We know the feeling: When the sun is shining and the trees are green, it’s hard to leave your dog at home during a weekend road trip or week-long getaway to Vancouver WA. The good news is that they can tag along—but be careful, they may ask to come back!

Here is a Fido-approved itinerary packed with pawesome places that will leave your pup hashtagging #BestDayEver.

9 AM 

Wake up feeling rested in a pet-friendly hotel around the city. The Heathman Lodge, a hotel with cabin vibes, provides doggie dishes and waste bags waiting for you in your room upon check-in and has a small fenced in area on the side for that morning potty break.

Pet owners love the size of the rooms at Quality Inn & Suites for kennels to fit comfortably, and the staff at TownePlace Suites in East Vancouver will even take your dog out for you if you need to be away from the room sans pup for a little bit. Be sure to call ahead and say that you’re bringing your furry friend along to get a dog-welcome room and find out about pet fees and weight limits.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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10 AM

Swing by the charming Chandelier Bakery for a Ham & Cheese Croissant for you and a homemade dog treat for your pup…or maybe three. When parked downtown at Turtle Place, Brewed Cafe and Pub is nearby with some tables outside.

Need any extra supplies for the day? Stop by one of NW Natural Pet Supply's two locations or the Civilized Wolf downtown for anything you’d ever need…because we always forget to pack something, and a toy souvenir IS necessary.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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11 AM 

Take a mid-morning walk along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail on the north shore of the Columbia River with views of the Grant Street Pier and Mt. Hood on a clear day. The trail stretches for five miles on the east side of the Interstate Bridge. You can also make the hop over Columbia Street on the Vancouver Land Bridge to complete the Discovery Historic Loop, which winds through Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, along Officers Row, and back to downtown’s Esther Short Park.

Other dog-friendly paved trails include Burnt Bridge Creek, Salmon Creek Greenway, and the Ellen Davis Trail (conveniently located next to the Hazel Dell Ike Dog Park).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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1 PM

Head north on Main Street to Uptown Village where a food cart pod is situated next to Trap Door Brewing. Wash down Pad Thai and spring rolls or tasty nachos and street tacos with a crisp, easy-drinking Hella Lager. (Fido may even get featured on the Dogs of Trap Door Brewing Instagram page!) The Columbia Food Park, an old bus stop turned food cart plaza on E 7th Street, is another outdoor dining option serving up slow-cooked chili and southern comfort food.

If you prefer to stay on the waterfront, grab a quick lunch at WildFin American Grill’s walk-up What A Catch Fishbar. Stand at a bistro table with your pup at your side while you nosh on fresh Pacific Halibut fish ‘n chips or a Bahn Mi-style cod taco. Try the blackberry basil lemonade for a refreshing refuel before you’re on to the next stop.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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2:30 PM

Pick a park for the ultimate running and fetch-playing afternoon. Clark County has five off-leash dog parks scattered throughout the city—all with parking, drinking fountains, and double-gated entries. For more of an outdoorsy adventure, try the dirt trails of Whipple Creek Park, Moulton Falls, or Camas’ Lacamas Lake. Find wide open space at Clark County’s oldest park, Lewisville Park in Battle Ground, and embrace the beach life at Frenchman’s Bar Park and nearby Vancouver Lake. Like any public space, be sure to read the park rules upon entering for leash restrictions.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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5:30 PM

It’s time for a craft beer—you earned it! If you found yourself on the eastside of Vancouver, head to Grains of Wrath for a pup-friendly patio with picnic benches and an elevated pub menu. To the north, 3Peaks Public House has ample outdoor space, often busy with families and dog playing, sourcing fresh seafood for dinner from Pacific NW Best Fish Co. next door. If you ended your day close to downtown, Heathen Brewing Feral Public House has an expansive patio and outside bar, and Loowit Brewing invites costumers of the furry variety to enjoy their outdoor space with standing and sitting tables.

If wine is more your style, Burnt Bridge Cellars allows dogs into their converted 30s-era auto garage tasting room. Sip on a glass of Couve Cuvée while Fido sits at your feet waiting for pats.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Day 2

Hit all the places you didn’t get to on Day 1 to round out a pup-perfect adventure!

Bark Bonus

Plan your trip around an event catered toward dogs in Clark County.
- Walk/Run for the Animals (early May)
- Bark Ranger Walking Tours of Fort Vancouver (late May to August)
- Hike on the Dike (early June)
- Columbia Springs Guided Walks (April to October)
- Doggie Dive (late September)