Hiking the Sea to Summit with your Dog
19 October, 2018
Hiking the trail requires fixed rope lines to assist you at certain sections. For hikers with dogs, you may need to assist your dog at some of the steeper steps (step heights of roughly 3 feet). The trail covers 7.5km while gaining 918m in elevation.
Take a moment at the base to read through the signage and stock up on doggie bags. All owners are expected to clean up after their dog as well as dispose of any poop in the appropriate waste bins. While there are many opportunities for your dog to access water on the way up, it is important to pack additional water, food and extra clothing.
Starting from the Sea to Sky Gondola parking lot, the Sea to Summit trail rises through the lower sections of the Stawamus Chief trail.
Your dog may be off-leash during the hike but must be "in control", respecting other hikers. Please leash your doggy if required. At marker 60 you will follow the Sea to Summit trail to the right.
From here to you traverse along a fairly flat section and travel under the path of the gondola providing views of Howe Sound. You then head back into the forest and up toward Shannon Creek which feeds into Shannon Falls.
Here you will see a sign to leash up your dog. It is strongly recommended that you keep your dog leashed in areas of fast-moving water and that both you and your pet stay well back from the water's edge.
Passing the half-way point you rise up to a perfect viewpoint of Howe Sound.
From here follow the trail to the intersection with the Shannon Basin Loop. Watch for the markers to return to the Sea to Summit trail and traverse up under the gondola to the top.
Please leash your dog at the summit, for the gondola ride and at the base until you have reached your car. Once at the summit, dogs must stay in the "Dog Parking" area in the plaza. Dogs are not allowed on other Sea to Sky Gondola front-country trails, such as the Spirit Loop, Panorama Trail, Wonderland Trail, as well as on the bridge, Summit Lodge deck, or other viewing platforms. Dogs are allowed on backcountry trails.
You may purchase a ride down day ticket for your dog at the base or at the summit. These tickets are $15 and each dog requires a ticket. Buster the Dog passes are sold online, and at Guest Services. $20 of each pass sale is donated to the Squamish SPCA. The Buster the Dog pass is a RIDE DOWN ONLY Annual Pass.
Distance: 7.5 km one way
Estimated time: 3 - 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 918 m
Level of difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced.
We ask that all dogs abide by the Buster the Dog responsibility code:
- Ensure your human doesn’t let you bark excessively when you get excited.
- Ensure your human keeps you on the leash at all times.
- Make sure your human picks up after you when you...umm...have to go!
- Make sure your human doesn’t let you lick or jump up on people. This playful nature might not be accepted by all humans. We welcome visitors from all over the world, from different cultures, who may not be comfortable around dogs. Please respect other visitors' space.
- Take great care when wildlife around, they don’t really want to play with you. Don’t harass, chase or bother wild animals.
- You are responsible for yours and your human’s behaviour at all times.