Looking for a pet-friendly adventure on Canada’s border? It’s time to cycle, paddle and stroll with your best friend around the sights of this stunning region.

Tour Mackinac Island

Setting off from Mackinaw City at the tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Shepler's Ferry will take you and your pooch on a pet-friendly voyage to Mackinac Island. Once you disembark, head to Mackinac Island Carriage Tours to start your island day trip together. The horse and carriage journey lasts nearly two hours and takes you to some of the island’s most notable sites, like Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac Avenue of Flags. Lap dogs ride for free, and bigger pups pay a child’s fare. If you’d rather take the role of Fido’s tour guide yourself, rent a bicycle and dog trailer from Mackinac Island Bike Shop and ride the paved trails at nearby Mackinac Island State Park.

Pretty as a Picture

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising is home to colorful cliffs and lush forests. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore some of the most scenic sections of the park (but note which trails and backcountry beaches are off-limits to pets). Miners Castle is one of the area’s most iconic landmarks. Fido can join you as you stride up a steep trail to an overlook adjacent to the natural feature, or enjoy epic views of this castle-shaped rock that overlooks Lake Superior and Grand Island from the only cliff area in the park accessible by vehicle. Afterward, bring your own board or kayak and visit Miners Beach to paddle the lake together, then wander along Munising Falls Trail to check out the waterfall.

Take a Sculpture Walk

For more than 25 years, local artist Tom Lakenen has been creating big, bold sculptures from scrap iron, which are on display at Lakenenland. People and leashed pups are invited to take a walk on the Sculpture Trail through the 37-acre park, leading to more than 100 metal art sculptures along the way. In addition to Tom’s epic creations, the unique roadside attraction features a bog walk, picnic ground, two fishing ponds and access to the North Country Trail.

Chasing Waterfalls With Your Weimeraner

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Upper Peninsula at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park near Ontonagon. Here, you’ll discover 60,000 acres of beautiful Hemlock, roaring waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas. Experienced hikers can tackle the 8.4-mile Escarpment Trail, a difficult out-and-back with stunning overlooks. For an easier hike, Lake of the Clouds is a wooded pathway that’s less than two miles in length. Presque Isle River Waterfalls Trail is a moderate pathway where you can gaze at the park’s Manabezho, Manido and Nawadaha waterfalls.

Set Sail With Your First Mate

Another way to see Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore from the water is with Lake Superior Boat Tours, which welcomes Fido aboard private pontoon excursions from Munising. During the three-hour tour, you’ll cruise past colorful sandstone cliffs, historic lighthouses, secluded beaches, waterfalls, caverns and shipwrecks while watching for bald eagles overhead. The spacious pontoon holds up to six passengers and even has an onboard bathroom, and pups ride for free. If you’d prefer to venture out on your own, Seaberg Pontoon Rentals has several dog-friendly vessels.

Big Spring With Your Springer

Located in Palms Book State Park, Kitch-iti-Kipi, or Big Spring, is Michigan's largest natural freshwater spring. Nicknamed ‘Mirror of Heaven’ by members of the Chippewa tribe, visitors can see how it earned this moniker onboard a self-propelled observation raft that drifts gently across the spring. The fenced opening in the center allows people and pups to take a gander at the crystal clear water below.

Superior Views

For a supreme drive that’s “Pure Michigan,” experience the gently curving roads of Brockway Mountain Drive. There’s no scenic road higher above sea level between the Rockies and the Alleghenies than this epic thoroughfare, which promises visitors unparalleled views of Lake Superior and Keweenaw forest. If you're visiting during spring, turn your eyes to the sky and witness the annual migration of thousands of birds of prey.

From renowned resorts to cozy homes by the water, these lovely lodgings can’t wait to accommodate Fido.

Spend Time at the Resort

If you are venturing to Mackinac Island with your four-legged friend, book a stay at Mission Point Resort, a nominee for the most dog-friendly hotel in America. The resort’s Pooch at the Point package includes a room in the resort’s historic Straits Lodge, breakfast for humans, a welcome gift for Fido, and round-trip ferry tickets to the island for the whole pack on Shepler's Ferry. During your stay, be sure to sip on cocktails prepared using herbs from the resort’s Cocktail Garden and explore the expansive grounds with Fido by your side.

Live it U.P. on the Water

Retreat with your Retriever to Wilson Klub Waterfront Cabin, a rustic island getaway in Sault Ste. Marie. This peaceful respite is full of charm and features a fully equipped kitchen, grassy space for Fido, and water access. Spend your days canoeing, kayaking, biking or rent the onsite pontoon for an unforgettable vacation on the water.

Your Place or My Place?

My Place Hotel Marquette offers large rooms on the first two floors, allowing dog owners to have quick access to the grassy relief pet area outside. If you need to make a dash to Mares-Z-Doats Feed Pet & Garden for another bag of treats, Fido can stay in the room on his own.

Bird’s Eye View

High up in the Porcupine Mountains sits The Way UP Cottage, a pet-friendly escape with Fido’s name on it. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy respite at this remodeled cottage surrounded by beautiful birch and evergreen trees. Dogs with good recall are free to run around the spacious backyard that borders a dense forest. Adventure awaits just beyond the back door of this incredible home away from home.

Cheap and Cheerful

For an affordable stay in the Upper Peninsula, reserve a room at the Sunset Lodge Escanaba. Four-legged guests will appreciate this super clean, budget hotel situated a short drive from Escanaba highlights such as Sand Point Lighthouse and Ludington Park. Pups receive treats at check-in, have space to stretch out in the large rooms with hardwood floors and are free to explore the grassy relief area on the premises.

Stunning Home With Lake Views

Superior View is a charming Victorian house perched on a hilltop in Marquette. Soak up Lake Superior vistas at this three-bedroom rental with a fully fenced yard and deck where Fido can join you for fresh air and sunrise views over the south shore beaches. After a day of exploring the U.P., unwind while admiring lake views from the year-round hot tub, fire up the grill, or play a game of fetch with your furry friend in the backyard.

On the Water

Built in the 1920s, this lakeside cabin in Copper Harbor offers serenity with a dock leading right onto the water. During summer, dock diving dogs can launch themselves into the water or join you on the covered patio to enjoy the sunrise. Be sure to visit the pet-friendly trails at nearby Fort Wilkins State Historic Park to learn about one of the first lighthouses on Lake Superior. Guests should bring their own fresh water for pups as the cabin draws its water straight from the lake.

If you like to match your meal with a view or pair lunch with a pint, dine out with your dog in Michigan’s mouthwatering Upper Peninsula.

Pet-Friendly Patio on the Island

Take a day trip with your pooch to Mackinac Island, and stop by Round Island Kitchen for a bite to eat on the beautiful summer patio. The view of Lake Huron from the covered tables is the cherry on top of the classic comfort food menu. The pet-friendly patio is open April through October.

Water Views and Tasty Food

Sip a cocktail with your Cockapoo on the deck overlooking Munising Bay at Tracey's at Roam Inn. This relaxed, casual dining establishment focuses on top-notch presentation of eclectic fare and welcomes well-behaved dogs to join their humans on the deck. From ahi tuna crostini to bone marrow butter burgers, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.

Grab a Beer in the Sun

Upper Hand Brewing in Escanaba is Bell’s Brewery’s U.P. offering. Founded by Larry Bell in 2014, they are proud that every can of beer is “brewed by a ragtag crew of hikers, bikers, campers, dog-walkers, anglers, hunters, and outdoor-loving Yoopers who live for getting lost in our own backyard.” Sample the seasonal, year-round, and specialty beers on tap at the brewery on the expansive pet-friendly patio with a large grassy space for Fido to explore.

Great View and Good Vibes

If you’re searching for a restaurant with a view that welcomes dogs in the Upper Peninsula, look no further than Harbor Haus in Copper Harbor. Located on the shores of Lake Superior, enjoy dinner at a dog-friendly table on the patio adorned with flowers and trees and plentiful lake views. The menu includes local fish, seafood, and steaks.

Another Day, Another Dog-Friendly Patio

Dig into island-inspired flavors at DIGS, a dog-friendly tiki bar and gastropub in historic downtown Marquette. Grab a seat with Fido at one of the outdoor tables on the front patio and order creative pub fare like tacos, pitas, burgers, dill pickle cheese dip, portobello mushroom fries and kimchi balls. Pair your meal with one of DIGS’ unique cocktails for a laid-back stop after exploring the U.P. Keep the “pawty” going at nearby Ore Dock Brewing Co., where you can sample fine beer on the patio.

Munch at Lunch

Scalawags in Mackinaw City is an ideal place to fuel up with your pup before hopping on the ferry to Mackinac Island. The menu includes seafood, sandwiches, hot dogs and more. If you have time before your voyage, hop on the North Western State Trail nearby and enjoy a walk with your leashed pooch.