A Dog Friendly Vacation

Why you should bring the most important family member (your dog) with you to Grand Marais?

If you’re a dog owner, it probably doesn’t take much convincing to get you to agree to take your pup with you up the North Shore for a nice getaway. Who wouldn’t want their best friend along for some adventures? But you may not know how easy it is to bring your dog on vacation with you.

All dogs smile more on vacation

Dog-Friendly Accommodations.

East Bay Suites in Grand Marais is a dog-friendly resort right on the shore of Lake Superior. Not only do they have water and food bowls for each dog but they also provide pet sheets for furniture and beds. You will feel right at home with your best friend(s).

East Bay loves its furry guests so much that they also offer a Pooch Package. The package includes a collar brag tag, a dog water bottle and more! (Hint, there may be a discount involved).

Dog-Friendly Dining

Happy dogs on the rooftop patio at Voyageur Brewing

Happy dogs on the rooftop patio at Voyageur BrewingWe totally get it. If you’re going to bring your dog along for the vacation, you’re not going to leave him/her in the room during your whole stay. Luckily, there are a number of restaurants with dog-friendly outdoor seating.


Some of our favorite dog-friendly restaurants

Sydney’s Frozen Custard

World’s Best Donuts

Voyageur Brewing Company

Harbor House Grille

Hungry Jack Lodge Restaurant

Dockside Fish Market

My Sister’s Place


An Abundance of Hiking Trails

You’ll have no problem tiring out your four-legged friend(s). There are amazing trails for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing that are perfect to take your dog along on. Just to name a few…

George Washington Pines – a beautiful two and a half mile loop that is perfect during winter and summer to explore with your dog.

Pincushion Ski Trial – in the summer these ski trails are tremendous for tiring out your dog.

Superior Hiking Trail – a favorite for many North Shore travelers and pups. But try to choose times of the day that might not be busy with visitors or pick a starting point that might be farther away from town. The trail can get busy!

Shopping That Your Dog Can Do

If you happen to forget something at home for your dog or you feel like getting them a treat, Dog Hus in Grand Marais is the place to go. They have treats, leashes, toys, galore!

And if you forgot something for your outdoor adventure, Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply has you and your dog covered. They allow dogs right in the store and they also greet each dog with a treat. Now that’s service!

Great Community of Dog Owners

Go Dog North Shore maintains the dog park, shares fun things to do in the area for dogs, is an advocate for ski trails that are dog-friendly and more. They’re an amazing non-profit that is a huge reason for why Grand Marais is such a dog-friendly place.

If you have specific questions, reach out to Cathy Quinn of Go Dog North Shore at [email protected].

Dog Parks…possibly with a few horses.

The Gunflint Horse Arena and Dog Park is the perfect place for you to let your dog run free! It is here where dogs can get their happy yappy hour socializing with other dogs in a fun, safe environment. Yes, dogs need happy hours too.

 

 

And don’t let the name of the park worry you, horses do use this space too but the dogs aren’t allowed to play while they are there.

Photo Credits: Community of dog lovers and dog park photos courtesy of Go Dog North Shore. Used with permission.Views taken while hiking along the Superior Hiking Trail by m_e_mcarron licensed under CC-BY-SAPlay Time by m01229 licensed under CC-BYSmiling by Maja Dumat licensed under CC-BY