Are you a home buyer looking for the best dog-friendly neighborhoods in Calgary? Finding the right home isn’t just about the house—it’s also about the community, amenities, and access to great parks for your furry family member. Calgary is one of the most dog-friendly cities in Canada, with over 150 designated off-leash areas where your dog can run free, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors. If you're considering moving to Calgary, knowing which neighborhoods offer the best off-leash parks can help you make the right choice.
Why Choose a Calgary Off-Leash Dog Park Near Your New Home?
Living near a high-quality off-leash park can make your daily routine easier and your dog's life more enjoyable. A well-located park means less travel time, more socialization for your pet, and a stronger sense of community with other dog owners. This guide highlights Calgary’s top off-leash parks and the best neighbourhoods for dog lovers.
Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in Calgary & Nearby Communities
1. Nose Hill Park (Best for North Calgary Home Buyers)
One of the largest municipal parks in North America, Nose Hill Park offers vast open spaces where dogs can roam freely. With 300 km of trails, this park is ideal for adventurous dogs and owners who love long walks. Whether your pup loves to explore grasslands or simply run free, this park has it all.
- Nearby Communities: Brentwood, Edgemont, Huntington Hills, Beddington Heights
- Location: 5620 14th Street NW, Calgary, AB
- Map: Nose Hill Park Off Leash Dog Area Map
- Area: 1129 hectares
- Hours: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Features:
- Expansive hiking trails
- Designated off-leash areas
- Native grasslands and wildlife
- Scenic views of Calgary
- Washrooms available
- Park User Note: Some users have reported coyote sightings in the area.
2. Sue Higgins Park (Best for South Calgary Home Buyers)
Sue Higgins Park is a dog lover’s paradise, offering the most extensive fenced-off area in the city. If your pup loves water, they’ll enjoy the four river access points for swimming and splashing around. This park is well-loved by dog owners for its secure fencing and fun agility features.
- Nearby Communities: Douglasdale, McKenzie Towne, Cranston, Riverbend
- Location: Deerfoot Trail & Southland Drive, Calgary, AB
- Map: Sue Higgins Off Leash Dog Area Map
- Area: 62 hectares
- Hours: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Features:
- Largest fenced off-leash area in Calgary
- Direct access to the Bow River
- Training areas with obstacles
- Picnic tables and scenic trails
- Park User Note: The smaller fenced in areas are intended for single use, first come first serve. It’s for antisocial dogs and puppies that are still in training.
3. River Park (Best for Inner-City Living & Views)
One of the most popular off-leash parks in Calgary, River Park is a fantastic spot for social dogs. It’s well-maintained and offers a mix of open fields and wooded areas. The park is perched on a ridge, providing stunning views over the Elbow River.
Photo Source - Jeremy Perkins
- Nearby Communities: Altadore, Elbow Park, Britannia, South Calgary
- Location: 5139 14th Street SW, Calgary, AB
- Map: River Park Off Leash Dog Area Map
- Area: 21 hectares
- Hours: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Features:
- Designated off-leash zones
- Dog water fountains
- Scenic views above Sandy Beach
- Shaded areas with trees
- Park User Note: Some areas within the park require dogs to be on a leash, especially when transitioning between different sections.
4. Auburn Bay Off-Leash Dog Park (Best for Family-Friendly Neighborhoods)
If you're in southeast Calgary, Auburn Bay Off-Leash Dog Park is a fantastic choice. This park is perfect for dog owners in Auburn Bay and nearby communities who want a local space for their pups to run and play.
Photo Source - Vincent van Zalinge
- Nearby Communities: Auburn Bay, Mahogany, Cranston, Seton
- Location: Auburn Bay Blvd SE, Calgary, AB
- Map: Auburn Bay Park Calgary Off Leash Dog Area Map
- Hours: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Features:
- Spacious off-leash area
- Mix of grassy and gravel surfaces
- Benches and waste stations
- Close to walking paths and Auburn Bay Lake
- Park User Note: Some users have criticized the park for poor cleanliness.
5. Bowmont Off-Leash Park (Best for West Calgary Home Buyers)
Bowmont Park is a fantastic choice for those looking for both open spaces and scenic views. Located along the Bow River, this park offers a variety of terrain, from grassy fields to wooded areas.
Photo Source - Patrick Hendry
- Nearby Communities: Silver Springs, Varsity, Bowness, Scenic Acres
- Location: 8660 Bearspaw Dam Rd NW, Calgary, AB
- Map: Bowmont Park Off Leash Dog Area Map
- Area: 164 hectares
- Hours: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Features:
- Extensive trails
- Large open fields
- Benches and waste stations
- River access
- Park User Note: Lots of wildlife encounters so just be cautious.
6. Edworthy Park (Best for Nature Lovers & Large Off-Leash Areas)
Edworthy Park is a favorite among dog owners because of its large spaces and beautiful river views. This park offers plenty of room for your dog to run, and you can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the scenic pathways.
Photo Source - Janek Holoubek
- Nearby Communities: Wildwood, Spruce Cliff, Point McKay, Parkdale
- Location: Spruce Dr SW, Calgary, AB
- Map: Edworthy Park Off Leash Dog Area 1 Map Edworthy Park Off Leash Dog Area 2 Map
- Area: 169 hectares
- Hours: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Features:
- Large open areas
- Access to the Bow River
- Picnic shelters and fire pits
- Seasonal washrooms
- Park User Note: Praised for its open areas and wooded sections, though it can be windy in winter.
7. Tom Campbell’s Hill (Best for Downtown Living & Scenic Views)
A hidden gem in Calgary, this park offers off-leash freedom with some of the best skyline views in the city. It’s a great place for a casual walk while your pup explores the fenced-off areas safely.
Photo Source - Taryn MacKenzie
- Nearby Communities: Bridgeland, Crescent Heights, Renfrew, East Village
- Location: 25 St. George's Dr NE, Calgary, AB
- Map: Tom Campbell's Hill Calgary Off Leash Dog Area Map
- Area: 18 hectares
- Hours: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Features:
- Fenced-off sections
- Stunning city views
- Interpretive exhibits
- Park User Note: Valued for its scenic city views, though it's unfenced and has had coyote sightings.
8. McHugh Bluff Park (Best for Active Lifestyles & Urban Living)
This hilly park is perfect for active dogs, offering challenging trails and open play areas. It’s a great spot if you and your pup enjoy a workout while taking in some of the best views of downtown Calgary.
Photo Source - Ron Fung
- Nearby Communities: Sunnyside, Crescent Heights, Eau Claire, Downtown Calgary
- Location: Crescent Rd NW & Centre Street N, Calgary, AB
- Map: McHugh Blugg Park Calgary Off Leash Dog Area Map
- Area: 27 hectares
- Hours: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Features:
- Off-leash areas
- Scenic trails
- Close to downtown
- Park User Note: If your dog is inclined to bolt at top speed, McHugh Bluff is not a safe off-leash walk. The dramatic slope and uneven ground may invite injury.
9. Connaught Off-Leash Park (Best for Condo Owners & Small Dogs)
Ideal for small breeds or downtown dog owners looking for a secure, fenced space. This small but well-maintained park is a great option if you’re looking for a convenient and safe place for your pup to play.
- Nearby Communities: Beltline, Downtown Calgary, Mission, Lower Mount Royal
- Location: 14th Avenue & 11th Street SW, Calgary, AB
- Map: Connaught Park Calgary Off Leash Dog Area Map
- Area: 0.3 hectares
- Hours: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Features:
- Fully fenced off-leash area
- Separate section for small dogs
- Benches and picnic tables
- Park User Note: Some users
Some visitors feel the park is too small, limiting space for dogs to run freely, especially larger breeds.
10. Rotary Park (Best for Social Dogs & Families)
A great multi-use park with plenty of space for both dogs and their humans. Rotary Park offers a welcoming atmosphere with off-leash areas, picnic spots, and great views of the Calgary skyline.
- Nearby Communities: Crescent Heights, Bridgeland, Renfrew, Downtown Calgary
- Location: 617 1 Street NE, Calgary, AB
- Area: 25.9 hectares
- Hours: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Features:
- Off-leash areas
- Playgrounds and picnic areas
- Seasonal water fountains*
- Park User Note: Some users have expressed concerns about the overlap of off-leash areas with spaces used for other recreational activities.
Best Dog-Friendly Neighborhoods in Calgary
If you’re looking to buy a home in Calgary and want access to great dog parks, consider these top dog-friendly communities:
- Altadore – Close to River Park, walkable streets, and dog-friendly cafes.
- Auburn Bay – Family-friendly with its own off-leash park and lakeside paths.
- Edgemont – Near Nose Hill Park, perfect for large yards and nature lovers.
- Silver Springs – Scenic river paths and proximity to Bowmont Park.
- Mahogany – Plenty of green space and lakefront walking areas.
- Bridgeland – Vibrant inner-city neighbourhood with dog-friendly restaurants and paths along the Bow River.
- Tuscany – Large suburban community with off-leash parks and easy access to hiking trails.
- Elbow Park – Historic charm, close to River Park and the Elbow River pathways
- Varsity – A mature neighbourhood with large yards, green spaces, and easy access to Bowmont Off-Leash Park.
- Springbank Hill – Luxury homes with large yards and nearby trails, ideal for dog owners.
More City of Calgary Off Leash Dog Areas
Calgary is a fantastic city for dog lovers, with over 150 off-leash areas spread across its beautiful parks and green spaces. Whether you're looking for a wide-open field for a game of fetch or scenic trails for a stroll, there’s an off-leash park nearby. The City of Calgary ensures these spaces are well-maintained and safe, with guidelines in place to keep both pets and people happy. If you’re thinking about moving to Calgary and a great off-leash park is a must-have, I’d be happy to help you find a neighbourhood that’s perfect for you and your pup!
Calgary Off Leash Dog Area Rules
- Your dog must be under control – Always keep them within sight and responding to commands.
- Clean up after your dog – No one wants to step in a surprise, so always carry waste bags.
- Dogs must be licensed – Make sure your pup’s City of Calgary license is up to date.
- Aggressive dogs must be leashed – If your dog shows aggression, leash up and leave immediately.
- Stay in designated off-leash areas – Dogs must be leashed outside of marked zones.
- Leash up in parking lots – Always keep your dog on a leash when entering or exiting the park.
- Respect other park users – Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, so give people space.
- No harassing wildlife – Keep your pup from chasing birds, rabbits, or other animals.
- No excessive barking – Be mindful of noise and keep the park enjoyable for everyone.
- No digging or damaging park property – Help keep the parks clean and safe for all.
- Children should be supervised – Off-leash areas are for dogs, so little ones should be monitored.
- Report any issues – If you see an unsafe situation, contact Calgary’s 311 service.
Have a Concern or Doggie Complaint?
The City of Calgary has been very effective at promoting feeling safe in our City regardless of when and where we go, much of that relies on us, Calgarians, to report any instances of disrespect in our community, including at dog parks.
If you have a concern, call the City of Calgary at 3-1-1.
Thinking of Moving to Calgary?
Finding a home in a pet-friendly community is just as important as choosing the right house. If you’re looking to buy a home in Calgary with easy access to off-leash parks, our team can help!
With over 800 successful real estate transactions, the Marnie Campbell Real Estate Team has the experience and proven strategy to help you buy, sell, or invest with confidence.
Schedule a no-obligation consultation today and let’s talk about your next move in Calgary real estate.
The Marnie Campbell Real Estate Team can help you make better real estate decisions, so you have no regrets buying a home.
Schedule A Call
Leave A Comment