Share this
As summer heats up, it’s time to load the car with your four-legged best friend and head to the mountains, where crisp air, cooler temps, and open trails await. While many mountain towns are best known for their snow-covered slopes and winter activities, these same destinations come alive in summer—and they’re especially welcoming to travelers with dogs. So let us help you plan your summer vacations with your dog. Explore our list of some of North America’s best summer mountain getaways for you and your pup.
Dog-Friendly Summer Mountain Getaways In North America
Bend, Oregon
Bend is a fantastic destination for a summer escape with your furry friends, home to tons of dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, trails, lakes, and more. The aptly named Good Dog trail is an easy, 3.2‑mile route that features access to the Deschutes River and plenty of shady stretches where pups can cool off between romps. For a more leisurely outing, the Deschutes River Trail winds along the water with wide paths and scenic overlooks, perfect for a meandering stroll with your dog. After a day outside, the Oxford Hotel in downtown Bend makes it easy to unwind with spacious rooms and walkable access to breweries and parks. Dogs can splash at off‑leash spots like Pine Nursery Park, join you on a paddleboard, or lounge on one of Bend’s many dog-friendly patios, like Crux, Worthy Brewing, and Bend Brewing.
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder delivers a breezy, sun‑soaked summer getaway that dogs tend to love just as much as their humans. Start the day on dog‑friendly trails like the Mesa Trail or the Boulder Valley Ranch loops, both offering wide‑open views and plenty of spots for dogs to explore. Closer to the town, Chautauqua Park (pictured below) or Boulder Creek Path provide a nice shady walk along the water—perfect for warm afternoons. When it’s time to settle in, pet‑friendly hotels such as the St. Julien Hotel & Spa or the Colorado Chautauqua Cottages make it easy to stay close to trailheads and dog-friendly patios. Boulder’s dog‑loving energy continues at places like Valmont Dog Park, where pups can run off‑leash, or at local breweries with spacious outdoor seating. Add in easy access to mountain lakes, scenic drives, and a laid‑back outdoor culture, and Boulder becomes a summer escape where dogs feel like part of the adventure.
Park City, Utah
In Park City, summer brings endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and dog-friendly adventures. The Round Valley trail system is known for wide, rolling paths where dogs can roam off-leash, while Park City Mountain and Deer Valley both offer dog-friendly hiking routes (note they require dogs to be on-leash). When it’s time to kick back and enjoy a meal, head to Hearth and Hill, which offers a spacious, dog-friendly patio and delicious brunch, lunch, and dinner options. Looking to do some shopping? Bring Fido along to Historic Main Street, where you can browse local shops and sip a delicious coffee at Pink Elephant. After a day of adventures, great Park City hotels, like Black Rock Mountain Resort, welcome you and your pup with pet-friendly accommodations.
Big Bear, California
Big Bear offers a laid‑back, pine‑scented summer escape in Southern California that’s especially fun with a dog in tow. Miles of forested trails surround the lake, including the popular Alpine Pedal Path—a flat, easy route perfect for warm‑weather strolls with plenty of shady spots and lake views. For something a bit more adventurous, the Pine Knot Trail leads you through cool woodlands up toward Grand View Point, where pups can enjoy breezy overlooks and soft dirt under their paws. After exploring, a number of Big Bear’s dog‑friendly patios make it easy to refuel. Among them, Big Bear Lake Brewing Company welcomes pups with outdoor seating and a relaxed mountain vibe. The Village, Big Bear’s downtown hub, is a great way to start your day, featuring walkable streets, local shops, and plenty of spots to grab a treat or iced coffee while your dog soaks up the attention. When it’s time to unwind, pet‑friendly stays such as the Lodge at Big Bear Lake provide cozy, relaxing, and pet-friendly accommodations.
Banff + Canmore, Alberta
Banff offers its own brand of mountain magic, where turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and a charming downtown make it an unforgettable stop for dogs and humans alike. The Fenland Trail is a peaceful, 2-kilometer (1.25-mile) loop winding through dense forest and alongside the Forty Mile Creek—ideal for a morning outing with shady stretches and plenty of wildlife scents to keep pups engaged. For a more scenic adventure, the Vermilion Lakes loop offers sweeping views of Mount Rundle with relatively flat terrain; just keep dogs leashed, as this area is frequented by wildlife. After exploring, Banff Avenue’s walkable stretch makes it easy to browse local shops and grab a bite at dog-friendly patios like The Bison Restaurant & Terrace or Whitebark Café, where you can linger over a coffee while your pup soaks up the mountain air. When it’s time to call it a day, pet-friendly accommodations like the Peaks Hotel & Suites or the Banff Caribou Lodge welcome dogs with cozy rooms and convenient access to nearby trails.
Nearby, Canmore is a dream summer escape for travelers with dogs, offering glacier‑carved scenery, crisp mountain air, and an incredibly welcoming outdoor culture. The 2-kilometer (approximately 1.25 miles) Bow River Loop is a gentle, scenic path perfect for morning walks with plenty of cool river access for pups. For something a bit more adventurous, the 3.5-kilometer (2-mile) Grassi Lakes Trail rewards you with turquoise water and dramatic cliffside views (just note that dogs must stay leashed on this popular route). After exploring, Canmore’s vibrant downtown makes it easy to relax with your pup at dog‑friendly patios like The Wood or Communitea Café, where you can soak up the sunshine and mountain views. The town’s boutique shops and walkable streets add to the charm, giving you plenty to browse with your four‑legged companion. When it’s time to unwind, check out Basecamp Resorts or the Malcolm Hotel for comfortable rooms, easy access to walking paths, and a warm welcome for dogs.
Revelstoke, British Columbia
For travelers looking for a beautiful dog-friendly mountain getaway in Canada, Revelstoke offers a dreamy summer escape filled with mountain views, cool forests, and a relaxed small‑town vibe. The Greenbelt Trails offer gentle riverside paths and plenty of shady spots for pups to dip their paws in the water. While Revelstoke Ski Resort opens its slopes to summer hikers, dogs aren’t allowed on the gondola, so pups can only explore trails accessible from the base area. For a bigger adventure, the lower portion of the Mount Revelstoke Summit Trail offers stunning mountain views and plenty of adventure for active dogs. While the trail eventually leads all the way to the mountain’s peak, dogs are strictly prohibited past the Columbia Viewpoint (located at kilometer 12).
After a day outside, downtown Revelstoke welcomes dogs and their owners at a number of dog-friendly locales, including The Village Idiot and Dose Coffee. The town’s walkable streets and charming boutiques make it easy to explore with your pup by your side. When you’re ready to unwind, pet‑friendly stays like the Coast Hillcrest Hotel offer comfort, scenery, and quick access to nearby trails.
Mont Tremblant, Quebec
Mont Tremblant is a fantastic summer escape for outdoor lovers and their dogs, offering a mix of forested paths, lakeside scenery, and a lively pedestrian village perfect for exploring together. The La Villageoise‑de‑Mont‑Tremblant trail is an easy, mostly flat 11‑km (7‑mi) route that winds between the village and the old town, giving pups plenty of shaded stretches and river views. A number of other on‑leash trails hiking trails are accessible from the base area of Mont Tremblant.
After your hike, the pedestrian village welcomes pups with dog‑friendly patios at spots like La Forge or Café Johannsen, perfect for cooling off and people‑watching. With cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and plenty of green space, it’s an easy place to wander with your four‑legged companion. When it’s time to settle in, pet‑friendly stays such as the Fairmont Tremblant or nearby chalet rentals offer cozy accommodations and quick access to the trails. Note that while dogs aren’t allowed on the Mont Tremblant Panoramic Gondola during the winter, they are allowed on it during the summer and fall to enjoy the beautiful summit views.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville makes an easy favorite for a dog‑friendly summer getaway, blending Blue Ridge Mountain scenery with a genuinely welcoming vibe for four‑legged travelers. Shady, waterfall‑filled hikes like the moderately difficult 2.2-mile Catawba Falls or the gentle trails at the North Carolina Arboretum give pups and their humans plenty of room to explore, while the French Broad River Greenway offers a relaxed, in‑town stroll along the water. When it’s time to relax, Asheville has a strong lineup of pet‑friendly hotels, like Aloft Asheville Downtown, which famously hosts adoptable dogs in the lobby, or the Kimpton Hotel Arras, known for its no‑fee pet policy and walkable location.
June 09, 2026
