Whether you’re a local pet parent or you’re house sitting in Calgary, it’s easy to enjoy this city with your furry friend. From scenic off-leash parks to patios that welcome pups with water bowls and treats, this guide to dog-friendly Calgary highlights the best places to go with your pooch pal.
Planning a trip without your furry family member? No problem – we’ll also explore how to connect with a trusted Calgary pet sitter who’ll keep your pup safe and happy while you’re away.
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Dog-friendly restaurants, Calgary
From water bowls and biscuits to shady patios and a warm welcome, these Calgary dog-friendly restaurants go out of their way to make tails wag. Just remember – pups aren’t allowed inside any establishments serving food, and they’ll need to be kept on the leash while you dine on the patio.
The Beltliner
Pups are treated like VIPs at this contemporary diner, where water bowls and dog biscuits are served on the terrace just for them. While four-legged friends soak up the attention, their humans can tuck into crowd-pleasers like chicken and waffles, breakfast poutine, eggs benny, or a creamy bulletproof coffee.
Location: 243 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1H7, Canada
Boogie’s Burgers Renfrew
This retro fast food joint is the place to go with your pup if you’re craving a burger. Old school pinball and video games bring the nostalgia, and there’s something on the menu for everyone, including vegan, veggie, and gluten-free options.
Location: 908 Edmonton Trl, Calgary, AB T2E 3K1, Canada
Añejo Restaurant
Bring your four-pawed pal along for a fiesta on Añejo’s outdoor patio! This lively Mexican hotspot serves tail-waggingly tasty tacos and top-shelf margaritas, and the friendly staff will have you coming back for more!
Location: 2116 4 St SW #2, Calgary, AB T2S 1W7, Canada
The Dog & Duck Public House and Restaurant
Everyone gets a warm welcome at this beloved British-style pub – pups included. The dog-friendly patio is perfect for relaxing with your furry sidekick, who’ll be offered a fresh bowl of water while you enjoy comforting classics like fish & chips, haggis, or shepherd’s pie.
Location: 5340 2 St SW, Calgary, AB T2H 0G7, Canada
Vegan Street
With one of the biggest patios in town, it’s only right that furry friends are welcome too! This spot is a win for plant-based food lovers, serving tasty vegan burgers, tacos, and fries. Meat-eater or not, you can kick back in a hammock, enjoy something from the menu, and let your pup enjoy the dog-friendly patio right beside you.
Location: 1413 9 Ave SE Lower Level, Calgary, AB T2G 0T4, Canada
Dairy Lane Cafe
This friendly farm-to-table diner has a heated dog-friendly patio that welcomes pooch pals all year round. Whether you head here for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, you and your four-legged friend will feel right at home.
Dog-friendly coffee shops, Calgary
These Calgary cafes have welcoming patios, water bowls, and the kind of laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to enjoy a brew with your pup by your side.
Caffe Beano
A long-time favourite among locals (and their dogs), Caffe Beano is known for its fast service, fantastic coffee, and talented baristas – check out their latte art!
Location: 1613 9 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1E1, Canada
The Bullet Coffee House
This cute, family-owned coffee shop serves coffee, tea, and hearty bagels, plus treats and water for pups.
Location: 728 Northmount Dr NW Suite 2, Calgary, AB T2K 3K2, Canada
Angel’s Cafe
Bring your four-pawed pal to the dog-friendly patio, where you can listen to live music as you enjoy views of the river. Head here for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner, but note that it can get pretty busy!
Location: 4105 Montgomery View NW, Calgary, AB T3B 3E8, Canada
Milano Coffee
Tucked away from the crowds, this Italian coffee shop serves up quality coffee and a selection of baked goods and sandwiches, all on a peaceful, dog-friendly patio.
Location: 602 11 Ave SW #102, Calgary, AB T2R 1J8, Canada
Neighbour Coffee
A favorite for a reason, Neighbour Coffee keeps things simple with excellent brews and breakfast in the heart of a residential area. Pooch pals are welcome on the small patio out front.
Dog-friendly breweries, Calgary
If breweries and bars are more your scene, there are LOADS to choose from in Calgary! Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or you want to soak up the beer garden atmosphere with some delicious pub grub, these breweries should be top of your list!
Cold Garden Beverage Company
Trendy, relaxed, and full of four-legged fans, Cold Garden’s pet-friendly patio is a hotspot for dog lovers. Choose from their selection of beer on tap, grab a snack, and pass the time playing board games at this popular watering hole.
Location: 1100 11 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 3H7, Canada
Four Dogs Brewing Company
Since they don’t serve food here, dogs are welcome inside! Expect warm greetings from the pup-loving owners, plenty of treats, and a built-in dog bed – and don’t miss the wall of fame featuring happy canine customers!
Location: 1205 1 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0V3, Canada
Marda Loop Brewing Company Inc.
Head to the heated patio with your pooch and order from both the dog and human menus. There’s a great beer selection, plus dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan food options.
Location: 3523 18 Street SW, Calgary, AB T2T 4T9, Canada
Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub
The biggest selection of craft beers in the city, classic pub fare, and no less than three dog-friendly patios – this downtown Calgary spot checks all the boxes!
Location: 140 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0A3, Canada
Born Brewing Co.
This popular brewery has a dog-friendly patio, great service, and an easygoing atmosphere. Food trucks stop by the parking lot on rotation, so you can always grab a bite to eat with your brew.
Location: 414 36 Ave SE #3, Calgary, AB T2G 1W4, Canada
Bitter Sisters Brewing Co.
Bring your four-pawed pal to this dog-friendly patio, where they’ll enjoy the same great service as their humans. Choose from a great selection of beers, order something from the extensive food menu (soups, salads, sandwiches, and more!), and soak in the atmosphere.
Location: 510 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary, AB T2V 2W2, Canada
Citizen Brewing Company
Come rain or shine, spend some quality time with your furry friend on this covered patio, with heaters for cooler days. Staff take your order at the table, and the menu features juicy burgers and a nice selection of beers at reasonable prices. Be sure to pick up a dog toy shaped like a Citizen beer can!
Location: 227 35 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2K5, Canada
Two House Brewing Taproom
Spacious and shady, the patio here is super dog-friendly. Come for the chilled atmosphere and stay for the pizza, pie, and wide drink selection – including non-alcoholic options.
Location: 1901 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3C 0K3, Canada
The Dandy Brewing Company and DandyPizza
Furry friends are welcome on the patio of this laid-back brewhouse, which serves draft beers along with an infamous pickle pizza (available by the slice) and small plates.
Bowmont Park, Calgary
Dog-friendly parks, Calgary
Calgary is full of off-leash areas and dog parks – perfect spots for zoomies, fetch, and mingling with furry friends (and dog owners) along the way.
Bowmont Park Fenced Off-Leash Area
There’s plenty to do here, from playing in the water and taking the trails through the park on the leash, to visiting the popular off-leash dog park.
Location: Calgary, AB T3B 4B7, Canada
Collingwood Dog Park
Paths have been formed through this strip of greenery between the road and houses, and it’s full of friendly pooches and their pawrents. Trees offer shade, and there’s plenty of space to run free.
Location: 4340 19 St NW, Calgary, AB T2L 2B9, Canada
Edworthy Off Leash Dog Park
This off-leash area is found at the top of the hill, which has stunning views of the city and plenty of space for a game of fetch or a walk in the woods.
Location: 5427-5539 Edworthy St SW, Calgary, AB T3C 3B2, Canada
Glennfield - Fish Creek Provincial Park
Follow the dog-friendly trails through this peaceful nature preserve, where you’ll find several spots along the creek for pups (and people) to splash around. Just be sure to keep Fido on a leash – many of the paths are shared with fast-moving cyclists.
Location: 14428 Bannister Rd SE, Calgary, AB T2X 1Z4, Canada
Nose Hill Park
This sprawling prairie park is a dog’s dream, with roughly half of it designated as off-leash. You can spend about three hours walking the perimeter of the off-leash zone, or cut straight through the middle in about an hour.
Location: 6465 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T3K 2P6, Canada
River Park Off-Leash Dog Park
Set within the 52-acre River Park, this popular off-leash area has a 45-minute walking loop, access to the river, and even water bowls for thirsty pups. It’s not fully fenced, so make sure your pooch pal has reliable recall before unclipping the leash.
Location: 3Y5, 4500 14a St SW, Calgary, AB, Canada
Sue Higgins Off-Leash Area
One of Calgary’s largest off-leash areas, Sue Higgins is is known for its clean grounds and well-maintained pathways (even after snow). Two fully fenced sections offer space for training or off-leash play for those still working on their recall skills.
Location: 9888 15 St SE, Calgary, AB T2J 1V7, Canada
Tom Campbell’s Hill Off-Leash Dog Park
This park has a short, 30-minute loop and plenty of open space for a game of fetch. The area isn’t fenced, so it’s best suited for dogs who come when called (and aren’t easily distracted by squirrels!).
Location: Calgary, AB T2E 4S1, Canada
Banff National Park, Canada
Other dog-friendly activities, Calgary
Already explored the parks and patios? Here’s more pup-friendly stuff to do in Calgary this weekend.
Visit one of these dog-friendly stores, Calgary
Shopping is always better with your best friend in tow. Calgary has plenty of pet stores that welcome dogs inside – perfect for picking out a new toy, some treats, or a stylish accessory. Here are a few favorites to check out:
- Dream Dog Boutique: 1029 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0B7, Canada
- Doodle Dogs: 841 1 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 0C2, Canada
- Fairplay Pet Supply: 2604 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3S5, Canada
Hang out at Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Dancehall
This iconic cowboy bar is home to the first-ever dog-friendly patio Calgary had seen. While your pup won’t be riding the mechanical bull or getting on the dance floor, they can enjoy Furry Friday Patio Nights and even order from the dog-friendly menu. Yeehaw!
Location: 9615 Macleod Trail S, Calgary, AB T2J 0P6, Canada
Paddle the Bow River
At The Paddle Station, pooch pals are welcome to hop into a kayak or canoe for a float along the Bow River. They don’t supply life vests for dogs, so it’s a good idea to bring your own – just in case your pup fancies a swim.
Location: 5227 13 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T3B 1J1, Canada
Take a day trip to Banff
Just over an hour from Calgary, Banff National Park is the perfect spot for a dog-friendly hike. Whether you’re going for the day or making a weekend of it, the scenery is unbeatable – and there are plenty of trails where dogs are welcome on leash.
Location: Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L, Canada
Celebrate Day of the Dog
Billed as “the social event of the year for dogs and their people,” this free festival is packed with fun – think dog races, ‘ruff mud’ contests, exhibitions, photo ops, and even a pool party!
Cost: Free!
Date & time: 11 am – 4 pm, July 26 & 27.
Location: 750 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5E1, Canada
Grab a dog-friendly treat
After a day of exploring, reward your pup with a well-earned snack! Both Parlour Ice Cream and Village Ice Cream offer free pup cups – just ask at the counter.
- Parlour Ice Cream: 537 Riverfront Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1K2, Canada
- Village Ice Cream: 431 10 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0W3, Canada
Bow River, Calgary
Tips for pet parents in Calgary
Use Calgary transit
Dogs are allowed on Calgary transit for free – but they must be kept on a leash. This is a great option for short trips or vet visits if you don’t have a car.
Stay safe in the mountains
Planning a day trip to Kananaskis or Banff? Keep your pooch leashed and bring bear spray (yes, seriously). Many trails have wildlife activity, and dogs off-leash can increase the risk of bear encounters.
Find a trusted pet sitter before you travel
Heading out of town? Find a house and pet sitter who can care for your furry family member right where they belong – at home! You’ll be free to enjoy your vacation with peace of mind knowing your pooch pal is in the best possible hands.
Tips for pet sitters in Calgary
Know the off-leash zones
Calgary is full of amazing off-leash areas, but they’re not always fully fenced. If your furry friend’s recall isn’t 100%, stick to spots like Sue Higgins Park, which has securely fenced zones for safer play.
Use Calgary’s urban pathways
Calgary has the largest network of urban pathways in North America. Leashed pups are welcome on most of these scenic routes – try the Bow River Pathway or Glenmore Reservoir Loop. Just watch out for cyclists and runners sharing the paths!
Try house and pet sitting in Calgary
Explore the city of Calgary and the surrounding area in a unique way, exchanging pet care for a place to stay on your travels. Find out more below.
Dog-friendly Calgary - FAQs
Is Calgary Farmers’ Market dog-friendly?
Unfortunately, pets aren’t allowed at the Market – only trained service animals are permitted to enter.
Is Calgary Zoo dog-friendly?
No, pets of any kind are not allowed inside the zoo. This is for the safety of both resident animals and pets.
More dog-friendly travel guides near Calgary
Thinking about house sitting near Calgary, visiting somewhere nearby with your canine companion, or welcoming a pet sitter soon? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.