International Dog Walking... Right in Your Backyard

Sure, Point Roberts might be known best for it's cheap gas, cheese and beer, but it also has some great spots for dog walking. This small peninsula has fantastic natural wonder, but has suffered from major economic blunder. In it's glory days, Point Roberts was a booming fishing town, but once the fish were nearly gone, PBob had to switch it's major source of income from the fishing industry to 'tourism'. Throughout the 80s and 90s, Point Roberts hosted some of the best summer parties at it's few successful bars and campgrounds. After 9.11, Point Robert's economy took a downturn. Unfortunately, the tighter the security got at it's small border, the less Canadians were willing to risk a DUI - and so the influx of Canadian dollars dwindled to gas and cheese, supporting only the industries that supplied it. Not all is lost however. After a daring project to build a world class golf course brought some Canadians back, the lack of support from the community has kept its over-all success on hold. New projects within the Golf Course and within the community however, do offer a ray of hope in bringing back Point Robert's luster and this is promising.

Dining options are still available, and are worth the drive. If you end up making it to the beaches, trails, or to the golf course, make sure to check out the following businesses; Cafe Capana on Gulf Rd. & Marine Dr. offers great coffees, french cuisine, ocean views, and a deck off the back. Brewsters on Gulf is a great place for Sunday brunches, or mid-week dinners. It's romantic enough to bring a date, but not so formal you can't bring the family. The homemade desserts are to die for. Lastly, The Reef is a small pub on the water side - how many pubs can you enjoy a beer and watch whales swim by?

There are a few overnight options as well. One retreat that offers a dog-friendly environment for over night rentals is the Point Roberts Retreat. Well-behaved dogs are more than welcome to enjoy the ocean views, five acres, beautiful suites, and a nearly completed cottage out back. Private patios, garden fresh vegetables, private infrared sauna, and a rose garden are all accented by the horse fields next door. There are some great dog trails within walking distance to this overnight sanctuary - the two ladies that run the place are more than willing to show you the best spots as they are both dog savvy, and love our canine companions. Check them out here: http://www.pointrobertsretreat.com/

Well ecomony aside, the natural wonder here is incredible. Being as Point Roberts is a Peninsula cut off by Canada, it is surrounded by beaches on all other three sides. There is dense rain forest throughout, which for me, is a lot of fun - leave your compass or other supplies at home. Unlike hiking or walking on the trails of the North Shore, you can feel free to just get lost here. Being as PBob is only 5miles by 5miles, you'll pop out somewhere, and more likely than not, someone will offer you a ride if need be.

Lighthouse Park on the Western side of the Peninsula is home to a great boardwalk that hosts art festivals, barbeques and other fun during the summer. This is an amazing place to whale watch. There are campgrounds scattered throughout the park as well.

Maple Beach, on the Eastern side, next to the border offers close to a mile of sandy beach on low-tide. The water is nearly bathtub warm as the tide drifts back in over the hot sand. This is my favorite beach in the summer - Kits doesn't have anything on this.

Lily Point, the main trail of my blog today is located on the far South Eastern side of the Point, and has recently been made into a national reserve. There are well marked trails throughout the rain forest, but it's main draw is the eagle ridden bluff and sand dunes. You are guaranteed to spot at least three bald eagles on your walk here. The parking lot is located next to Point Robert's only cemetery. It's worth stopping to take a look at some of the history here.

Bikini, Roy and I took an immediate right, into the lichen laden forest. We walked a loop through the temperate jungle, that brought us back to the main trail eventually. The forest here is dark, alive, and absolutely stunning. Birds, including song birds, and raptors can be heard all around. The trails are easy so long as you stay above the bluff, which even then is only mildly difficult to trek back up. We walked through the forest to see leaves budding, eagles mating, and even blue skies. The lookout here has amazing views of Mount Baker on a clear day, but is stunning even with no view of the dormant volcano.

The cliff here is eroding, it's best to keep your dogs on leash, as it's rumored that a few have met their demise by running blindly off the cliff. If you do come to the view point, there's a fence to show the safe zones. It's recommended that you stay behind the fence, as the cliff hangs well over the rest of the bluff. Bikini and Roy enjoy the view from a safe distance here. The beach below is accessible by trail, and is a fun place for dogs and people alike. Don't expect to run into too many people down there - perhaps some herons, an eagle or two and possibly some starfish, but people are unlikely.

For other out-doorsy types, this is just one of the spots that mountain bikers have found. There are many trails within Point Roberts that offer pre-built ramps and other obstacles. Some other places to check out if you're into biking are behind the elementary school, in Lily Point and another trail that starts just up the road on Johnson, coming from Boundry Bay Road. Watch for this trail on the left hand side of the road. Some of the man-made obstacles have succumbed to the damp of the rainforest - it's recommended you do a once over to make sure of rotted wood.

On the whole, the Point is just a cool place to come and relax. Only a 40minute drive from the city, and it feels like a world apart. Don't forget to bring your passport, and make sure your canines have their rabies shots up to date. All the before mentioned trails and parks are off-leash friendly. Go support a dwindling community, and enjoy all it has to offer with you best buds, your doggies.