A Dog-Friendly Fall Day in the Cowichan Valley | Jan’s Blog

Published On: August 27, 2026|Categories: Orchard Notes|2.6 min read|

If you came to Merridale this summer, you may have met me. I probably didn’t introduce myself, but there’s a good chance I came to your table and asked if I could pet your dog.

I love dogs. My dog is family, and I know many of you feel exactly the same way. That’s a big part of why we’ve made Merridale such a dog-friendly place in the Cowichan Valley.

And fall is a pretty wonderful time to bring them along.

Dog-Friendly Fall Adventures in the Cowichan Valley

Cooler days make fall perfect for getting outside with your dog.

Explore the forest trails at Bright Angel Park, take a walk along the Cowichan Valley Trail, or head to the spectacular Kinsol Trestle. There are plenty of places around the Valley where you and your dog can get some fresh air, stretch your legs and enjoy the changing season.

Coming from Victoria? Make a day of it. Stop at Goldstream Provincial Park or the Malahat SkyWalk on your way north, then continue into the Cowichan Valley.

And eventually, your dog will probably be ready for a rest.

That’s when you come to Merridale.

A Dog-Friendly Stop at Merridale

One of the things that makes Merridale different is simple: you don’t have to leave your dog behind.

Dogs are welcome on leash throughout our grounds, including our courtyard and heated patio. Come in after your walk, have lunch at the Eatery, enjoy a cider or one of our small-batch spirits, wander through the orchard, and let your dog settle in beside you.

You can even order them a Barkuterie Bowl of their own.

That’s what I mean when I say we’re dog friendly. It’s not just that we allow dogs.

We want them here.

Experience Harvest Season With Your Dog

While you’re here, take a look at the orchard.

The apples are ripening, the first fruit is beginning to fall, and before long we’ll be in the middle of picking, pressing and making cider.

It’s one of my favourite times of year at Merridale because you get to see the orchard doing what it was planted to do.

And throughout October, we’re taking our love of dogs one step further with Harvest for Hounds, supporting the BC SPCA Cowichan & District Community Animal Centre.

There will be plenty of reasons to bring your pup along, including our Harvest for Hounds weekend, pup photos, our Pup-Up Market and our month-long support of the BC SPCA through select dog-friendly purchases at Merridale.