Summer Hiking with Your Dog in Canada: Essential Gear and Trail Tips

My dog Rumo lost his mind the first time we hit a proper forest trail together. He was everywhere — nose in the dirt, ears perked at every snap of a branch, tail going non-stop. That was three summers ago, and now hiking is just part of our routine from June through September.

If you've been thinking about getting out on the trails with your dog this summer, honestly just go. But go prepared. A few things I wish someone had told me early on:

Check the trail rules before you drive two hours to get there

Nothing's worse than pulling into a trailhead and seeing a "no dogs" sign. It happens more than you'd think, especially in national parks. Parks Canada has decent info on their website, and AllTrails usually flags dog-friendly trails clearly. Provincial parks vary a lot — Garibaldi in BC, Killarney in Ontario, and Cape Breton Highlands in Nova Scotia all have different rules, so just do a quick check the night before.

Also, if your dog isn't used to long distances, start with something shorter and flatter. An 18km ridge hike isn't the place to figure out your dog's limits.

Water — way more than you think

Dogs don't sweat. They pant, and on a hot July day on an exposed trail, they can overheat faster than you'd expect. I now bring a separate water bottle just for Rumo and stop every 20 minutes or so whether he seems thirsty or not.

Collapsible bowls are great — light, compact, clip onto your pack. If your dog starts slowing down, drooling more than usual, or keeps trying to find shade, that's your cue to stop and cool them down. Don't push through it.

The ground gets hot — check it before they walk on it

This one caught me off guard the first summer. Gravel paths and rocky terrain can get scorching by midday, and paw pads are more sensitive than they look. The trick I use: press the back of your hand to the ground for five seconds. If you pull away, it's too hot for your dog.

Dog boots help on rough or hot terrain, though getting your dog comfortable with them takes some practice at home first. A good harness with a back handle is also something I'd never hike without — makes it way easier to lift your dog over a tricky creek crossing or a big boulder without yanking on their neck.

What I actually carry for my dog

I've stripped this down over the years to what actually gets used:

• A well-fitted harness with a handle on the back — essential for any uneven terrain
• Collapsible water bowl and a dedicated water bottle
• Tick remover, paw balm, a bit of gauze, and antiseptic — nothing fancy, just the basics
• A longer leash (around 2m) with a padded grip — gives them some freedom without losing control
• A lightweight rain shell — this is Canada, the weather does what it wants

You can browse Pawlixo's full gear lineup if you're putting a kit together.

Wildlife is real, especially in summer

Bears, moose, coyotes — they're all more active once the snow's gone. Keeping your dog on leash isn't just a park rule, it's genuinely safer. A dog that runs ahead and startles a moose can cause a serious situation fast.

Make noise on wooded trails, especially when visibility is low. Bear spray is worth carrying. Avoid dawn and dusk if you're in an area with known bear activity. And if you do encounter something, keep your dog tight to your side and back away calmly — no sudden movements.

Just get out there

There's no perfect gear setup or perfect trail. Some of our best hikes have been on random logging roads we found on the map. Your dog doesn't care about the elevation gain — they just want to be out there with you.

Start small, pay attention to how your dog is feeling, and build from there. The trails will still be there next weekend.

Shop Pawlixo's full range of outdoor pet gear at pawlixo.ca — made for dogs who actually go outside.