Published May 2019
New Brunswickers are a dog-lovin’ bunch and we LOVE it when visitors bring their four-legged family members on vacation.
Your favourite furball’s going to love New Brunswick as much as you will, but you might be wondering where exactly you can take him when you’re here. We’ve put together some handy info for travelling with your pet below, but if we haven’t answered all your questions just give us a shout on Facebook or Instagram and we’ll dig around for the answer (no pun intended).
Where to Go
The most popular question we get is “Where can I bring my dog in New Brunswick?” We’re happy to say that so long as they’re on a leash and aren’t disturbing wildlife or humans, dogs are welcome in many outdoor and public spaces. Yes, this includes The Hopewell Rocks! (Read the guidelines for bringing your pet to this iconic spot.)
Dogs are also welcome at all provincial and national parks here in the province. Though they must be on leash at all times, we encourage you to bring your pooch along for the adventure - including trails, recreation areas, and campgrounds. Note that in an effort to protect sensitive marine life, pets are not permitted in designated swimming areas (ocean or freshwater) or locations adjacent to designated swimming areas such as beaches and picnic areas. If you’re looking to cool off Fido after a long day of adventuring, it’s okay to bring him to a watering hole, waterfall, or other non-designated swimming area so long as he’s leashed.
- Read more on travelling with your pet at Kouchibouguac National Park and Fundy National Park.
You’ll find that New Brunswick’s small towns and cities are particularly dog friendly, with water dishes set out for thirsty pups and lots of friendly smiles. Some popular dog-friendly locations are Saint Andrews (a sunny afternoon in this town is akin to the Westminster dog show), the capital city of Fredericton with its network of riverfront trails and dog-friendly craft brew pubs, and the Acadian Peninsula, which is known for long sandy beaches and restaurant patios welcoming four-legged patrons. There are also dog parks where your faithful travel buddies can stretch their legs after a long drive.
Where to Stay
There are tons of options all over the province for dog-friendly places to stay. Look for this symbol in the accommodations section of the New Brunswick Travel Guide or on TourismNewBrunswick.ca for a full listing of options:
Choose from luxury treatment at hotels like Delta Beauséjour, Rodd Miramichi River, and the Algonquin Resort (which has its own Canine Concierge, Sydney); local hospitality at inns and B&Bs like Dune View Inn, Côté’s Bed & Breakfast, and Homeport Historic B&B; or nature-based environments like Chalets Restigouche, Séjour Kouchibouguac Resort, and Adair’s Wilderness Lodge.
Prefer to camp? Explore our parks to find the pet-friendly campground that’s right for you or check out some other options (be sure to give them a call first to make sure furry friends are welcome).
What to Know
🐾 Here’s what Canadian customs requires for bringing your pet to Canada.
🐾 Keep the NB SPCA Rover Kit handy in case of an emergency while on the road.
🐾 In warmer weather, conditions may occur that result in blue-green algae bloom in some lakes and rivers. Exposure can be harmful to pets, so please check New Brunswick’s Public Health site for advisories and alerts on water conditions in susceptible areas.
🐾 There are a few identified Lyme disease risk areas in New Brunswick. Vaccinate your pet against tick-borne illnesses and inspect them after a walk or hike in tall grass or shrubby areas.
🐾 If you’re travelling during hunting season, review the pet owner’s guide for safety.
🐾 Pets are welcome on coastal island ferries with some restrictions (they might even get a dog treat).
🐾 Animals are prohibited from entering restaurants but patios and decks are open to dogs at the proprietor’s discretion.
🐾 Road tripping NB this summer? Here are some tips from guru Cesar Millan for safely transporting your dog.
🐾 There are no banned breeds prevented from entering the province. All are welcome!
Outdoor fun with your dog
What better way to stay in shape during vacation than with your four-legged companion? Head out for a walk or hike to enjoy New Brunswick’s great outdoors, or take things up a notch and join a canicross, bikejoring, or other harness dog sports events.
Fact: most dogs love water. The trendiest dogs will want to try stand-up paddling with you at the Shediac Paddle Shack. Or bring your dog sea kayaking and he will be happy as a clam at high tide.
If you’re travelling around New Brunswick with your dog this summer we’d love to see pics of your adventures. Tag them #ExploreNB to share and you could be featured on our channels. 🐾
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