What Are the Best Dog-Friendly Spots to Watch the Sunset in Greater Victoria?

Greater Victoria faces south and west, which gives us some of the best sunset views on the west coast. And the best part is that most of the top sunset spots are naturally dog-friendly, because they are parks, beaches, and waterfront trails where dogs are welcome. I have watched the sun go down from almost every spot on this list with Ziggy curled up next to me on a bench or Sahara sniffing the driftwood at my feet.

The key is matching the sunset timing with the off-leash hours and knowing which spots work for your dog. Here are the ones I keep coming back to.

Where is the best sunset spot for dogs in the city?

Clover Point. No question. The point juts out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca and gives you a 270-degree view from the Olympic Mountains in Washington all the way west past William Head. In summer, the sun sets directly in front of you, dropping behind the water with the mountains as a backdrop.

The grassy area around Clover Point is part of the Beacon Hill Park off-leash zone. In summer (April 1 to September 30), off-leash hours run from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, which perfectly captures the sunset window from June through August. You can let your dog run on the grass while you watch the sky change color. Parking is limited at the point itself, but there is usually space along Dallas Road. Go 30 minutes before sunset to get a spot.

Where is the best sunset spot for a long walk with your dog?

Esquimalt Lagoon in Colwood. The lagoon has a 3.5-kilometer flat gravel path that runs around the water, and the entire trail faces west. You get a full sunset walk with the sun in front of you the whole time. The trail is on-leash only, but the path is wide enough that you never feel crowded, even on summer evenings.

The lagoon attracts a mix of dog walkers, joggers, and birdwatchers. The sun sets behind the lagoon's outlet to the ocean, and the reflection on the calm water is something else. Park at the lot off Ocean Boulevard. The west end of the trail near the spit is the best spot to stop and watch the final drop. Bring a long leash so your dog can wander the edge of the lagoon without dragging you into the reeds.

What is the best quiet sunset spot for dogs?

Saxe Point Park in Esquimalt. This is the spot I recommend to dog owners who want a peaceful sunset without the Dallas Road crowd. Saxe Point sits on a small peninsula at the end of Fraser Street, with benches facing west over Esquimalt Harbour and the Strait of Juan de Fuca beyond. The park has a small off-leash area, but the real draw is the quiet.

On a summer evening you might share the point with five or six other people, compared to the 50-plus at Clover Point. The sunset view here is framed by the harbour and the sailboat masts at the marina, which gives it a completely different feel from the open ocean view at Dallas Road. My favourite spot is the bench at the northwest tip of the park. Sahara likes to lie on the grass next to it while we watch the light fade.

Where can I watch the sunset from a dog-friendly patio?

Spinnakers Brewpub on Catherine Street in Vic West has a covered waterfront patio that faces west over the Inner Harbour. The sun sets behind the harbour and the Gorge, and you can sit with your dog at your feet while you eat. The patio is covered and heated, so it works even on cooler evenings.

Spinnakers welcomes dogs on their garden patio with water bowls provided. The sunset view from the patio is best in late spring and summer when the sun drops behind the harbour entrance. Pair it with a walk along the Gorge Waterway before or after. The Gorge walkway is on-leash and runs about two kilometers from Spinnakers to the Tillicum Bridge.

What about Oak Bay? Is there a good sunset spot for dogs there?

Cattle Point in Oak Bay faces south, not west, but it still puts on a show. The sunset light reflects off the water and the Strait Islands, and the rocky shoreline is a good spot for a dog who likes to explore tide pools. Dogs are allowed off-leash at Cattle Point during designated hours (the same City of Victoria schedule applies in Oak Bay's leash-optional zones).

The other Oak Bay option is the Oak Bay Marina walkway. It is on-leash, paved, and well-lit, with benches facing the water. The sunset here is less dramatic than Clover Point, but it is more convenient if you live in Oak Bay and want a quick evening walk with your dog. Willows Beach is another option, but remember that from May 1 to September 15, dogs are not allowed on the beach itself during the day. After 5:00 PM in summer, the restriction applies to the beach area, so stick to the walkway above.

What are the best sunset spots along the Galloping Goose?

The Galloping Goose Trail runs from the Inner Harbour all the way to Sooke, and several sections offer excellent sunset views. The stretch between the Selkirk Trestle and the Viaduct in Vic West faces west over the Gorge Waterway. The section near the Glen Lake Crossroads in Langford opens up to the west over the lake.

These are on-leash sections of the trail, but the paved surface makes them easy for any dog to handle. The Selkirk Trestle area is particularly good because you can combine a sunset walk with a stop at Spinnakers or the nearby cafes in Vic West. The trail gets busy with cyclists during commuting hours, so keep your dog close and use a short leash until the trail clears after 7:00 PM.

What should I bring for a sunset outing with my dog?

• A light jacket. The temperature drops as soon as the sun goes behind the Olympics. You will feel it before your dog does.
• Water and a bowl. Most sunset spots do not have drinking water nearby, and your dog will get thirsty if you stay for the whole show.
• A towel. If your dog goes into the water, a towel saves your car seats on the drive home.
• A long leash. For exploring the grass without letting your dog wander into other people's sunset photos.
• Waste bags. The usual, but worth saying again. Nothing ruins a sunset for someone else like stepping in what your dog left behind.