Doggie’s Day Out: Dog-Friendly Places in Calgary

Is there anything more fun than spending a day on the town with man's best friend? Calgary is an extremely dog-friendly city with more than 150 off-leash areas & parks and a growing number of services for pups. Here are some of the best dog-friendly places to visit in Calgary with Fido by your side!

Bailee Schaetzle

October 15, 2018
A dog named Magoo at the Wedderburn Showhome

Calgary is an extremely dog-friendly city with more than 150 off-leash areas and parks and a growing number of services for pups. Here are some of the best dog-friendly places to visit in Calgary with Fido by your side!

Calgary Dog Parks

Calgary is home to dozens of off-leash spaces to get some exercise for you and your doggo.

Here are a handful of the best areas to explore:

  1. Nose Hill Park (NW Calgary)
    Nose Hill Park is one of the largest off-leash parks in North America with seemingly endless space to play and explore away from busy city life. 
  2. Town of Okotoks Off Leash Park (Okotoks)
    Accessed through the community of Drake Landing, this park provides a clean safe environment for your dog to run, play and socialize.
  3. Rotary Park (NW Calgary)
    Rotary Park isn’t just dog-friendly; it’s great for the whole family with a splash park and playground. 
  4. Sue Higgins Park (SE Calgary)
    Located on the banks of the Bow River in southeast Calgary, Sue Higgins Park is home to the largest fenced off-leash dog area in the city. The park features marshy areas and grasslands to explore with extensive wildlife. 
  5. Bowmont off-leash area (NW Calgary)
    Up for a little adventure? The Bowmont off-leash area is a great place to take a hike with your best friend along the river bank.
Jake, Sue Higgins Park
Luna & Kai, Bowmont Off-Leash Area

Pet Friendly Patios in Calgary

Want to enjoy a warm day outdoors and grab a bite with your pup? Calgary offers dozens of dog-approved patios, many of which even have dog menus! Here’s a list to make it easier to plan your next outing and take in a little people watching.

Pet Friendly Retail Shops in Calgary

There are plenty of shops in Calgary that allow well-behaved and leashed pets to join you while shopping. From outdoor and sporting goods stores to clothing, here are some of the best local stores that welcome four-legged guests. 

  1. 17th Avenue Retail District 
    17th Avenue SW is one of the top retail streets in Calgary and it’s also one of the best places to take your dog on an outing. This retail and entertainment district allows leashed dogs in common areas and it’s packed with outdoor patios and stores allowing dogs as well. Individual stores choose whether they allow pets but most non-food shops on 17th do. 
  2. Latitude Art Gallery
    The Latitude Art Gallery always welcomes leashed dogs in the Gallery. Bring your four-legged friend to enjoy the contemporary work and remember that proceeds from the sale of limited edition giclées support Four Feet Companion Foundation.
  3. Color Me Mine Paint Your Own Ceramic Studio
    Color Me Mine has locations throughout the Calgary area and dogs are always allowed in the studio. Bring your pup along so they can make paw print artwork with no appointment necessary. 
  4. Urban Barn
    Urban Barn is a popular contemporary furniture store with locations throughout Alberta. All Urban Barn locations allow leashed dogs so your four-legged pal can help you pick out a new dog-friendly couch. 
  5. TJX Canada Stores
    Some TJX Canada Stores, which include Marshalls, HomeSense, and Winners, welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs in their locations.
  6. Michaels
    Craft stores like Michaels are well-known for being pet-friendly. While each store manager has final say about whether dogs are allowed, most locations around Calgary allow pets on a leash or in a shopping cart.
  7. Cabela’s Outdoor Outfitters
    Cabela’s is an outdoor authority so it should come as no surprise that most locations, including the Calgary location, allow leashed dogs. Cabela’s welcomes dogs and even allows pups to try on outdoor gear. The Calgary location even offers occasional pet-oriented events such as the annual Dog Days Family Event in April with free pet gifts and contests. 

Remember that some people have safety and health concerns around dogs, including allergies or phobias. If you decide to go on an outing with your dog at a public place, especially a patio or store, follow some basic etiquette rules.

Be respectful of their use of the space and make sure your dog can be well behaved enough for the trip in public.

About the Author: Bailee Schaetzle

SIGN UP FOR OUR BLOG & NEWSLETTER:
FEATURED ARTICLES:
  • children decorating for the holidays

    Calgary & Area Holiday Festivities

  • Moving to D’Arcy

  • 7 Reasons to Build with Sterling Homes in Harmony