Are there special areas for walking animals without a leash?

Calgary is rightly called one of the most dog-friendly capitals in the world thanks to its network of over 160 public off-leash areas covering approximately 1,145 hectares of parkland. This represents 13% of the 8,642 hectares of parkland managed by Calgary Parks, making the city the leader in North America in terms of the number and size of off-leash areas.

Research shows that Calgary can claim the title of “Dog Park Capital of North America”, which is confirmed by the high quality of amenities for dogs.

Unique off-leash system

Calgary's citywide off-leash park system is unique in that:

  • All areas are multifunctional spaces.
  • The only exception is a private park managed by the Calgary Associated Dog Fanciers near Elliston Park.

This multifunctional concept creates integrated public spaces where dog owners can interact with other park users.

Miistakis Institute research findings

The Miistakis Institute analyzed over 200,000 photos from 128 cameras between 2017 and 2022 and found that:

  • Calgary has some of the largest off-leash spaces in North America;
  • 72% of dogs were recorded without a leash in on-leash areas.

Detailed geographical distribution of off-leash areas

Northwest sector (NW) — highest concentration of areas

NW Calgary has the highest number of off-leash areas, including the most famous parks:

Nose Hill Park

  • 1,129 hectares of open prairie.
  • One of the largest urban parks in North America.
  • Offers over 300 km of trails.
  • Paved trail — on-leash area, be aware of cyclists and pedestrians.

Bowmont Park (85 St NW)

  • Several off-leash areas, one of which has access to the river.
  • Trails are equipped with benches and trash cans.

Mount Pleasant

  • Fenced off-leash area for added safety.

Southwest (SW) — the most diverse options

SW Calgary offers both large natural parks and compact urban locations.

Edworthy Park (Spruce Dr SW)

  • Several off-leash areas;
  • Scenic trails along the Bow River.

River Park (Elbow River)

  • 21 hectares of open space;
  • Access to water;
  • Cat Margetts Memorial Park with a dog fountain.

Connaught Park (Beltline)

  • Large fenced off-leash area;
  • separate area for small dogs;
  • convenient central location near cafes, restaurants, and downtown.

Southeast (SE) — the largest fenced area

Sue Higgins Park (Southland Dr SE & Deerfoot Trail)

  • Largest fenced off-leash area in the city;
  • 62 hectares;
  • Created in 1994;
  • Direct access to the Bow River;
  • numerous trails and public art installations.

Auburn Bay

  • New fenced off-leash area (Auburn Bay Dr. & 52 St SE);
  • ideal for residents of new neighborhoods.

Northeast Sector (NE)

Tom Campbell's Hill Natural Park

  • Located above St. George's Drive;
  • Stunning views of the city and mountains.

Legal framework and regulatory environment

Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw

Calgary is officially an “on-leash city”, which means:

  • Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas;
  • Exceptions are designated off-leash areas.

Bylaw 23M2006 requires that dogs be under the control of their owner at all times, regardless of the type of area.

“Under control” means the ability of the dog to respond to voice or visual commands for safety.

Fines and law enforcement

New fines are in effect as of January 2022:

  • $150 for a dog off-leash in an on-leash zone.
  • $100 for an uncontrolled dog.
  • $250 for failure to clean up after your dog.
  • $100 for dogs “at large” (unattended by their owner).

Calgary has also introduced an off-leash ambassador program, where volunteers help educate owners. Peace officers patrol the areas, issue warnings and fines.

Limits on the number of dogs

From February 2022:

  • up to 6 off-leash dogs allowed at a time;
  • violation of the limit is punishable by a $100 fine;
  • a new bylaw has been created to ensure safe care.

Special categories of off-leash areas

Fenced vs. unfenced

Among Calgary's 160+ off-leash areas, only a few are fully fenced for maximum safety:

  • Sue Higgins Park — 62 acres.
  • Connaught Park (Beltline) — includes a small dog area.
  • Auburn Bay, Falconridge, Taradale, Mount Pleasant — other popular fenced areas.

Most areas are unfenced and rely on:

  • natural boundaries;
  • owner responsibility.

Areas with water access

Many of Calgary's popular off-leash areas are located along the Bow and Elbow rivers:

  • Sue Higgins Park — direct access to the Bow River.
  • Bowmont Park — several river access areas.
  • River Park — designated swimming areas.
  • Edworthy Park — water access and nature trails.

Important: Calgary bylaws allow dogs to swim only in rivers adjacent to parks, but not in lakes or artificial bodies of water.

Private off-leash options and alternatives in Calgary

Commercial private parks

For owners who need a more controlled environment, Calgary offers several private off-leash options.

Country Club Pet Resort

  • Has several private off-leash parks throughout Calgary.
  • Offers booking time slots.

Barrett Off Leash (2 km east of Calgary city limits) Three options:

  • “Rough and tumble” — 128×112 ft for $10.50/55 min;
  • “Safe haven” — 325×145 ft for $15.75/55 min;
  • Indoor area — $42/55 min.

Hightails Pet Resort

  • Offers professional supervision and daycare services.

Calgary Associated Dog Fanciers

  • Operates the only dog-only park near Elliston Park;
  • Has membership fees and breed-specific events.

Advantages of private vs public areas

Private off-leash areas offer:

  • Controlled environment without unknown dogs;
  • Professional supervision for added safety;
  • Booking systems to avoid overcrowding.

Cons: significantly higher cost — from $10.50 to $42 per hour (compared to free public areas).

Etiquette and safety in off-leash areas

Calgary Humane Society recommendations

The Calgary Humane Society has published comprehensive off-leash park etiquette guidelines:

  • Dogs must have a reliable recall command — they must respond to commands even in the presence of:
  • wildlife,
  • small children,
  • other dogs.
  • Avoid bringing puppies under 5 months old.
  • Do not talk on the phone while supervising.
  • Use toys and treats with caution.
  • Leave the park if:
  • your dog becomes a bully,
  • play becomes too rough.

Red flags and when to leave the area

Owners should learn canine communication to better understand their dogs' behavior.

Calgary bylaws require:

  • immediate restraint and removal of the dog in the event of:
  • threatening behavior,
  • aggressive behavior,
  • ignoring the owner's commands.

Dogs with resource guarding issues (food, toys) should not be in off-leash parks until their behavior has been corrected by a professional trainer.

Seasonal considerations and weather factors

Winter challenges in Calgary

Calgary's climate creates challenging conditions for off-leash parks:

  • Temperatures below -30°C;
  • Danger to small breeds and dogs without winter protection.

Recommendations:

  • Make shorter visits.
  • Consider indoor alternatives.
  • Use dog booties due to salt and ice melt chemicals on the trails.
  • Due to short daylight hours and darkness, extra attention is needed for wildlife encounters.

Summer benefits and peak usage

Summer in Calgary is peak season for off-leash areas:

  • Ideal temperatures for extended outdoor activities.
  • Areas with access to rivers become extremely popular.
  • Owners should be aware of possible fluctuations in bacteria levels in natural bodies of water.

Future developments and system expansion

Harvest Hills — temporary off-leash area

Calgary Transit has created a temporary Harvest Hills Off-Leash Area (96 Avenue NE & Harvest Hills Blvd):

  • 5 acres of land;
  • Used for the future Green Line LRT;
  • Has perimeter fencing and garbage receptacles.

Special feature: This area will exist until the start of Green Line construction, setting an example of temporary use of urban resources.

Comprehensive resources and maps

Calgary is rightfully considered one of the most dog-friendly cities in the world thanks to:

  • 160+ dedicated off-leash areas;
  • 1,145 hectares of parkland;
  • 13% of the city's land managed by Calgary Parks.

From:

  • Nose Hill Park — huge natural spaces,
  • Connaught Park — convenient urban oases,
  • Sue Higgins Park — the largest fenced-in area,
  • to riverside locations for dogs who love water.

Key to success:

  • compliance with city bylaws;
  • development of voice control and training;
  • proper selection of off-leash locations to suit your dog's needs.

With the right approach, dog owners in Calgary have access to some of the best off-leash resources in the world for an active and healthy lifestyle with their four-legged friends.