9 activities to do with your dog in winter

Winter offers a multitude of opportunities for outdoor adventures with your four-legged friend. Here are several ideas for activities for the season.

1. Winter hiking trails:

Greater Montreal has many scenic trails that double as winter wonderlands. Pack your dog’s essentials, including a cozy sweater if needed, and explore trails like Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno or the Lachine Canal. If you venture further afield, you’ll have Parc d’environnement naturel de Sutton or Parc du Mont-Orford in the Eastern Townships. Or even Parc régional de Val-David Val-Morin in the Laurentians.

2. Try the Caniraquette:

Lace up your snowshoes and head to designated snowshoe trails that welcome canine companions. Areas like Parc national du Mont-Orford, Parc National d’Oka, Parc régional des Chutes-à-Bull and Parc national du Mont-Tremblant offer picturesque landscapes where you and your dog can enjoy the tranquility of snowy woods.

3. Winter Dog Parks:

The Montreal area has several off-leash dog parks that remain open during the winter months. Vauquelin Dog Park and Payer Dog Park in Saint-Hubert are examples, as well as the Mont-Saint-Hilaire or Saint-Amable dog parks. Let your dog romp in the snow and socialize with other four-legged friends while soaking up the winter atmosphere.

4. Cross-country skiing suitable for dogs:

If you’re a cross-country skier, bring your dog along to enjoy this winter sport together. Ski resorts like Les Amis de la montagne on Mount Royal and Domaine Saint-Bernard in the Laurentians often have dog-friendly trails.

5. Winter events:

If you look hard enough, you can find dog-friendly events, such as the Fête des Neiges in Montreal or the Christmas markets that take place in many cities and municipalities. However, if your dog doesn’t like crowds, this isn’t the best activity for him.

6. Walks on the snowy beach:

Montreal and its surrounding area are home to beautiful lakeshores. Take your dog for a winter walk along the snowy shores of Lake Saint-Louis, for example. Many dogs love playing in the snow, so bring a ball or Frisbee for extra fun.

7. Night at the hotel:

After an active day in the snow, warm up with your dog in one of the region’s hotels and inns that accept our canine friends: Hôtel Rive Gauche – refuge gourmand in Beloeil, Hôtel Alt Quartier DIX30 in Brossard, Auberge Harris in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu or Château Vaudreuil in Vaudreuil-Dorion.

8. Winter Camping Adventures:

For the more adventurous, consider winter camping in the surrounding area. Many campsites like Au Diable vert in Sutton offer winter camping facilities, allowing you and your dog to experience the great outdoors under a blanket of stars.

9. Winter training courses:

Consider enrolling your dog in obedience training, agility classes, fitness classes, scent detection classes, or even skijoring, a winter sport where your dog pulls you along on skis. Along the same lines, there’s also snowmobiling. There are several great ways to keep you and your dog active during the colder months.

Remember to prioritize your dog’s safety and well-being during these activities by checking weather conditions and ensuring your companion is adequately protected from the cold.

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