Quebec City is an easy city to visit with your dog. The centre is compact, parks are everywhere and nature starts a 30-minute drive away. You still need to know where dogs are welcome, and under what conditions. What can you do with your dog when it rains, when it’s hot or in the middle of winter? This guide answers those questions too.
We’ve gathered 10 things to do with your dog in Quebec City, from the city’s dog parks to the trails of Canyon Sainte-Anne. Each outing covers the basic rules: leash, season, access. Hôtel Le Saint-Édouard, in Saint-Roch, also welcomes your four-legged companion during your stay.
Parks Where Dogs Are Welcome in Quebec City
Quebec City has urban parks where your dog can walk on a leash, and fenced dog parks where it can run free. The two complement each other well during a stay. Dogs at the dog parks must be healthy and vaccinated, for the safety of every pet there.
Pointe-aux-Lièvres and Pente-Douce Dog Parks
The Pointe-aux-Lièvres dog park, at 25, rue de la Pointe-aux-Lièvres, is the closest to Saint-Roch. It sits on the banks of the Saint-Charles River, a short walk from the neighbourhood. In the Upper Town, the Pente-Douce dog park is on avenue Belvédère, at the foot of the hill of the same name.
In a dog park, your pet runs off-leash under your supervision. The City of Québec sets clear rules: a maximum of two dogs per person, no food inside the enclosure and waste picked up. Dog parks are not recommended for children aged 12 and under.
Plains of Abraham, Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge and Promenade Samuel-De Champlain
The city’s large parks welcome leashed dogs. The Plains of Abraham offer kilometres of trails and lawns with views of the St. Lawrence River. Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge, in Sillery, welcomes leashed dogs in its gardens and woods, but not inside the buildings.
The Promenade Samuel-De Champlain follows the river for several kilometres. Its flat trails suit long strolls and older dogs. If you’re also visiting the Upper Town, our page about our hotel near Old Quebec describes the walk from Saint-Roch.
Things to Do With Your Dog by the Water
Dogs love water, especially in summer. Quebec City offers an urban beach and a calm river where your dog can come along.
Baie de Beauport: Beach and Trails
Baie de Beauport is Quebec City’s urban beach, a few minutes from downtown. Leashed dogs are welcome during the summer season. The sandy beach invites a walk, and the trails around the site make for a sunrise stroll.
The site also offers kayaking, paddleboarding and a picnic area. Check the hours and dog access rules before you go: they vary by season.
Canots Légaré: Canoeing and SUP on the Saint-Charles River
Canots Légaré, founded in 1908, rents canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUP) on the Saint-Charles River, in the Haute-Saint-Charles area. Your dog can come aboard with you. The water is calm, and a small beach halfway lets you stop for a picnic.
Bring a dog life jacket if your companion isn’t a strong swimmer. Book in summer: the spot is popular with families.
Book Your Stay With Your Dog in Quebec City
Your dog is welcome at Hôtel Le Saint-Édouard. Book direct to get the best rate.
Hiking With Your Dog Around Quebec City
Hikes with your dog often start less than an hour from the city. An outdoor hike tires your pup out better than a long walk in town. Most trails require a leash at all times. Our on-site parking lets you leave early: see our hotel services for details.
Canyon Sainte-Anne: Waterfall and Suspension Bridges
Canyon Sainte-Anne, in Beaupré, welcomes leashed dogs. Its trails lead to a 74-metre waterfall and cross three suspension bridges above the gorge. Allow about 45 minutes’ drive from Quebec City.
Some sections have stairs and bridges that move. A nervous dog may hesitate, so take it slowly.
Plage-Jacques-Cartier and the Saint-Charles River Linear Park
Parc de la Plage-Jacques-Cartier, in the west end of the city, offers wooded trails and a stony shore on the river. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the view of the bridges rewards the walk.
Closer to Saint-Roch, the Saint-Charles River linear park follows the river for dozens of kilometres. Its flat trails suit dogs of all ages.
National Parks: Where Dogs Are Allowed
Several Sépaq national parks now allow leashed dogs on certain trails and in certain campgrounds. Rules vary from park to park. Check the park’s page before you go, and bring waste bags.
Further afield, Parc des Appalaches, southeast of Quebec City, is known for its dog-friendly trails. Parks Canada sites also allow leashed dogs in most of their outdoor areas.
Before entering a national park, check the permitted leash length and any areas closed to pets.
Sports and Outings on Four Legs
Dog sports are growing in popularity in Quebec City. They burn off your dog’s energy and strengthen your bond.
Winter doesn’t end the outings. Long-haired dogs love the snow, and several city trails stay open for snowshoeing. Dog sledding, offered among other places at Duchesnay, shows how northern sled dogs work: an outing to enjoy as a family, even if your own dog stays warm at home.
Canicross and Canine Walking
Canicross connects your dog to your waist with an elastic leash: your dog runs ahead, you follow. Canine walking (canimarche) uses the same idea at a brisk walking pace. Both suit active, healthy dogs.
The best places to practise in Quebec City:
- The Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, flat and long.
- The trails of Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge, more wooded.
- The Saint-Charles River linear park, accessible from Saint-Roch.
- The Plains of Abraham, early in the morning.
Yoga With Your Dog and Socialization Sessions
Doga, or yoga with your dog, combines postures for humans with gentle stretches for the animal. Several studios offer drop-in sessions.
Public parks also work for socialization and obedience sessions. Practising recall in a new setting helps your dog stay calm while travelling.
A dog used to new places is a much better traveller.
Enjoy Our Best Rate Guaranteed
Book direct and get our best rate guaranteed. You and your dog set out from the heart of Saint-Roch.
Travelling With Your Dog in Quebec City
Travelling with your dog takes a little planning. Municipal rules, hotels and restaurants each have their own requirements.
Rules to Know: Leash, Licence Tag and Waste
Here are the rules to follow in Quebec City parks:
- Keep your dog on a leash outside dog parks.
- Always pick up waste and throw it in a garbage can.
- Check the tag: the City requires registered dogs to wear the municipal licence tag. Just visiting? Call 311 to find out which rule applies.
- Bring water in summer and avoid hot pavement.
To eat out with your companion, our guide to dog-friendly restaurants in Quebec City covers the neighbourhood’s patios. For a meal on the grass, pick one of our picnic spots in Quebec City.
Quebec City or Montreal: Which City to Choose With Your Dog?
Montreal has more dog cafés and specialized services. Quebec City offers something else: a compact centre to explore on foot and nature 30 minutes away. For a weekend with your dog, Quebec City often comes out ahead.
Hôtel Le Saint-Édouard welcomes dogs and cats under 36 kg. Details and fees are on our pet-friendly hotel in Quebec City page. To plan your days, also read what to do in Quebec City.
Two or three days are enough to enjoy the best outings with your dog.
Plan Your Pet-Friendly Stay in Quebec City
Book a pet-friendly room in the heart of Saint-Roch. Your companion travels with you, from the park to the hotel.
