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Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in Alberta

Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in Alberta

by Robert Johnson

Alberta's diverse, naturally beautiful landscapes offer a haven for all sorts of fun and outdoor exploration—for both humans and dogs. From lush green spaces in the heart of major cities to tranquil riverside retreats, Alberta has no shortage of places to explore, play, and roam.

Some of the best are off-leash dog parks, which feature fenced play spaces, walking trails, and direct access to lakes and rivers—something we’re sure your furry buddy will love!  

 At Rocky Mountain Dog, we've scoured the province to bring you a handpicked selection of 13 of Alberta's best dog parks, Plus 8 private off leash areas in Calgary, catering to every dog's adventurous spirit. Before heading out the door, be sure to grab the best leash for walking!

German Shepherd playing in show in a off-leash dog park

Off-Leash Dog Parks in Calgary

Calgary is especially committed to giving residents an abundance of options when they search for off-leash dog parks. A whopping 17% of the city's open green spaces are off-leash dog parks, totalling over 150! It was challenging to narrow it down, but here are four of the best.

Sue Higgins Park

We can't talk about off-leash dog parks in Calgary without discussing the largest one in the city. Once known as Southland Park, Sue Higgins Park has 62 hectares of fenced area where dogs can roam leash-free. Best of all, it sits right on the banks of the Bow River. 

  • Address: Southland Drive SE &, Deerfoot Trail, Calgary, AB T2J 1S1
  • Directions

Nose Hill Park

Not only is Nose Hill Park one of Calgary's best and biggest off-leash dog parks, but it's also one of the largest urban parks in North America. It overlooks the city and has a large open area where dogs can run around off-leash. It's important to note that the paved path is an on-leash area, so please be mindful of bikes and pedestrians when walking on a leash. 

  • Address: 6465 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T3K 2P6
  • Directions
beagle dogs at nose hill park calgary alberta

Bowmont Park Off-Leash Area

Another option for leash-free dog parks along the Bow River, Bowmont Park has several fenced areas for dogs. They're scattered throughout the park, and one has direct river access. Bowmont Park also has several popular hiking trails.

  • Address: 85 St NW, Calgary, AB T3B 3P5
  • Directions

University District Off Leash Dog Park

If you're looking for a small, quieter dog park in Calgary, this is an excellent choice. It’s relatively new; it opened in July 2018. On the northwest corner of the University of Calgary campus, this small dog park is exceptionally clean and has two areas, one for larger dogs and one for small pups.  

This one made it to our list for two reasons: one, because of its size, it’s great for your little pups who need some social training before being out in the open with lots of people and other fellow puppers.

Two, it has artificial turf, so if your pooch has grass allergies, this park is a great option!

  • Address: Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3B
  • Directions

Edworthy Park

Edworthy Park sits in a valley along the Bow River in southwest Calgary. It includes the majestic Douglas Fir Trail and historical Lawrey Gardens. 

Douglas Fir Trail is a beautiful hike through the forest. Later, you can enjoy the many picnic areas. Please note that not all areas here are off-leash, so be mindful. When enjoying the park, also be aware that the land is approximately 15 m from active train tracks. 

  • Address: 5050 Spruce Dr. SW (Bow Tr. & Spruce Dr.)
  • Directions
duck toller dog at edworthy park sunrise calgary alberta sunrise

 

Off-Leash Dog Parks in Edmonton

Although Edmonton doesn't have quite as many dog parks as Calgary, there are over 50 to explore with your four-legged friend. One important thing to note is that many of Edmonton's off-leash dog parks aren't fenced. 

Dawson Park Off-Leash Area

If you have a dog with great recall and you both enjoy natural spaces, check out the Dawson Park Off-Leash Area. This central Edmonton dog park hugs the North Saskatchewan River and has several well-maintained walking paths, along with a large, unfenced off-leash area. 

  • Address: 10298 89 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5Z 0E7, Canada
  • Directions

Terwillegar Park Off-Leash Area

On the opposite side of Edmonton, there's another great off-leash dog park that's an open, natural space. Terwillegar Park has numerous dog-friendly paths, direct river access, and a field where dogs congregate. In the summers, there's also a food truck that sells goodies for both humans and dogs. 

  • Address: 10 Rabbit Hill Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6R 0R7
  • Directions

Grand Trunk Off Leash Dog Park/Lauderdale Off-Leash Area

This large, open space is a wonderful park for dogs who need a lot of room to run and roam. The no-frills park has a few benches for owners, along with some trees, and the spacious fenced-in area has a separate, smaller one for little or shy dogs. Note that the two names are used interchangeably. 

  • Address: Intersection of 127 Avenue and 113 A Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5E 0C5
  • Directions

Big Bear Park/Bearspaw Off-leash Area

This spot is ideal for folks looking for an off-leash dog park in south Edmonton. The quiet neighbourhood park is heavily treed and has both, dog-friendly walking paths and fenced areas, where dogs can play freely. 

  • Address: 1312 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 5X9
  • Directions

Off-Leash Dog Parks in Red Deer

Red Deer has many open natural spaces and trails. It's an exceptionally dog-friendly city and a great place to explore the outdoors with your dog. 

Three Mile Bend

This unfenced dog park is a large natural area along the Red Deer River, with a 3.4-kilometre walking trail and ponds for dogs to play in. There are bathrooms, ample parking, and plenty of places for pup parents to sit and watch their dogs or socialize. 

  • Address: 8649+FF, 76 St, Red Deer, AB T4P 3R6
  • Directions
female walking great dane dog off leash park alberta

Oxbows Off Leash Dog Park

Looking for leash-free dog parks that have a bit of everything? Oxbows is a large open space with a smaller fenced area in the middle, perfect for shy dogs or when yours just needs a bit of a break. There's even an agility course for letting your dog practice some skills or get extra energy out.

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

Off-Leash Dog Parks in Lethbridge

There are some awesome spots here for your outdoor adventures with your dog. Don’t forget to read up on some dog park etiquette by the City. Some Lethbridge dog parks we love:

Popson Dog Park

This beautiful off-leash dog area features walking paths winding around the colourful coulees and direct access to the Old Man River. Note that when the weather begins to warm up in late spring, Prairie Rattlesnakes frequent this area. Watch your step, and don't let your pup poke into tall grass.

  • Address: 950 60 Ave W, Lethbridge, AB T1J
  • Directions

RiverStone Dog Park

For those who prefer a smaller, enclosed space, RiverStone Dog Park is the perfect solution. The definition of small but mighty, this 1.5-acre park has lots of doggie play equipment, seating, and water fountains for both dogs and humans. 

  • Address: Southeast corner of 40 Ave W, between University Dr W and Rivergrove Lane W, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4S8
  • Directions

Peenaquim Park Off-leash Area

This especially clean, well-maintained park features both a small fenced area and a 2-kilometer dog-friendly walking trail that runs parallel to the river. There are also several spots just off-trail with direct river access for pups who enjoy swimming or splashing around. 

  • Address: At the far northern end of Peenaquim Park, between Scenic Dr N and the river, Lethbridge, AB T0K 0T0
  • Directions

Private Off-Leash Dog Parks Calgary

We know that not all dogs like to play with others. If you’re looking for a private off-leash area for your dog who is either reactive or just not good off-leash, these private off-leash parks are the perfect place to let your dog roam free safely! Please note that these locations require proof of certain vaccinations (i.e., rabies).

Hightails Pet Resort

This 2-acre fenced-in private park is super easy to access and open 7 days a week. Create an online account and book your time slot for only $20 an hour ($15 for 30 mins). You can pull right up to the park entrance, and once inside, you lock the gate behind you, ensuring that no other dogs will be able to enter. Be mindful that ground squirrels live here so watch for holes! 

Play Unleashed

With a 6-foot high chain link fence surrounding 50,000 sq ft of outdoor space, your dogs are sure to have a great time here. The parks have double gate systems to ensure your dogs stay secure. There are 7 themed outdoor parks and 2 indoor parks (which are great for cold days)

Barrett Off Leash 

Offering three options for Private play.

Rough and tumble: 128x112 ft with a 6ft privacy fence. Zero interaction with other dogs upon arrival starting at 10.50 for 55 mins

Safe haven: 325 x 145 ft of private off-leash area starting at $15.75 for 55 mins 

The indoor area: private time slots starting from $42 for 55mins

Country Club Pet Resort

This amazing facility offers 5 different private play outdoor areas which range from 3 acres to 5 acres. It even has a private splash pool for those hot days. The best part is they offer full and half-day rentals. 

Paw Butler: At your service  

This private off-leash area has two different parks to choose from. Rates start at $10 for 30 minutes and $15 for 60 minutes.

Scent Trail: This field has a drive-in gate and lots of trees and play structures for dogs who like to explore. 

Room to Roam: Wide open space surrounded by trees, perfect for those pups that need to run. 

Pawsitively Wild and Free Off-leash Dog Park

This place has 4 different parks to choose from. Open 7 days a week rates start at $11 for 30 mins and $16 for 60 mins. The website even features videos of each of the parks to make choosing which one super easy! Park 1 also features a swimming hole. 

Wet Noses

This location offers four different parks with rates starting at $17 for 60 mins

Park 1: 40 acres; A great place to practice field tracking 

Park 2: 6 acres; Lower agility park 

Park 3: Agility ring standard 100x110

Park 4: Agility Ring Jumpers 100x110 

My Walkies 

This place offers three different parks for your active dog

Release the Leash: 2.5 acres with a small forest. Ideal for ball-throwing 

Agility Park: 1-acre park with agility equipment 

Adventure Park: Non-private; up to 8 families can book at a time 

 

Enhance Your Dog Park Visit With Quality Leashes for Your Furry Buddy!

As dog-loving adventure enthusiasts ourselves, Rocky Mountain Dog understands the importance of having high-quality, reliable leashes and other gear for a fun, safe, and enjoyable experience.

So, next time you're considering heading to the dog park with your pup, or going on any other adventures for that matter, grab Canada's favourite dog leash: our All Mountain Hands-Free Leash. 

Explore all of our other adventure-ready dog gear and accessories by visiting our website today.
by Robert Johnson