---
title: Summerland dog leash rules and off-leash areas
question: "Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules?"
place: Summerland, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/summerland
category: Pets, animals and wildlife
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Summerland
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/summerland/dog-leash-rules/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/summerland/dog-leash-rules.json"
---

# Summerland dog leash rules and off-leash areas

**Question:** Where can dogs be off leash, and what are the leash rules?

**Short answer:** In Summerland, dogs must be on a leash held by the owner in public places, except in designated off-leash dog parks (Peach Orchard Beach and Dale Meadows) and, from October 1 to May 1, at certain named parks. The bylaw sets a leash maximum of 2 metres. A first no-leash bylaw notice is $100.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Summerland, https://www.summerland.ca)  
**Cost:** Bylaw notice for no leash: $100 first, $200 second, $300 third and later. Municipal ticket: $200, $350, $500. Dog at large: bylaw notice $100, $250, $500; municipal ticket $250, $500, $750.  
**Where:**
- Email: Parks and Recreation (feedback), recreation@summerland.ca
- Phone: Bylaw Services, 250-494-6451 ext. 4

## Key facts

- **Leash rule:** On a leash held by the owner in any public place, except in a designated off-leash park or area, at a recognized dog show or trial, or (October 1 to May 1) at certain named parks. No dog may run at large.
  - Source: [Responsible Dog Owner Bylaw 2017-024, ss. 35, 37](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/2017-024---responsible-dog-owner-bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No owner shall cause or permit a dog to run at large." … "the dog shall be on a leash held by the owner, unless the dog is participating in a dog show or trial recognized by the District."
  - Source: [Dog Licencing, Owner Responsibility](https://www.summerland.ca/city-services/dog-licencing-control)
  - Official wording: "You must have your dog on a leash while on a highway, in a park or other public place unless it is a designated dog area"
  - Source: [Parks Regulation Bylaw 2022-012 (consolidated to May 6, 2025), s. 6(c)](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/parks-regulation-bylaw-no-2022-012-cons-to-may-6-20257a8ca55cf68d6e33909cff00007e7f94.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Dogs are permitted off-leash during the off-season (October 1 – May 1) at Powell Beach Park, Peach Orchard Campground, Conkle Mountain Park, Cartwright Mountain, and Summerland Rodeo Grounds"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Maximum leash length:** Not more than 2 metres. The bylaw defines a leash as a fixed length of no more than 2 m, and a leash longer than 2 m carries a ticket. (Sources differ: The dog licensing web page calls 2 m a recommendation; the bylaw defines a leash as 2 m or less and the ticket schedule lists a fine for a leash over 2 m.)
  - Source: [Responsible Dog Owner Bylaw 2017-024, Part 3, definitions](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/2017-024---responsible-dog-owner-bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "with a fixed total length of not more than 2 metres used for holding and controlling a dog"
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2000-375 (consolidated to Dec 9, 2025), Schedule A, Responsible Dog Owner Bylaw](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/bneb-no-2000-375---consolidated-to-december-9-2025.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Leash more than 2 meters long Part 3 $75.00"
  - Source: [Dog Licencing, Owner Responsibility](https://www.summerland.ca/city-services/dog-licencing-control)
  - Official wording: "It is recommended that you use a leash no longer than 2 m (6.5 ft)."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Off-leash areas:** Designated off-leash dog parks: Peach Orchard Beach Park Dog Park (14877 Lakeshore Drive S) and Dale Meadows Sport Complex (10502 Dale Meadows Road). Also off leash October 1 to May 1 at Powell Beach Park, Peach Orchard Campground, Conkle Mountain Park, Cartwright Mountain and the Rodeo Grounds (not around equestrian events), but not on sports fields, courts, skateparks, beaches or near playgrounds. See the District's Dogs in Parks page.
  - Source: [Parks Regulation Bylaw 2022-012 (consolidated to May 6, 2025), s. 6(c), (d)](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/parks-regulation-bylaw-no-2022-012-cons-to-may-6-20257a8ca55cf68d6e33909cff00007e7f94.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Dogs are permitted off-leash year-round only at designated District off-leash dog parks." … "Dogs are permitted off-leash during the off-season (October 1 – May 1) at Powell Beach Park, Peach Orchard Campground, Conkle Mountain Park, Cartwright Mountain, and Summerland Rodeo Grounds" … "Cartwright Mountain, and Summerland Rodeo Grounds (except around equestrian events"
  - Source: [Dogs in Parks, Summerland Off-Leash Dog Parks](https://www.summerland.ca/parks-recreation/dogs-in-parks)
  - Official wording: "Dale Meadows Sport Complex (10502 Dale Meadows Road)" … "Peach Orchard Beach Park Dog Park (14877 Lakeshore Drive S)"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Places dogs are not allowed:** Dogs are banned from public beaches, swimming areas, parks, playgrounds, sports fields, school grounds and cemeteries unless the District designates the area. The Parks bylaw allows leashed dogs in named parks (e.g. Memorial, Dale Meadows, Peach Orchard Beach, Powell Beach, Giant's Head) but not on sports fields, courts, skateparks, beaches or near playgrounds. Aggressive, dangerous and guard dogs are always banned.
  - Source: [Responsible Dog Owner Bylaw 2017-024, ss. 36, 58](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/2017-024---responsible-dog-owner-bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No owner shall take or allow any dog onto any public beach, swimming area, park," … "No owner shall take or allow an aggressive dog , dangerous dog or Guard Dog into any"
  - Source: [Parks Regulation Bylaw 2022-012 (consolidated to May 6, 2025), s. 6(b)](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/parks-regulation-bylaw-no-2022-012-cons-to-may-6-20257a8ca55cf68d6e33909cff00007e7f94.pdf)
  - Official wording: "except on sports fields, sport courts, skateparks and beaches, or near playgrounds and spray parks." … "Dogs are permitted on-leash year-round at Memorial Park, Dale Meadows Park, Living Memorial Park, Peach Orchard Beach Park, Powell Beach Park, Peach Orchard Campground, Giant’s Head Park, Conkle Mountain Park, Cartwright Mountain, “Horse Beach”, and Summerland Rodeo Grounds"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Cleaning up:** Pick up and dispose of your dog's excrement immediately, in a sanitary manner, on any property other than your own. On your own property remove it in a timely way so there is no buildup or odour.
  - Source: [Responsible Dog Owner Bylaw 2017-024, ss. 40, 41](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/2017-024---responsible-dog-owner-bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No owner shall permit a dog to deposit excrement on public or private property other than the property of the owner unless the owner immediately removes the excrement and disposes of it in a sanitary manner." … "Every owner shall remove and dispose of any excrement on the premises owned or occupied by the owner"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine, dog at large or off leash:** Run at large (s. 35). Bylaw notice: 1st $100, 2nd $250, 3rd and later $500 (early $90/$225/$450; late $110/$275/$500). Municipal ticket: $250/$500/$750. No leash (s. 37). Bylaw notice: $100/$200/$300 (early $90/$175/$250; late $110/$225/$350). Municipal ticket: $200/$350/$500.
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2000-375 (consolidated to Dec 9, 2025), Schedule A, Responsible Dog Owner Bylaw ss. 35, 37](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/bneb-no-2000-375---consolidated-to-december-9-2025.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Run at large:" … "3rd and subsequent offence $500.00 $450.00 $500.00" … "No leash: 37 No" … "2nd offence $200.00 $175.00 $225.00" … "3rd and subsequent offence $300.00 $250.00 $350.00"
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 95-030 (consolidated to Dec 9, 2025), Schedule 10, ss. 35, 37](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/mti-system-bylaw-95-030---consolidated-to-december-9-2025.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Run at large: 35." … "3rd and subsequent offence $750.00" … "No leash: 37." … "1st offence $200.00" … "2nd offence $350.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Responsible Dog Owner Bylaw No. 2017-024 (ss. 35-38); in District parks also Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 2022-012, s. 6 (Animals in Parks).
  - Source: [Dog Licencing, Owner Responsibility](https://www.summerland.ca/city-services/dog-licencing-control)
  - Official wording: "Please consult the Responsible Dog Owner Bylaw No. 2017-024 for more information."
  - Source: [Parks Regulation Bylaw 2022-012 (consolidated to May 6, 2025), s. 6](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/parks-regulation-bylaw-no-2022-012-cons-to-may-6-20257a8ca55cf68d6e33909cff00007e7f94.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Dogs are permitted off-leash year-round only at designated District off-leash dog parks."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under the [Responsible Dog Owner Bylaw 2017-024](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/2017-024---responsible-dog-owner-bylaw.pdf), no dog may run at large in the District of Summerland. In any public place a dog must be on a leash held by its owner, except in a designated off-leash park or area, at a recognized dog show or trial, or at certain named parks from October 1 to May 1. The bylaw defines a leash as a fixed length of no more than 2 metres, and a longer leash carries a ticket.

Dogs are banned from public beaches, swimming areas, parks, playgrounds, sports fields, school grounds and cemeteries unless the District designates the area. The [Parks Regulation Bylaw 2022-012](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/parks-regulation-bylaw-no-2022-012-cons-to-may-6-20257a8ca55cf68d6e33909cff00007e7f94.pdf) (s. 6) designates named parks where leashed dogs are allowed, including Memorial, Dale Meadows, Living Memorial, Peach Orchard Beach, Powell Beach and Giant's Head. Even there, dogs are not allowed on sports fields, courts, skateparks, beaches or near playgrounds.

## Good to know

- Off-leash dog parks: Peach Orchard Beach Park Dog Park (14877 Lakeshore Drive S) and Dale Meadows Sport Complex (10502 Dale Meadows Road).
- Off leash from October 1 to May 1: Powell Beach Park, Peach Orchard Campground, Conkle Mountain Park, Cartwright Mountain and the Rodeo Grounds (not around equestrian events), with the same limits on sports fields, courts, skateparks, beaches and playgrounds. See the District's Dogs in Parks page.
- Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park is also listed as an off-leash dog beach, but it is a provincial park, not a District one.
- The District's dog licensing page calls the 2 m leash length a recommendation. The bylaw and ticket schedule treat it as a limit, so keep to 2 m.
- Pick up your dog's waste immediately on any property other than your own. On your own property, remove it promptly so there is no buildup or odour. A bylaw notice for failing to pick up is $150; a municipal ticket is $250.
- Run at large: a bylaw notice is $100 first, $250 second, $500 third and later; a municipal ticket is $250, $500, $750. No leash: a bylaw notice is $100, $200, $300; a municipal ticket is $200, $350, $500. Paying a bylaw notice within 14 days is cheaper (no-leash first offence $90).
- Aggressive, dangerous and guard dogs are always banned from parks.

## Official forms and pages

- [Dogs in Parks](https://www.summerland.ca/parks-recreation/dogs-in-parks)
- [Responsible Dog Owner Bylaw 2017-024 (PDF)](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/2017-024---responsible-dog-owner-bylaw.pdf)
- [Parks Regulation Bylaw 2022-012 (PDF)](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/parks-regulation-bylaw-no-2022-012-cons-to-may-6-20257a8ca55cf68d6e33909cff00007e7f94.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Summerland dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/summerland/dog-licence.md)
- [Summerland rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/summerland/dangerous-dogs.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Dog leash rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [Penticton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/penticton/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [Peachland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/peachland/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [West Kelowna](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-kelowna/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [Kelowna](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kelowna/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [Keremeos](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/keremeos/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [Oliver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/oliver/dog-leash-rules.md)

## Sources

- [Dogs in Parks, District of Summerland](https://www.summerland.ca/parks-recreation/dogs-in-parks) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Responsible Dog Owner Bylaw 2017-024 (PDF)](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/2017-024---responsible-dog-owner-bylaw.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Parks Regulation Bylaw 2022-012 (consolidated to May 6, 2025) (PDF)](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/parks-regulation-bylaw-no-2022-012-cons-to-may-6-20257a8ca55cf68d6e33909cff00007e7f94.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2000-375 (consolidated to Dec 9, 2025) (PDF)](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/bneb-no-2000-375---consolidated-to-december-9-2025.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 95-030 (consolidated to Dec 9, 2025) (PDF)](https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/bylaws---policies/district-bylaws/mti-system-bylaw-95-030---consolidated-to-december-9-2025.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Dog Licencing, District of Summerland](https://www.summerland.ca/city-services/dog-licencing-control) (read 2026-11-05)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Summerland. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/summerland/dog-leash-rules/_