Steveston has gone to the dogs. Not figuratively, of course, but quite literally. While Steveston has always been dog friendly this recent canine crunch is more pronounced as more people move into the bustling community and the city continues to work on improving waterfront access to the Fraser River.
Steveston Park has long been a pillar of walking destinations in the village. About three decades ago Garry Point Park opened and connected the West Dyke to the village. In recent years, London Landing to the east and Imperial Landing boardwalk to the south have created an impressive circuit for canines. Here are three on-leash walks you can enjoy and a fourth off-leash destination for a longer outing:
Walk 1 Park your car near the end of Williams Road and take the pooch to the West Dyke entrance. Head south for about 1.25 kilometres toward the north end of Garry Point Park. Just before you reach the park, to the right and toward the marshlands of Sturgeon Bank you will notice some boats parked in a slough.
Find your way through some of the bushes to a quiet little-known field and trails where you can let your dog run around and enjoy some down time. This small area is Scotch
Pond, named after the turn-of-thetwentieth-century Scottish Canadian Cannery operation. You'll notice old wooden pilings and remnants of a boardwalk from the cannery.
On the walk back during a sunny day the Coast Mountains will offer a stunning view. Be sure to keep your pooch on a short leash as the dyke is a popular cycling route.
Walk 2 This walk is a bit longer and affords you to stop in some shops in Steveston if you have a patient pooch who can sit and behave itself.
Park around the Steveston Community Centre and before you get started, tucker the little fella out with some ball tosses in the adjacent field. Meander your way to the back of the field and walk westward along the old railroad trail, which is now paved. When you reach No. 1 Road, head left and along Moncton Street.
Ed Smith is the owner of Meow and Bark Avenue pet shop on Moncton and he recommends grainfree jerky treats for the pooch. Continue westward and loop around Garry Point, taking in the great views of the Salish Sea. Some people use the large field in the centre as an opportunity to take their dog off the leash, but do so at your own risk as it's against bylaws.
On your way back walk down
Moncton and stop by the monument to Big Red, the 'mayor of Steveston,' in the small park next to the Steveston Museum. Your dog can take a drink out of Red's dish. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Red's death.
Technically a stray, Red was taken care of by a number of Steveston merchants and represents the village's strong history as a dog-friendly community. This roundtrip circuit is about 3.5 kilometres.
Walk 3 This walk can also start at the community centre but will head south down No. 1 Road and eastward along the new boardwalk. Tisol pet food store has ingeniously provided poop bags on either end of the boardwalk so take advantage of them as not to make a mess.
Walk over the bridge of Phoenix Pond and past the condominiums until you reach Britannia Heritage Shipyard. Continue along Dyke Road past the Homma elementary school.
While traffic is sparse and slow do be careful and stick to the walking paths.
As you pass more condos to the left you finally reach No. 2 Road. Cross the road and walk along the path to London Landing that overlooks the farms. Loop around and take the pooch to the No. 2 Road pier and have a glance at Shady Island. There are a few places to grab snacks such as a sushi restaurant and a bakery. This round-trip circuit is about 3.5 kilometres.
Walk 4 For the more adventurous and if you want to feel comfortable with your dog off the leash there is an official off-leash dog park at the south foot of No.3 Road on Dyke Road.
There is lots of parking available so a reverse trip into Steveston is possible as it's only about 2.5 kilometres to the village.
The park has water bowls for your pooch. The park may, however, not be suitable for some dogs. Predatory birds lurk in nearby trees and the rocky shores of the dyke could pose a danger to small dogs. Conversely if your dog is big and likes water this is the place to be.
