Road trip

With the pending summer months many of us are looking for weekend getaways our family, including our pooch. Lucky for all of us, many destinations are Fido-friendly. For a quick escape, we enjoy heading to Victoria, where we always find lots of fun for us and our four-legged companions.

Smell the roses

On a recent visit to Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay, we were thrilled that doggyvibe pooch Kasee was able to enjoy the scenic trip as well. As long as your dog is leashed, you can all stroll throughout lush breathtaking 50-acre floral showplace, smelling the flowers, and enjoying the serenity that the grounds offer. Just for Fido, there are dog watering spots set up throughout the grounds to help quench his thirst. After you’ve graced the grounds, be sure to drop by the information centre for a doggie treat. For more information on Butchart Gardens, visit www.butchartgardens.com.

Resting tired paws

For an overnight stay, we enjoy resting our tired paws at the dog-friendly Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa that overlooks Victoria’s Inner Harbour. There’s a one-time pet cleaning charge of $35. When you and Fido arrive, he’ll be greeted with a welcome letter, cookies and doggy bowl. The Marriott Victoria Inner Harbour is also dog friendly but apparently there’s a weight restriction. Coast Harbourside Hotel and Marina is pet friendly and charges $20 per pet per night.

Chow time for everyone

While dogs are not allowed, we personally enjoy Café Mexico for a little tasty Mexican fare. The restaurant is located in the Market Square, which is walking distance from the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa. After lunch or dinner at the restaurant, you can grab your pooch and head via foot to the historic Market Square, where you’ll be able to treat him at Woofles Barking Boutique, 105-560 Johnson St. Pick up some freshly baked treats and even toys and fashions.

Off-leash fun

Victoria has a bunch of great off-leash parks and beaches for dogs. We love the view of the ocean from the dog off-leash area located south of Beacon Hill park and south of Dallas Road from Douglas Street to Clover Point. To find out if a park or beach is off-leash, look for Paws in Parks signs. For a complete list and map of all off-leash parks in Victoria, visit the city’s website.

Getting there

Now that the weather is toasty, we recommend travelling with your pooch during the morning or evening. That way, you won’t be travelling at peak times on the BC Ferries. Pets have to remain on the vehicle deck while sailing on the ferry. For reservations and schedules, visit www.bcferries.com.

Drool-worthy events . . .

Dog day afternoon

Come and meet other dog owners, play games, win prizes, check out some informational booths and more at the Dog Day Afternoon presented by the Roundhouse Community Centre and Alpha Dog Training Co., Sunday , May 31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cooper’s Park, 1020 Marinaside Cres., near the Cambie Bridge in Yaletown.

Pet fashion week

Drop by the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown, Sunday, May 31, noon to 5:30 p.m., for the Pet Fashion Week, runway fashions for pets and people. Bring your best-dressed pooch down for a fun pet parade and a chance to win prizes. All the details can be found online www.roundhouse.ca.

Fundraising yard sale

On Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., drop by 14 Anaheim Bay NE in Monterey Park, Calgary, for a fundraising yard sale presented by the Calgary Animal Rights Group. Proceeds go to Pound Rescue.

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