Holidays with your 4-legged friend

Losone is the first municipality in Ticino to have created special zones for dogs where they can run free. The first zone is located along the River Maggia between the Parco del Meriggio and the Ponte Maggia bridge.

The other area reserved for dogs is in the Canaa zone, a naturally enclosed valley on the edge of the Collina di Maia forest reserve. This area is easily accessible from the historic centre of San Giorgio.

Another zone is the Locarno Dog Park, located on the right bank of the Maggia (in the direction of Ascona-Losone), which stretches from the old road bridge to the new one. The aim is to create a continuation of the zone at Meriggio in Losone. This area is also marked accordingly and dogs can run around freely.

Lake Maggiore offers some particularly beautiful walks that are also suitable when accompanied by your dog.

The section of the lakeside promenade between Minusio and Locarno is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, with access to small beaches that can also be visited with dogs. However, dogs must be kept on the leash along this stretch.

The ‘Sentiero delle Rive’ from Tenero to Gordola is a footpath that runs through nature along the shores of Lake Maggiore and the Verzasca river. The path remains open and accessible every year during the closure of the campsites from 25 October to 25 March.

The other side of Lake Maggiore, Gambarogno, is also particularly suitable for a visit with dogs. Between Vira and San Nazzaro there are various access points to the lake (signposted) with beaches. Please always pay attention to the relevant signs.

The Parco della Pace next to the Lido di Locarno is a large natural oasis overlooking the lake, ideal for those who want to relax in peace and quiet. It is also frequented by four-legged visitors and is the perfect place for a walk or a break in company.

From April to November, nature lovers can explore the Brissago Islands, where Switzerland's only botanical garden is located on an island and is home to an extraordinary variety of plant species from all continents. Dogs are also welcome, as long as they are kept on the leash to ensure the preservation of this botanical treasure.

The Ascona-Locarno region is known for its wide range of hiking trails suitable for all levels of difficulty. Most of these trails can be explored in the company of your dogs, but it is important to take their characteristics into account and adapt the outings accordingly. In addition to the dog's needs, it is important to assess certain aspects of the trails, such as safety (no risk of falling), the presence of steep sections or potentially dangerous crossings (e.g. watercourses and stairs), the protection of sensitive areas (wildlife), the presence of alpine pastures and livestock guardian dogs and possible conflicts with other hikers. It is advisable to consult the canton's ‘Montagne Sicure’ website to be able to assess the hikes safely.

If you would like to take part in an excursion led by a dog trainer, you can do so in the Vallemaggia, where two special routes are offered from Easter to the end of September. During the rest of the year, it is also possible to go on excursions with a private guide. For further information, we recommend contacting regional information centres or local dog clubs (see box with useful links).

In our region, there are various options for travelling by public transport where dogs are generally welcome. On the SBB and FART railway lines, dogs up to a withers height of 30 cm travel free of charge, while an additional fee is charged for larger dogs.

Cable cars that take you to hiking trails or mountain huts also allow dogs. The same applies to boat trips on Lake Maggiore: both the Swiss company (Navigazione Lago Maggiore) and the Italian company (Navigazione Laghi) allow dogs on board.

Information on the conditions and tariffs depending on the size of the dog can be found on the official websites.