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CONVENTION + VISITORS BUREAU / 47
Dog-Day AFTERNOONS
Vacationing is about seeking out new experiences and creating memories with your loved ones,
including your four-pawed family members. The good news is that Greater Portland has a dog-friendly
vibe that welcomes your Rover to stay and play.
Photo: John Bald
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
The Portland community hosts regular
tail-wagging events where social dogs
can rub noses and help raise money for
local animal causes. Here are just a few:
• Bark in The Park, July 16, August 26
• Martinis for Mutts, August 24
• Paws for a Cause, August 27
• Woofminster, September 11
See a complete list at
dog-friendly-vacations.
CASCO BAY ADVENTURES
Pack a picnic and cast-off with your
four-paw mate on a Casco Bay Lines
ferry to one of Portland’s many island
communities or take the Mailboat
Cruise down the bay and back. You can
purchase tickets for your family and
your salty sea dog in the dog-friendly
Casco Bay ferry terminal. Portland
Discovery Land & Sea Tours, located
on Long Wharf, welcomes mellow
mutts to do a scenic lighthouse cruise
and soak-up a little maritime history.
BEACHES
Portland boasts miles of tongue-hanging
coastline where beach dogs can get
their paws sandy and paddle around.
From Labor Day to Memorial Day, area
beaches offer extended beach hours
with off-leash play at Portland’s Eastern
Beach, South Portland’s Willard Beach,
and many Scarborough beaches. During
the busy summer season, many area
beaches provide beach dog hours around
sunrise and sunset. Be sure to follow the
posted rules and only leave paw prints.
TRAILS
Portland Trails, a non-profit land trust,
offers a vast network of over 70 miles of
wooded trails, coastal paths and green
space that you can sniff out with your
dog. On a hot day, your dogs can dip their
paws into a stream, river or the ocean,
depending on the trail.
has an interactive map to help you pick
your hike. The Eastern Promenade Trail
can be accessed near Portland’s Ocean
Gateway’s dog-friendly Visitor Center
and delivers views towards Fort Gorges
and access to Eastern Beach.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Visitor Guide accommodation grid
on pages 77-87 indicates which hotels are
dog-friendly. Sometimes hotel website
dog policies sound a little gruff but
they are just trying to find the middle
ground and keep all their guests happy.
Call ahead to book and get the inside
scoop; there is often a little flexibility on
weight restrictions. TheWestin Hotel,
in Portland’s Arts District, welcomes
dogs with treats and Heavenly dog beds.
Inn by the Sea, located on the shores of
Cape Elizabeth, has led the way as a dog-
friendly seaside resort with over-the-top
pampering and a doggie menu.
When you are traveling with your best
friend, remember to pack all your dog’s
essentials – collar with ID tags, leash,
pick-up bags, food, medications, and a
vaccination certificate so you can just
relax once you arrive.