10 Of The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks In Canada
It's no secret that Canada is home to many beautiful parks and stunning beaches. And if you're a dog owner, there's nothing like experiencing these with your canine companion. While many of these areas require pooches to be leashed, there are also a lot of parks with separate areas where Fido can roam free. From Barking Bay in Whistler to trails that wind along Bow river in Calgary, here are 10 of the most spectacular off-leash dog parks in Canada.
10 Of The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks In Canada
Conroy Pit, Ottawa
A popular park on Ottawa’s east side, Conroy Pit offers a variety of trails and fields for dogs to roam and play. The area is located in Pine Grove Forest — the largest forest in the National Capital Greenbelt — which makes it a spectacular scene in the fall.
Sue Higgins Park, Calgary
This off-leash park, nestled along the Bow River, is huge — 62-hectares huge. Thankfully, the area is enclosed by fencing, but there are four different access points to the river, where dogs can cool off. There are also free doggie waste bags located at every entrance and ample disposal bins throughout the area.
Three Mile Bend, Red Deer, Alberta
Situated on the shores of the Red Deer River, the off-leash dog park in the Three Mile Bend Recreational Area features a 3-km trail that loops around the river bend. As an added bonus, there are dispensers stocked with poop bags throughout the park!
Whistler
Whistler is home to several off-leash dog parks, with aptly named dog beaches. On Lost Lake, doggies can splash around in Canine Cove, and Rainbow Park features Barking Bay, an off-leash area where dogs can access a swimming dock.
Point Pleasant Park, Halifax
Point Pleasant Park is the oldest dog park in Halifax. Located in the south end of the Halifax peninsula, the park offers both forest trails and ocean views. Just take note, the park has a “no dogs after 10 p.m.” policy.
Notre-Dame-de-Grace Dog Run, Montreal
Benches, water, storage areas, shade, and a fenced dog run — what more could you want from a dog park? Oh, and there’s even a composting program for dog waste.
High Park, Toronto
High Park is an almost 400-acre park located in Toronto’s west end. A large section of the park is a dedicated off-leash area, complete with “dog hill,” a big, sandy area for dogs to play and picnic tables for humans to lounge on, and many trails that wind through the forest. The on- and off-leash areas are clearly marked, so you know when leashes are required.
Macaulay Point Park, Victoria
Macaulay Point Park is located about a 15-minute drive outside of Victoria. The off-leash dog area features two looping paths with some stunning water views. On hot days, follow the trails down to the beach to cool off.
Banff Dog Park, Banff
While dogs need to be on a leash at all times in Banff National Park, there is a fully fenced 1.5-acre off-leash area at the south end of the park. The dog park features benches for humans to relax on, and water bowls so dogs can rehydrate.
Centennial Park, Moncton, N.B.
Located inside Moncton’s Centennial Park, this off-leash park features a main area and another section that’s divided into separate spaces for small and large dogs. The park itself features great walking and hiking trails through the trees, but dogs must be kept on a leash.
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