Which parks in Calgary allow dogs?

Calgary is rightly considered one of the most dog-friendly cities in North America, with an impressive network of over 160 public off-leash areas comprising approximately 1,145 hectares of parkland. This represents approximately 13% of the total 8,642 hectares of parkland managed by Calgary Parks, making Calgary the leader among North American cities in terms of the number and size of off-leash areas.

The city is constantly working to improve and expand its network of off-leash areas, recognizing the importance of these spaces for the well-being of pets and the quality of life of residents.

Unique features of Calgary's off-leash network

A unique feature of Calgary is that all city off-leash areas are multifunctional spaces rather than exclusive dog-only parks. The only exception is a private dog park operated by Calgary Associated Dog Fanciers near Elliston Park.

This philosophy of multi-purpose use allows for the creation of more integrated public spaces where dog owners can enjoy the parks alongside other users.

Basic rules and regulatory environment

General principles of an “on-leash city”

Calgary is officially an “on-leash city”, which means leashes are required for dogs in all public areas, except for designated off-leash areas. If signage on site differs from the official list, signage on site takes precedence.

Dogs must be under the control of their owner at all times, which in off-leash areas means being able to respond to voice, sound, or visual commands from the owner to protect against hazards such as cars, aggressive dogs, or coyotes.

Rules for the city trail network

Separate rules apply to Calgary's pathway system:

  • Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 2 meters.

  • Dogs must walk on the right side of the trail when in motion, except when passing.

  • Dogs must not interfere with other users.

  • Cycling or rollerblading with a dog is prohibited as it is dangerous.

Important:

  • All parking lots are on-leash zones, even those belonging to off-leash parks.

  • Dogs are not allowed to be closer than 5 meters from “No Dog Areas”, even if they are not marked.

  • Prohibited areas include:

  • children's playgrounds;

  • school grounds;

  • swimming areas;

  • sports fields;

  • golf courses;

  • cemeteries.

Top off-leash parks in Calgary

Sue Higgins Park — the largest fenced-in area in the city

Sue Higgins Park (formerly Southland Park) is located along the banks of the Bow River in southeast Calgary and is home to the largest fenced-in off-leash area in the city.

  • Year established: 1994
  • Location: Southland Drive SE and Deerfoot Trail
  • Area: 62 hectares

Park features:

  • Completely fenced area for maximum safety.
  • Direct access to the Bow River for dogs who love to swim.
  • Numerous trails for walking in wooded areas.
  • Picnic tables for owners.
  • Restrooms and public art, including “Deux Chiens Assis”.

Hours: Daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Ideal for dogs of all types, especially those who love water, and owners who value a safe environment.

Nose Hill Park — the largest urban park

Nose Hill Park is not only one of Calgary's best off-leash parks, but also one of the largest urban parks in North America.

  • Area: 1,129 hectares
  • Address: 6465 14 St NW (also 5620 14th Street NW)
  • Trails: over 300 km to explore

Thanks to its elevation, the park offers stunning panoramic views of the city, making it one of the most popular places to walk your dog.

Off-leash and on-leash parks in Calgary — a complete guide for dog owners

Nose Hill Park — paved trail and safety

It is important to note that the paved trail at Nose Hill is an on-leash area, so owners should be mindful of bicyclists and pedestrians when walking their dogs on a leash.

Approximately 1/3 of the park is designated for off-leash use. The park is best suited for active dogs and owners who enjoy long walks and scenic views.

Users have reported coyote sightings, so extra caution is recommended.

Bowmont Park — river activities and diverse areas

Bowmont Park is located on the north bank of the Bow River and is one of the largest and most diverse parks in the city.

  • Address: 85 St NW

  • Landscape: meadows, valleys, waterfall

  • Off-leash areas available for dogs

  • Trails for walking and cycling

A special feature of the park is a long walking trail that passes through several off-leash areas. It is equipped with benches for owners and trash cans for cleaning up after pets.

Additionally, the park offers baseball and soccer fields, accessible from Silver Hill Rd NW.

River Park Off-Leash Area — river access and scenic views

River Park Off-Leash Area is located along the Elbow River in southwest Calgary and is one of the most scenic off-leash parks.

  • Area: 21 hectares
  • Wide fields
  • Quiet trails
  • Water access for dogs who love to swim

Special feature: Cat Margetts Memorial Park with a dog fountain. Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Life hack: It's best to visit the park at sunset — the views are incredible. Bring a towel for wet paws.

Unique and specialized off-leash areas

University District Off-Leash Dog Park

  • Open: July 2018

  • Location: northwest campus of the University of Calgary

  • Two separate areas:

  • for large dogs

  • for small puppies

  • Artificial turf for dogs with grass allergies.

  • Ideal for small puppies before socializing in larger parks.

Connaught Park — centrally located in the Beltline

Connaught Park is a wonderful downtown park with a large fenced-in off-leash area. A special feature is a separate area for small dogs, ensuring safe play. Additional benefits:

  • Benches and picnic tables

  • Close to cafes, restaurants, housing, and downtown businesses.

Tom Campbell's Hill — scenic views and nature

Tom Campbell's Hill Natural Park is located above St. George's Drive and offers panoramic views of the city and mountains.

  • Many walking trails
  • Known as one of the best off-leash parks
  • Features Rough Fescue Grassland, a unique local ecosystem.

On-leash parks and natural areas

Prince's Island Park — an urban oasis in the center

Prince's Island Park is a 20-acre island on the Bow River in the heart of Calgary.

It combines natural landscapes and urban areas:

  • trails and walking paths;
  • playgrounds and picnic areas;
  • flower gardens and cafes;
  • ice skating in winter;
  • large-scale events throughout the year.

Please note: Dogs are not allowed at most events in the park. This is especially true on Canada Day and Heritage Day.

Fish Creek Provincial Park — the largest provincial park

Fish Creek Provincial Park in southern Calgary is the largest urban provincial park in North America:

  • Area: 13.48 km² (3,331 acres)

  • Offers meadows, riverbanks, and forests

  • There are several off-leash areas, but most of the park is on-leash

  • The Bow River has special areas for dog swimming.

Restricted areas and restrictions

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Wildlands

Dogs are not allowed to protect the sensitive wildlife environment. Violations may result in fines.

Weaselhead Natural Environment Park

Walking is permitted only on marked trails. Owners must keep their animals under strict control.

Wildlife safety and special considerations

Coyotes

  • The greatest threat to dogs in Calgary
  • Keep dogs on a leash, even in some off-leash areas
  • Do not feed or approach coyotes.

Porcupines

  • Porcupines do not shoot their quills, but they stick in an animal's skin upon contact.
  • Removing quills is painful and expensive.
  • Wildlife reporting: Alberta Fish & Wildlife → 403-297-6423.

Fines and enforcement

Updated fines (as of March 2019):

  • Dog off leash in a leash zone: $300 CAD
  • Obstructing other users: $150 CAD

The City of Calgary has 6 officers who patrol the parks daily.

Accessibility and transportation

  • Beltline/Downtown: Connaught Park, Prince's Island Park, Eau Claire

  • Bridgeland/Riverside: close to Tom Campbell's Hill and Bridgeland Off-leash

  • Kensington/Hillhurst: access to Riley Park, Confederation Park

  • Auburn Bay/Mahogany: private Auburn Bay Dog Park

  • Nose Hill/Beddington: direct access to Nose Hill Park.

Conclusion

Calgary is rightly considered one of the most dog-friendly cities in the world.

A network of over 160 off-leash areas and extensive green spaces allow owners and dogs to enjoy nature, outdoor recreation, and socialization. The key to safe use is knowing the rules, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other park visitors.