• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel Guides
  • Budget Travel
  • Solo Travel
  • Freebies
  • Casa Del Nala
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Icons

Nala's Dog Blog

Fun ideas to help you and your pup live your best life!

  • Home
  • About
  • Travel Guides
  • Budget Travel
  • Solo Travel
  • Freebies
  • Casa Del Nala
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Icons

About

Hi, I’m Carly, the heart and soul behind Nala’s Dog Blog—a budget-friendly travel resource dedicated to adventurous dog moms who refuse to put their dreams on hold. My journey into the world of pet-friendly travel started in the most unexpected way: with an 8-pound Pomchi named Nala.

Before Nala came into my life, I was stuck in the urban grind of Toronto, longing for the wild places that once fueled my soul. Anxiety, routine, and the pressure of city living had dulled my adventurous spirit. Then came Nala—tiny but fierce, a survivor from the start. Despite her tough beginnings and serious health scares, her zest for life never wavered. Watching her fearlessly take on the world rekindled something in me: the courage to chase my own adventures again.

We started small—local parks, weekend road trips—but soon, we were scaling mountains, camping under starry skies, and proving that adventure doesn’t require luxury—just the right mindset and a four-legged best friend.

What began as an Instagram page documenting our travels quickly grew into something much bigger: a movement to inspire and empower women to explore the world without breaking the bank.

What Nala’s Dog Blog is All About

This isn’t just another pet travel blog. It’s a community, a resource, and a call to adventure.

I created Nala’s Dog Blog to help dog moms like you navigate the world of dog-friendly travel without the stress of hefty price tags or complicated logistics. Whether you’re road-tripping, booking a cozy cabin stay, or hiking new trails, I’m here to share:

Budget-friendly travel tips – because adventure should be accessible to everyone.
Dog-friendly destinations & stays – real reviews & firsthand recommendations.
Solo female travel with a dog – breaking the fear barrier, one trip at a time.
Practical pet travel guides – covering everything from packing lists to overcoming travel challenges.

My Mission

At Nala’s Dog Blog, I believe:

Adventure doesn’t have to be expensive – You don’t need luxury to make incredible memories.
Women can travel boldly, even solo – with the right planning and a loyal pup by your side.
Small dogs are adventure dogs too – Nala proves that big dreams come in small packages.
Life’s best moments happen outside your comfort zone – so don’t wait, start exploring now.

What’s Next?

I’m working on A Crazy Dog Mom’s Travel Guide series, packed with insider tips for dog-friendly destinations on a budget. Plus, stay tuned for Casa Dela Nala, a cozy Airbnb designed with dog moms in mind!

Join us as we prove, one paw print at a time, that you don’t need a big budget—or a big dog—to take on big adventures.

Follow along on @nalasdogblog
Get the latest travel tips in your inbox [Newsletter sign-up]

Let’s go chase adventure together!

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

    Recent Comments

    No comments to show.
    About Me
    Hi, I’m Carly, the heart and soul behind Nala’s Dog Blog—a budget-friendly travel resource dedicated to adventurous dog moms who refuse to put their dreams on hold.

    join the club

    Reader Favorites

    trending now

    instagram

    Follow @nalasdogblog

    nalasdogblog

    ✨ Inspiring your next solo trip w/ your dog
    🏕️ Car camping & building our dream life in 🇨🇦
    🐾 Dog & digital nomad adventures
    📍Alberta and everywhere

    Long weekends whaaat? Running on caffeine and pure Long weekends whaaat? Running on caffeine and pure determination—late nights, weekend catch-ups, early mornings… I do it all for this girl (and the dream we’re building). Exhausted? Always. Giving up? Never. ❤️

I’ve come to learn in these moments the best lessons are learned and that another breakthrough is just around the corner. And what a blessing to be busy doing what you love! 🙏 

When you feel like quitting, and sleeping in…wake the heck up and keep going! 💪

P.s. this is more for myself than anyone else at the moment, but hope it helps someone out there with the motivation they need too! 😅🫶🤗
.
.
.
.
.

#dogmom #bossmode #lifeofanentrepreneur #dogmomaf #buildingmydream #mondaymotivation #mondaymood
    Two years ago, on the way to my sister’s, Nala a Two years ago, on the way to my sister’s, Nala and I randomly turned up a mountain road—because why not? We had no idea that little detour would lead us to THIS!

Today, we visited the build site of our future home, and we didn’t want to leave! The views. The peace. The feeling. It’s all coming together like it was meant to. ❤️

It didn’t happen overnight. It happened because I followed my curiosity, trusted the nudge, and wasn’t afraid to chase the life I wanted. 

So if you’re in a season of indecision, take that back road. Say yes. Go all in. And trust God! You never know what’s waiting for you up the mountain!! 🏔️

Ask me anything about the build in the comment 👇
    Cherishing every moment with her ❤️ This morn Cherishing every moment with her ❤️

This morning Nala got attacked by another small dog on the beach while we were taking our morning stroll. This dog came out of nowhere!! I’m just so grateful that it was just a little bigger and not a large dog and I was able to stop it before terrible happened. She is absolutely fine, thankfully! 🙏

I’m still so shaken up about it though. It’s the absolute worst thing to hear the cries of your dog. 😭 She is traumatized and doesn’t want to be anywhere near people or dogs right now so I did what I could with work today and then we found a peaceful spot for her to decompress, where I knew there wouldn’t be lots of people around. 

A plus that they are hot springs too. I know some of you might ask where they are, but I may keep this one secret, only because there are so few places left that are still quiet and I’m not entirely sure you’re still “allowed” to go here, and it’s not so secret anymore, AND it’s hidden in plain sight so you might have to do some digging! 

I will say though, if this intrigues you, get out and explore! Always take the back road, gravel road, road towards the RV park hint hint lol and you may be surprised by what you might find! ❤️
    Never again. I'll take all the tech problems, bugs Never again. I'll take all the tech problems, bugs and minor inconveniences any day over a congested traffic commute every morning, passive aggressive colleagues and a stuffy office.

It's not for everyone but the freedom for me IS and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Also, because I get to spend everyday with my little bean, exploring our beautiful country! ❤️

Have you had the chance to work remotely? Did you love it or hate it?
    The best day of my life was the day I brought her The best day of my life was the day I brought her home. ❤️

Happy National dog mama day to all the ladies out there that treat their precious pups like the family that they are. We hope you get up to some fun adventures today! 🐾

Thank you to @sundaythegoldenretriever for the inspiration. This one was an epic idea❤️❤️❤️
.
.
.
.
.
#pomchi #blackdog #nationaldogmomday #loveyourpets #dogsofinstagram
    It’s actually crazy to think that if I hadn’t It’s actually crazy to think that if I hadn’t come across Nala’s photo that day—and had this gut feeling that I needed her in my life—I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I was supposed to be adopting a different kind of dog. One that didn’t shed, per someone else’s “preferences.” And when her owner literally told me not to come, I said, “Too bad—I’ll be there in an hour.” Picked up @ivonacabrilo, drove through a wild  thunderstorm to some random farm in Manitoba… and that’s where I met the greatest gift I’ve ever been given. ❤️

I truly believe God sent her to me. She showed up at the exact moment I needed her—and changed everything.

She’s the reason I found the courage to move across the country and start traveling solo. To launch my own freelance business. And soon… to launch @barkbutlerventures

Without her, none of this would’ve ever been.

One dog. One God moment. One split-second decision. And a totally different future.

Follow along as we keep building this wild little life together. @nalasdogblog 🐾🤗
    Anyone got a spare 2 mill that Nala can borrow? Th Anyone got a spare 2 mill that Nala can borrow? This is what happens when you go down those random roads! You just never know what gems you might find! 🤗
    There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her, includi There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her, including finding the best spots for her mid-day nap in the mountains.🐾🥰
    Okay—this one’s a little sentimental, but I wa Okay—this one’s a little sentimental, but I wanted to share with you all a sneak peek into our future!!

We’ve come such a long way… and honestly, this is a future I never imagined I’d actually reach. Not because I didn’t want it—but because for so long, I was surrounded by voices that tried to keep me small. Labelled the “creative one” and put in a box that suited them.
Not me.

So to me, this isn’t just a little cottage in the woods.
It’s a symbol of everything I’ve fought and worked for.
A symbol of my faith in God, my belief in myself, and the strength it took to build a life that finally feels like mine.
It means more to me than I can put into words.

It’s proof that I’ve broken free from the voices that tried so hard to hold me back.
That I’ve learned to silence the noise and finally trust the voice within and most importantly, trust God. 

To the one who told me I was stupid every day…
That I couldn’t make decisions.
That I shouldn’t hold any responsibility.
You were wrong.
I did it—and I did it without you.

This next chapter is ours.
Our own little slice of paradise.
And we couldn’t be more excited! 

P.S. It’s also going to be a part-time Airbnb while Nala and I travel—so stay tuned for Nala’s Nest. It will most definitely be dog-friendly! 🐾

And if you’ve made it this far, take it as your sign:
Ignore the ignorant.
Silence the doubt.
Trust yourself—and do the thing. Because you most definitely can! ❤️

P.S thank you so much @kenaiacresmountainresort for the pictures! 🥰
    I think Nala and I will just stay here forever! 😍 

Anyone want to guess where this is?
    Correction, the company is called True Carnivores Correction,  the company is called True Carnivores and they are based out of Vancouver. If you have a picky dog YOU MUST TRY!!!

Apparently local artists create the designs on the bags which is also super cool. 🇨🇦❤️🎨

Nala gives this product 10 out of 10 paws! ❤️🐾

P.S I’m not able to tag them because they don’t allow tags but they are on IG. Look up True Carnivores if you’re interested in learning more about their products.
.
.
.
.
.
#rawfood #rawfooddog #local #dogtreats #dog #dogsofinstagram #truecarnivores #healthydogfood #canadianmade
    I’m really not quite sure how I ever lived witho I’m really not quite sure how I ever lived without this one. ❤️
    It’s that time of year again folks! 🐻 When y It’s that time of year again folks! 🐻

When you’re busy fussing with your Google Maps and you look up to realize you have a neighbour 😯
.
.
.
.
.
#bearseason #bearstagram #spring #roadtrip #travelgram #wildlife
    I haven’t witnessed her smile this much since we I haven’t witnessed her smile this much since we hit the road in November. 

Here’s a few of our favourite dog-friendly beaches on Vancouver island. When I have more time on my hands I’ll do another full post on DF beaches with pictures, but for now….

1) Saratoga Beach, Comox - white sand and love the vibe! This is a dog’s paradise and for this reason it’s my #1. Also there’s a little coffee shop/ store in the RV park so you can grab a coffee before your walk… bonus points! 

- thank you @cheryll_llee for the suggestion! 

2) Botanical Beach, Juan De Fuca - 
tide pools and one of the most beautiful beaches 

3) Sandcut Beach, Juan De Fuca - big waterfall on the beach. Stunning! 

4) Miracle Beach, Comox -  Gorgeous views, also loved camping here! 

5) French Beach, just past Sooke - also one of my favourite places to camp 

6) Jordan River - not really a “beach” but a great place to spend the day/ camp right on the ocean (keep in mind there’s no privacy though) and watch the surfers 

7) Gordan Bay, Lake Cowichan - Cowichan Lake / Yobou/ Honeymoon Bay is one of my favourite spots on the island!! . Love the hiking/ friendly vibes and that you can still find secluded spots around the lake. There is a seasonal closure here for dogs though (at Gordan Bay so keep that in mind) however tons of spots around the lake to enjoy with your pup! 

8) Aylard Farm - East Sooke Regional Park - I don’t know exactly why it’s called this but there is in fact a beach here and it’s stunning w/ a rope swing

9) Blueback Beach, Nanaimo - lots of stairs so a nice little workout on the way back up when you’ve been laying around the beach. This was another one of Nala’s favourites. Lots of big dogs running around  though so we had to find our own quiet corner 

Do you have any others on the island that we should know about for next time? Let us know. Also, check signs for seasonal closures! 🌴☀️
    So naturally, I decided to revolve my life’s wor So naturally, I decided to revolve my life’s work around her and I made it my mission to figure out a way for us to spend everyday together. ❤️

I’m delighted to say, somehow, someway we are doing it! It’s amazing what happens when you put your faith in something bigger than yourself and tap in to your purpose. Mountains will literally move for you. I’m just so grateful that mine involves dogs and that it allows Nala and I to remain inseperable! 🙏

Has your dog inspired you to make big moves and take big risks in life? If so, please share with me. I love hearing them and our dogs need all the praise they can get. afterall, they are too good and too pure for this world!! ❤️🌎
.
.
.
.
.
#mydog #mydogismychild #dogs #mystory #dogsofinstagram #mydogmyhero #pomchi #dogsarelife #dogsrule #mydogisfamily
    Nature reminds us daily that inspiration doesn’t Nature reminds us daily that inspiration doesn’t cost a thing. You just have to look up.

Happy Earth Day! 🌎 🍃❤️
    Happy Earth Day 🌎❤️🐾 Happy Earth Day 🌎❤️🐾
    Because life is too short to spend most of it work Because life is too short to spend most of it working from a stuffy office all day 🗻👌❤️
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#workingfromanywhere #remotelife #nomadlife #nomadgirls #meandmydog #traveldog #carcampingadventures #digitalnomad
    In a world where we’re taught to constantly cons In a world where we’re taught to constantly consume, I’m over here just grateful for the most simple moments and things. ❤️

I know I’m not the only one! Who else loves enjoying a simple evening and has come to the realization that moments like this mean more than the big house and the fancy clothes ever will? If that’s you, we should chat! 🥰
.
.
.
.
.
#simplemoments #dogs #camping #campingwithdogs #nomadlife #livesimply #peace #roadtrip #roadtripwithdogs
    A lovely lunch hour at… 📍Sooke Potholes Prov A lovely lunch hour at…

📍Sooke Potholes Provincial Park

The perfect spot to reset for the rest of the day. Definitely check it out with your pooch when you’re on Vancouver island. It’s not far off the highway 14 and there’s tons of trails and beautiful landscapes to discover. Just keep an eye on your pup, and better to keep them leashed here because there’s a lot of steep drop offs. 

P.s ignore my mouse voice. Instagram won, I gave up trying to fix it haha 🙃

Have you been here?
    Follow on Instagram

    Footer

    join the club

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Affiliate Disclosure
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • TikTok

    Copyright © 2025 Nala's Dog Blog · Theme by 17th Avenue