Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Alberta

Jackie Parker Park is a large open space where Fido can romp off-leash. The Park is best for walking, ball throwing, and playing with multiple dogs. Jackie Parker features granular and natural paths, access to water, partial lighting, and snow removal in certain sections. The Park is not fenced. Dogs must be cleaned up after and licensed. Owners should have voice control of their pet and have a leash on hand. Jackie Parker Park is open daily from 5am to 11pm.

Hermitage Park is best for playing with multiple dogs, throwing the ball, and off-leash walks. The Park's path is mixed, with paved paths cleared of snow when necessary. It also boasts water access. There is no fencing around the off-leash area of Hermitage Park. Dogs must be cleaned up after and licensed during their visit. Owners should have voice control of their pet and have a leash on hand. Hermitage Park is open daily from 5am to 11pm.

With magnificent views and nearly 950 miles (1500 km) of trails along with valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers, Banff National Park has plenty of areas for you to explore with Fido. Dogs are welcome on many of the trails, but not all. Just remember that dogs must be leashed at all times, no matter where in the park you are, and it is imperative to the health of wildlife that you clean up after your pup.

Dawson Park features a large off-leash area where dog owners can bring multiple dogs on walks or play a game of fetch. Along with open space, Dawson Park offers paved and gravel paths, and partial lighting. When it snows, hard surface trails will be cleared. The area is not fenced. Dogs must be cleaned up after and licensed. Owners should have voice control of their pet and have a leash on hand. Dawson Park is open daily from 5am to 11pm.

Fido can explore off-leash at the Patricia Ravine! The trek features paved and granular mix paths and water access. Dogs hiking the Patricia Ravine must be cleaned up after and licensed during their visit. Owners should have voice control of their pet and have a leash on hand.

Mill Creek Ravine North is an off-leash area perfect for walking your pooch. The area features a granular path and water access. It is not fenced. The granular trail along the bottom of the ravine to the 82 Ave overpass is the only space where dogs can explore off-leash. Dogs must be licensed and cleaned up after. Owners should have voice control of their pet and have a leash on hand. Mill Creek Ravine North is open daily from 5am to 11pm.

Bring Fido to the pet-friendly Waterton Lakes National Park where you and your pup will find breathtaking waterfalls, clear lakes, beautiful streams and stunning mountain vistas in Waterton Park, AB. From the moderately difficult Bear's Hump Trail, which leads to epic views of a lake and mountain range, to the easy Blakiston Falls Trail, there's something for every level of hiker in this idyllic protected area. Dogs must be leashed at all times, and it is imperative to the health of the wildlife that you clean up after your pup.

Valley of the Five Lakes Trailhead is the access point to a vast interconnected dog-friendly trail system within Jasper National Park in Jasper, AB. There are multiple trails ranging from a short half hour hike to the moderate Overlander Trail that requires a 10-12 hour trek. Three of the trails near Maligne Lake and the Cavell Meadows Trail does not allow dogs. The remaining 34 trails do allow dogs.

Bring Fido to Gold Bar Trail to hike off-leash along the river. Gold Bar Trail features a granular walking path, partial fencing, water access, and partial lighting. Dogs must be cleaned up after and licensed. Owners should have voice control of their pet and have a leash on hand. The park is open from 5am to 11pm daily.

Elk Island National Park is a dog-friendly natural attraction in Edmonton, AB. Located 30 minutes east of Edmonton and open year round, this national park is an important refuge for bison, elk, and over 250 species of birds. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you when exploring Elk Island National Park and should always be kept at a safe distance from wildlife. Dog walking, picnicking, cycling, hiking, snowshoeing, star gazing and wildlife watching are some of the most popular activities. During your visit, take Hayburger Trail or Wood Bison Trail to admire vast plains and herds of Bison, or explore the many islands of Astotin Lake from your kayak in summer. For additional guidance about visiting with Fido, please visit this link: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/regles-rules/chien-dog.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is a pet-friendly park in Milk River, AB. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on the Matapiiksi Trail, which leads to views of one of the park's famous rock columns that are known as hoodoos, or the Battle Scene Trail next to the Milk River. Visitors are reminded to please remain on the trails throughout the park, and do not deface or disturb any of the sacred rock art or landforms.

Police Point Park is a pet-friendly park in Medicine Hat, AB. This public park sprawls over 230 acres of stunning backcountry. Leashed pets can join their owners on a variety of trails that lead to trees up to 300 years old. The easy loop trail is a great place to start your adventure.

Prince's Island Park in downtown Calgary, AB is pet friendly. Take a stroll around this pretty public park and you'll encounter many dogs and their owners along the way. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it in one of the flower gardens, then wander on the paved trails and learn about the constructed wetland that surrounds the Chevron Learning Pathway.

Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary is pet-friendly. Cast a line with your Labrador into Bow River, a world-class trout fishery, explore nearly 50 miles of paved and shale pathways, and be on the look out for more than 200 species of bird who have been spotted in the park.

Henderson Lake Park in Lethbridge, AB is a pet-friendly, 47-hectare park with a manmade lake at its heart. Walk around the water with your leashed pooch on nearly five miles of paved trails.

Fort Normandeau in Red Deer, AB, welcomes leashed pets to join their owners for a self-guided tour along the dog-friendly trail around the heritage museum. Known as the birthplace of Red Deer, you can learn all about its history by reading the interpretive signs along the way.

Fort Calgary is a dog-friendly museum in Calgary, CA. Leashed dogs are welcome in the outside areas of this park, which includes a historic fort. Located along the RiverWalk, it only takes 10 minutes to reach this site from downtown with your dog.

Great Chief Park is a pet-friendly park in Red Deer, AB. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on the paved trails that weave around this picturesque park. Afterwards, head to Bower Ponds and hop in a pet-friendly paddleboat rental together.

Indian Battle Park is a dog-friendly park in Lethbridge, AB. Located in the Oldman River Valley, leashed dogs can join their owners at this park that features a variety of trails that meander throughout the flood plain and are sheltered by mature trees.

Bull Trail Park North in Lethbridge, AB is pet friendly. The site of the battle between the Cree and the Blackfoot Indian Tribes, this public park features a dog-friendly trail system that covers the west side of the river from Heritage Heights to the University of Lethbridge. Leashed pups are welcome on the trails.