Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in Canada [Ultimate Guide for 2024]

From coast to coast, Canada has some amazing off-leash dog parks. These pup paradises feature a little of everything: dog beaches, wooded trails, river access, agility equipment, and even courses, open grassy fields, and places for humans to socialize. In this ultimate guide, we'll explore the top spots for your furry companions to roam and play across several provinces. 

Before we dive into the details, it should go without saying that being a responsible pet owner is crucial, especially when you and Fido visit public spaces. Respect all local laws regarding licences and vaccines, and always bring quality leashes for dogs in case you need to get your pup under control quickly. These simple steps ensure our beloved dogs (and their companions) remain safe and can continue to explore off-leash. 

Now, without further ado, let's check out some of Canada's best off-leash dog parks!

Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in Alberta

St. Joseph Off Leash Park, Calgary

It is smaller than some of Calgary's off-leash dog parks, but St. Joseph is very well-loved by dog owners (and their dogs!). The park is in the northern part of the city, near the Mt. Pleasant neighbourhood, and has a spacious area and secure high fencing. It's one open area for dogs of all sizes, but just the right size so everyone can carve out a little space of their own. 

• Address: 629 20 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 1C9
• Directions

Jackie Parker Off-Leash Dog Park, Edmonton

A standout among other leash-free dog parks throughout the city, Jackie Parker offers dogs a massive open grassy field, a great trail system, and access to Mill Creek. There are benches and trash cans throughout and restrooms nearby. The park even has a memorial tree, paying tribute to dogs who have gone to doggie heaven. Right next to the dog play areas are the park's playground, a large pond, and a seasonal splash pad, so it's easy to make an outing here into an all-day affair. Importantly, this dog park is not fully fenced. However, it's such a large area that it's not really an issue. 

• Address: 50 St NW, Edmonton, AB 4540
• Directions

Oxbows Off Leash Dog Park, Red Deer

A huge park with a bit of everything, Oxbows appeals to every type of dog (and human!). There is a smaller, traditional fenced-in area where dogs can play securely, but the majority of this park is actually an enormous open natural area. It has trails, open grass, and even a small agility course for training. One of the more popular features is a dedicated field for digging. 

• Address: 40 Ave, Red Deer, AB T4N 3T4
• Directions

Looking for more options? Check out more off-leash dog parks in Alberta here.

Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in BC

 

Spanish Banks Off Leash Dog Area, Vancouver

Spanish Banks is highly regarded as one of the best off-leash dog parks not just in BC but across Canada. Looking at reviews and forum comments, many dog owners go out of their way to stop here when they're travelling. It's easy to see why! You get views of downtown and the North Shore Mountains, and dogs can play on the beach, in the water, or a grassy field. If you can time it right, visit at low tide when nearly one kilometre of "extra" beach is exposed.

• Address: 4783 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1X8
• Directions

Kennedy Park Off-leash Area, Surrey

This isn't the largest option in Surrey, but it has far more interactive features than any other leash-free dog park nearby. The fully fenced park has digging pits, agility equipment such as ramps, logs, and rings, mud pits to roll around in, and a water fountain with a hose (turned off outside the summer months). There are separate areas for different-sized dogs, both with sawdust and grassy surfaces, as well as a common grassy field and a forested trail.

• Address: 12171 90 Ave, Surrey, BC V3V 1B6
• Directions

Confederation Park Dog Park, Burnaby

A popular off-leash dog park near the waterfront, Confederation is huge and has tons of shade trees, plus different surfaces for dogs to play. There's dirt/mulch, grass, and little clusters of bushes for pups to explore and sniff to their hearts' content. The one-size-fits-all side is significantly larger, but there is a smaller enclosed area for shy or small dogs. Across the street, you can also walk your dog on the 1.5-km Confederation Park Off-Leash Trail.

• Address: 4598 Penzance Dr, Burnaby, BC
• Directions

Can’t get enough? Check out our more comprehensive list of off-leash dog parks in BC.

Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in Ontario

High Park Dog Off Leash Area, Toronto

High Park as a whole is fantastic, but the 8.5-acre off-leash 'Dog Hill' area is really impressive. It's heavily wooded and features a network of trails, open fields, and a dog pond. There's also fresh water via a fire hydrant connection, plenty of benches for human socialization, and lights for nighttime visits.

Before or after your dog park visit, consider walking on the adjacent off-leash trail. Note that the dog areas at High Park aren't fully enclosed, so your dog should have excellent recall. Bring your favourite leashes for dogs, and be sure to keep your pup connected until you're in the off-leash zone. 

• Address: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3
• Directions

Bruce Pit, Ottawa

If you're looking for an off-leash dog park in a natural setting, consider your search done. This tremendous park has numerous forested trails to explore, as well as a large grassy field perfect for socializing and burning off energy. There's also a pond, although it isn't recommended that dogs play or swim in it. Best of all, the entire park is securely fenced in. 

• Address: 175 Cedarview Rd, Nepean, ON K2H 6A5
• Directions

Hamilton/Burlington SPCA Dog Park, Hamilton

The Hamilton SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) owns this dog park and lets the public use it. It's a great size, with an open playing area and a wooded trail. The enclosed dog park is mostly grass, but there's a section with a wood chip/mulch surface and some shrubs and large rocks dogs can explore. Adjacent to the fenced area is a larger natural area owned by the city. Dogs are welcome to play off-leash there but note that it isn't fenced. 

Be aware that this dog park closes for a few hours intermittently throughout the week to allow its shelter dogs some time to use the dog park (how cool is that?). 

• Address: 245 Dartnall Rd, Hamilton, ON L8W 3V9
• Directions

Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in Quebec

Parc Percy-Walters Dog Park, Montréal

Parc Percy-Walters is home to one of the largest off-leash dog parks in the city. It's an enormous, completely fenced area with several benches and a water fountain in the summer. The park stays open until 11:00 p.m. nightly and is well-lit after dark. As a bonus, because it's right downtown, there are many cute dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, and shops within easy walking distance. The park is also on the edge of Mount Royal Park, widely considered the city's crown jewel. 

Note that the city of Montréal has a unique law prohibiting people from bringing more than two dogs to a dog park at one time. 

• Address: 40 Av. Mcgregor, Montréal, QC H3G 2J8
• Directions

Pointe-aux-Lièvres Dog Area, Québec City

Like several other leash-free dog parks across Canada, this one is nestled along a riverbank. The Pointe-aux-Lièvres dog area not only overlooks the St. Charles River but also offers views of the city skyline. This park's surface is mostly gravel, but there are "islands" of grass, as well as large boulders that dogs enjoy jumping on and over. It also has separate fenced areas for larger and smaller dogs. Note that balls and other toys are not permitted. 

• Address: 25, de la, Québec, QC G1K 2L1
• Directions

Laval-Ouest Dog Park, Laval

Located on one edge of Laval-Ouest Park itself, this fully fenced off-leash dog park is right next to the skate park and football field. The park is fairly straightforward with few features, but it is large and very well-maintained. Small and large dogs have two separate social areas, and the area is well-lit for nighttime use. A walking path also runs adjacent to the dog park area. 

• Address: 2401 Chemin St Antoine, Laval, QC H7R 6H7
• Directions

Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in Manitoba

Bonnycastle Dog Park, Winnipeg

Situated along the Assiniboine River in downtown Winnipeg, Bonnycastle is one of the best leash-free dog parks in the city. It's fully fenced and has artificial turf, so it never gets too wet or muddy. Several trees dot the park, providing plenty of shade and benches and picnic tables. In the summer, dogs have access to a water fountain. The real highlight here is Fête Ice Cream & Coffee right next door—for $1, you can treat Fido to a delicious "pup cone."

• Address: Assiniboine at Garry St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0X6
• Directions

East End Dog Park, Brandon

This no-frills dog park is a local favourite. It's fully fenced and conveniently located in the heart of the city. There are benches for humans and plenty of trees offering shade, along with doggie waste disposal bags and trash cans. Although it's just one large area rather than separated for small and large dogs, it's big enough that it never feels overwhelming with too many dogs. 

• Address: 1008 Victoria Ave E, Brandon, MB R7A 2A5
• Directions

L.A. Barkman Dog Park, Steinbach

Steinbach's sole dog park is on the northwestern corner of popular L.A. Barkman Park. It's fairly new, opened in 2021, and separated into two fenced areas for small (or shy) and large dogs. The one-acre park is fully fenced and has doggie water fountains, a fun agility ramp/stairs feature for pups to run up and down, benches and picnic tables, fire hydrants, waste disposal stations, and a handful of shade trees. 

• Address: L.A. Barkman Park off Woodhaven Ave., Steinbach, MB R5G 0B4
• Directions

Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in Saskatchewan