when you’re with your dog. You can’t take them onto the pier itself, but the promenade works well during the right hours. Keep your dog on a lead and watch out for areas where wildlife is protected.

Are Dogs Allowed on Beaches in BC?

Yes, dogs are allowed on most beaches in BC when kept on a leash. We’ve explored beaches throughout British Columbia and found that most areas permit leashed dogs. Here in White Rock, we regularly bring our dogs to the beach year-round, making wonderful family memories along the way.