RVing in BC’s Okanagan with a Canine Companion

Kalli, our schnauzer, seems to have a sixth sense on our RV departure day. She performs a prancing-type dance and lets out a few gleeful yips when hearing the final command. “Okay, Girl. It’s time to roll. Hop in the truck!”

The minute we roll out of our driveway, Kalli assumes her position, with both eyes riveted to the road as we drive from our home in Surrey, British Columbia along Hwy 1 and up the Coquihalla Hwy towards the Okanagan.

After a short piddle break and fuel fill in Merritt, we’re back on our journey. One hundred and eleven more kilometres of rolling hills, forests and ranchlands and we’re there – Lake Okanagan, the gateway for outdoor fun, an oasis for a little rest and relaxation and our RV home sweet home for the next three days – for both us and our canine companion.

Lake Okanagan Provincial Park, located between Peachland and Summerland, is rimmed by a swim-safe beach and canopied by lush deciduous trees. It’s divided into two parts. The sites in the South section snuggle together on a lake-shore jetty and those in the North terrace are on a tree-covered hillside. We had previously checked out the photos and other perks at Camping & RV BC and had opted for the latter. With a quick click to https://bcparks.ca/reservations/ our reservation was made. And now, three months later, we’re all living our Lake Okanagan dream!

Soon after setting up camp, Kalli is feeling right at home. Although leashing is a must at all times, her extended rope line gives her room to roam around our spacious site. Generous grassy plots and shade trees between us and our neighbours assures privacy and coolness. And from our perched platform, we have an awesome lake view.

The nearby city of Summerland also offers a plethora of dog-friendly walks. She loves strutting along the lakeshore boardwalk near Rotary Beach and listening to nature’s symphony on the Rotary Route, where the Adams Bird Sanctuary thrives. But her favourite romp during this trip is the dog park at Sun-Oka Beach. With puppy-like abandon, she whimpers with glee when coming nose-to-nose with Max, Lilly and Chester, three other active and happy hounds.

On our final day, we stroll through Summerland’s Ornamental Gardens, a horticulturist’s delight that’s located high above Highway 97.  Spanning its bordering gorge is Trout Creek Railway Bridge, a trestle of metal that hangs 73meters (240 ft) above the canyon floor. And on this remaining section of preserved track, the Kettle Valley Steam Railway, a 1912 fully-restored locomotive, shares the scenic sites of today with rail travel from a bygone era.

Tips for helping you and your dog enjoy your camping trip:

Rules and Regs – Prior to booking any campsite, do an etiquette pet check. Is there a size or breed restriction or a limit to how many four-legged companions can tag along per party? Does the campground have a dog park or off leash area where your dog can freely romp. Even though BC provincial campgrounds extend courtesies to canines, pets have to be leashed and supervised and may not be allowed in certain areas of the park.  For information on camping with pets in all types of BC campgrounds, check out Campgrounds for You & Your Dog.

Nix the Ticks – Deer Tick, Brown Dog, Lone Star. These parasitic arthropods that hide out in the Okanagan’s wooded areas would love to pounce on your precious pup. And they’d stay latched into the dog’s skin folds, around the ears or inside the legs until they’ve finished their meal. Prevention is the best protection for tick trouble. Before preparing for departure, pick up an anti-tick remedy and give your dog a dose.

Identification Check – Even if your dog doesn’t usually roam from her RV home, a permanent tattoo and dog license will likely assure her safe return. Otherwise put a personalized ID tag on the collar which should include your cell phone number.

Pet Essentials – Dog dishes and food, leash and harness, treats and toys, poop bags and immunization papers. And while en route: a good water supply and a favourite blanket.

Although travelling with your pet may be limiting to a certain degree, for those who wouldn’t consider leaving their dog behind, will receive unconditional love and endless licks along the way!

For camping opportunities in this area and elsewhere in British Columbia go to the Camping Map.

Share your BC travel and camping photos using hashtag #campinbc #explorebc

It’s always a great day to #campinbc.

Note: This blog was originally written by Jane Cassie in 2014 and has been significantly updated since that time.