Outdoor Adventures:

The Best Pet-Friendly Spring & Summer Activities

It’s time to shake off those winter blues, leash up, and get ready for a tail-wagging good time!

Spring and summer are paw-sitively the best seasons to embark on outdoor adventures with your furry bestie. Whether you’ve got a daring doggo, a curious kitty, or even a bunny with a need for speed, the great outdoors is calling—and you must go (preferably with a treat pouch in hand).

In this ultimate roundup, we’ll explore the best pet-friendly spring and summer activities that will have you and your four-legged friend fur-ever grateful for the sunshine.

Hit the Hiking Trails 

Nothing beats the feeling of dirt under your boots—and paws—on a gorgeous day. Hiking is the ulti-mutt bonding experience, offering fresh air, exercise, and a chance for your pet to sniff every tree, rock, and leaf in a ten-mile radius.

Last summer, my dog Mookie, a 12-pound miniature dachshund with more energy than a toddler on espresso, took me on what can only be described as a “sniffari” up a local trail. Every two feet, Mookie would dramatically throw himself into the nearest bush like he was uncovering hidden treasure.

By the time we reached the summit, I was exhausted, but Mookie, my little scent hound, looked like he was ready to summit Everest.

Moral of the story: bring water, bring snacks, and bring patience. Lots of patience…

Pro Tips:

• Choose pet-friendly trails (many national parks allow dogs in certain areas!).

• Pack plenty of water (for both of you!).

• Invest in a harness for better control and safety.

• Check for ticks after the hike—you don’t want any “uninvited hitchhikers.”

Beach, Please! 

If your pet loves to swim or just flop dramatically into the sand like a tiny furry seal, a beach day is a must.

Many coastal areas have pet-friendly beaches where your pooch can dig holes to their heart’s content and splash in the surf.

If you’re not by the ocean, there are many lakes and rivers where you can bring your canine companion.

Make sure to watch for fast flowing water and make sure there are spaces for them to safely enter and exit the water.

I often take all three weens to our local river. Millie, my water dog was absolutely convinced that the river was a giant flowing bowl of drinking water. After several ill-fated attempts to lap up waves, she settled for stealing another dog’s tennis ball and trotting around like the Queen of the Beach.

Lesson learned: Always bring your own toys unless you want your dog involved in a dramatic (yet adorable) game of theft and chase.

Beach Day Essentials:

• Bring a collapsible water bowl and fresh water.

• Shade is a must—consider a beach umbrella or pop-up tent.

• Pet-friendly sunscreen (yes, it’s a thing—especially for light-colored pets!).

• Toys for water and sand play.

• A towel… or five.

Backyard Olympics

Who says you have to travel far for a great adventure? Turn your backyard into a pet paradise with simple games and DIY obstacle courses.

Pawsome Ideas:

• Agility Course: Use hula hoops, cones, and tunnels to create a fun agility setup.

• Kiddie Pool Splash Zone: A cheap kiddie pool filled with water can cool down your pup and create endless photo ops. This is my fur-nephew’s favourite passtime!

• Fetch Frenzy: Set up multiple fetch stations to keep the game fresh.

• Treasure Hunt: Hide treats around the yard and let your pet sniff them out. This one is such a great way to drain energy, engage my dog’s natural scent abilities and they absolutely LOVE this!

One summer, my neighbor hosted a “Pet Olympics” in her backyard. There were medal ceremonies, peanut butter trophies, and an event called the “Hot Dog Sprint,” which involved sprinting toward a plate of hot dogs.

It was glorious chaos. My baby ween, Maisie, was disqualified for “excessive snack sampling,” but she still wore her participation ribbon like a badge of honor.

Camping Under the Stars 

Camping isn’t just for humans—many pets absolutely love the adventure of a night in the great outdoors! Whether you go old-school with a tent or roll up in a glamping van, bringing your pet along makes the experience twice as memorable.

Camp-tastic Tips:

• Choose a pet-friendly campsite.

• Keep your pet leashed or in a portable playpen to avoid wildlife encounters.

• Bring familiar bedding to help them feel at home.

• Pack a pet first-aid kit!

On a camping trip to the mountains, my friend’s cat, Nimbus, decided he was nature’s king. He climbed trees, hunted imaginary prey (leaves), and spent the night purring by the fire. We discovered that Nimbus had a deep love for marshmallows (don’t worry, he only got a tiny nibble). Turns out, cats can camp—if they feel like it.

Kayaking, Canoeing & Paddle Boarding

If your pet is adventurous (and doesn’t mind getting a little wet), try kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding together! Many dogs—and even some brave cats—love gliding across a lake or gentle river.

Safety Snippets:

• Always fit your pet with a life jacket.

• Start with short trips to gauge their comfort.

• Bring treats and a towel.

• Never force it—some pets prefer landlubber life, and that’s okay.

I’ll never forget seeing a lovely rescue named Moose sitting proudly in the front of a kayak like he was Captain Dog Sparrow. His owner told me Moose loved kayaking so much that he would whine whenever they drove past the marina without stopping. Now that’s a salty sea dog.

Dog Parks & Pet Meetups 

Sometimes, the best adventures are social ones!

Dog parks and pet meetups are fantastic ways to let your dog burn off energy and make new friends. (And let’s be real: it’s a great way for you to meet fellow pet lovers, too.)

Bark About It:

• Make sure your dog is well-socialized and comfortable off-leash.

• Visit during off-peak hours if your pet gets overwhelmed easily.

• Always supervise play and intervene if necessary.

One spring afternoon at the park, my friend’s shy mutt, Charlie, finally found his soulmate: a tiny, fearless Pomeranian named Tofu. Despite their massive size difference, they became inseparable. Watching them romp around together was like witnessing a canine version of “David and Goliath”—but with more drool.

Road Trip, Baby! 

What’s more iconic than a summertime road trip?

Roll down the windows, crank up the tunes, and let your dog feel the wind in their ears. Road trips are a great way to explore pet-friendly hiking trails, parks, and beaches beyond your usual haunts.

Road Trip Tips:

• Take frequent potty and play breaks.

• Keep your pet safely restrained in the car (seatbelts or crates).

• Pack a “pet go-bag” with essentials: food, water, leash, toys, poop bags, and any meds.

Last summer, my husband and I drove from Calgary to Revelstoke with our three dogs in tow. Somewhere around the Alberta/BC border, our baby Maisie, discovered she could honk the horn if she stood just right in the front seat (parked, thankfully). By the end of the trip, every rest stop knew we were coming before we even pulled in. #Famous

Whether you’re scaling a mountain, frolicking on the beach, or just playing fetch in your backyard, spring and summer offer endless opportunities to make memories with your pet.

Remember: the best adventures aren’t about how far you go—they’re about the joy you share along the way.

So leash up, lather on that sunscreen, pack a pocketful of treats, and get ready to live your best outdoor life—one tail wag at a time.

Paws out, adventure on! 🐾