Looking for the best ways to explore dog-friendly Halifax? You’re in luck. This beautiful coastal city has a lot of welcoming beaches, parks, trails, and cafés that love pups just as much as people.
We'll also help you explore house-sitting opportunities in Halifax, and how to find a local Halifax pet sitter when you're heading out of town – so your dog stays comfortable, safe, and well cared for.
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Best dog parks in Halifax
Halifax has a lot of parks that provide ample green space for your dog to sprint, sniff, and strut. Check out these dog-friendly parks in Halifax where your pup will have a wonderful time.
Long Lake Provincial Park
Long Lake Provincial Park covers more than 2,000 hectares and showcases glacial rock beds, forested trails, and remnants of old farmsteads. The Lakeview Trail offers a gentle walk, while the rugged Pipeline Loop appeals to more adventurous hikers. Leashed dogs are welcome and may encounter local wildlife, such as snapping turtles and native bird species.
Location: 10 Dunbrack St, Halifax, NS, Canada
Point Pleasant Park
Point Pleasant Park spans 75 hectares at the southern tip of Halifax, offering a blend of coastal trails, historic ruins, and forested paths. Known for the Prince of Wales Tower and sweeping views of the Atlantic, the park also hosts summer theatre performances. Leashed dogs often accompany locals along its winding, history-rich walking routes.
Location: 5530 Point Pleasant Dr, Halifax, NS B3H 1B4, Canada
Conrose Park
Flat fields, tree-lined edges, and a local crowd make this park a neighborhood favorite. While leashes are required, there’s space to play and walk.
Dog-friendly restaurants in Halifax
There is no shortage of dog-friendly restaurants in Halifax. Here are some great recommendations to sit, relax, and refuel with your pup.
Ristorante a Mano
Ristorante a Mano features covered patio seating with stunning views of the Halifax waterfront. Dogs can sit beside their owners while they enjoy seafood linguine with garlic butter or a wood-fired Margherita pizza. Servers are attentive and quick to bring out water bowls.
Location: 1477 Lower Water St Unit 165, Halifax, NS B3J 3Z4, Canada
The Brown Hound Public House
This pub is off Granville Street and allows leashed dogs at outdoor tables. It’s known for its crispy fish and chips, fried chicken sandwiches, and daily soup specials. Staff regularly provide water dishes and make space for larger dogs.
Location: 1450 Ironstone Ln, Halifax, NS B3J 0H9, Canada
The Bicycle Thief
Located on the boardwalk in downtown Halifax, The Bicycle Thief serves Italian-American cuisine with a creative twist. Signature dishes include the fall-off-the-bone roasted beef short rib al Barolo and linguine all’Aragosta made with local lobster. Dogs are more than welcome in the outside dining area.
Fun dog-friendly activities in Halifax
Whether you're visiting for the weekend or settling in for a while, there's no shortage of dog-friendly activities in Halifax! This city is packed with tail-wagging adventures sure to brighten both your days.
HFX Dog
HFX Dog is an indoor training and agility facility for dogs of all sizes. It offers drop-in play sessions, group classes, and private rentals. On rainy days, or when structured play is needed, HFX Dog is a fantastic facility pet owners can use to keep their pups stimulated and social.
Cost: Varies by activity (Drop-ins, Private Rentals, Class Packages)
Date and time: Open daily; check schedule for class timings and rental availability
Location: 968 Mitchell St, Halifax, NS B3J 2R6, Canada
Halifax Common
This wide-open green space in the city's center is ideal for casual walks, games of fetch, or leash-led picnics. It’s a favorite downtown hangout, with a bustling skatepark covered in graffiti art, a bright blue splash pad for summer fun, and buzzing sports fields.
Cost: Free
Date and time: Open daily, year-round
Location: 5816 Cogswell St, Halifax, NS B3H 2Z4, Canada
Fort Needham Memorial Park
High above the North End, this park features grassy hills, a playground with a washroom, water fountains, a garden, parking, and benches. It also includes swing sets, slides, and climbing structures. The 360° views and low foot traffic make it a calmer space for low-energy dogs or shy pups.
Cost: Free
Date and time: Open daily; quieter in mornings and evenings
Best dog-friendly walking trails in Halifax
If you're looking for some of the best dog-friendly walking trails in Halifax, try the recommendations below for your daily walks or weekend adventures.
Atlantic View Trail
This coastal trail offers a flat, gravel path ideal for dogs on a leash. While there are no dedicated dog water stations, the trail features benches and trash bins at intervals, allowing for rest and waste disposal. Located in a scenic coastal region of Nova Scotia, the open landscape provides ample space for dogs to explore.
Location: Atlantic View Trail, Halifax, NS B2Z 1P7, Canada
Length: 10 km
Polly Cove Hiking Trail
Polly Cove features rugged terrain with granite outcrops and sweeping ocean views. While it lacks basic amenities, it remains a favorite among seasoned hikers who enjoy more remote park trails. The natural landscape provides mental stimulation for dogs, though it’s best suited for pets accustomed to uneven ground and longer hikes.
Location: Polly Cove Hiking Trail, Prospect Rd, Halifax, NS B3Z 3S9, Canada
Length: Approx. 4.5 km round trip
Chain of Lakes Trail
This paved trail is part of the Rum Runners Trail system and is well-maintained year-round. Benches are placed approximately every 500 meters, and dog waste bag dispensers and garbage cans are available at various points along the route. The trail's even surface and convenient amenities make it suitable for dogs of all ages and fitness levels.
Location: Halifax Regional Municipality, NS, Canada
Length: 7.3 km
The best dog-friendly cafes in Halifax
Halifax’s café scene is gradually becoming a haven for pup-and-latte pairings. These dog-friendly cafes in Halifax offer quality coffee, leash-friendly patios, thoughtful touches like water bowls and space to relax, and staff who welcome furry visitors without hesitation.
Uncommon Grounds
This dog-friendly café in Halifax, just off South Park Street, welcomes leashed pups at its street-side tables. While there's no official dog menu, they serve up a great selection of coffee, snacks, and lunch options – don't miss the frittata or the tasty Jamaican patties!
Location: 1030 South Park St, Halifax, NS B3H 2W3, Canada
Listen
Listen is loved for its laid-back vibe, sleek interiors, curated vinyl collection, and dog-friendly sidewalk seating. Pups stay leashed while you enjoy their signature hojicha latte or flip through records. The music stays low, making it great for noise-sensitive pets (and humans, too).
Location: 1237 Barrington St, Halifax, NS B3J 1Y3, Canada
The 5K Cafe
Located near Bayers Lake, 5K Cafe is a dog-friendly cafe in Halifax and a hit with pet parents. With a spacious outdoor area and a warm welcome for leashed pups, it’s a tail-wagging good time. Don’t miss their lattes, espresso, and cinnamon buns – they’re pawsitively delicious.
Annual dog events in Halifax
Halifax might be laid-back, but its dog-loving community knows how to party. These annual events bring the fun with agility games, costume parades, and pup-approved vendors – ideal for social pups and their humans to mix and mingle.
Halifax Dog Festival
This pawsome outdoor event celebrates all things canine with fun games, dazzling demos, and local pet vendors. Strike a pose at doggie photo booths, snag free treat samples, and meet with rescue groups.
Cost: Free entry
Date and time: Typically held in late August
Location: Halifax Commons – 5816 Cogswell St, Halifax, NS B3H 2Z4
Barket Market at the Halifax Seaport
Hosted several times a year, this dog-friendly pop-up brings together local pet gear makers, groomers, and adoption drives. Leashed pups can sniff, stroll, and schmooze their way through vendor tents.
Cost: Free to attend
Date and time: Usually held from spring to fall, select weekends
Location: Halifax Seaport – 1209 Marginal Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 4P8
The best dog-friendly pubs in Halifax
Pups and pints? Halifax’s dog-friendly pub scene is booming! Bring your four-legged pal to these barking boozers, which offer a howling good time for fellow dog lovers.
The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse
The Old Triangle is a Halifax hit for Irish music fans and their four-legged sidekicks! Expect hearty meals and pawsome staff. Weekend seats vanish faster than a leprechaun’s gold, so calling ahead is a smart move!
Location: 5136 Prince St, Halifax, NS B3J 1L4, Canada
The Stubborn Goat Gastropub
This gastropub serves up an epic menu and craft beers that’ll make your taste buds dance! Pets are not allowed indoors, but the outdoor area is their VIP zone.
Location: 1580 Argyle St, Halifax, NS B3J 2B3, Canada
The Brown Hound Public House
The Brown Hound features a small outdoor seating area adjacent to a dog daycare, offering patrons the convenience of combining errands with leisure. The pub serves a selection of local beers and traditional dishes.
Dog-friendly wineries near Halifax
If you're exploring dog-friendly places in Halifax, consider taking a short drive beyond the city to one of these nearby wineries. They offer a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere for both people and their canine companions.
1365 Church Street Vineyard & Winery
Located in the Annapolis Valley, this winery accommodates leashed dogs in its outside spaces. Guests can sample small-lot wines aged on-site in the hillside cellar. The bicycle planters, garden sculptures, and views across Wellington Dyke are well worth your time. Pets can relax beside the tables or wander near the rose gardens.
Location: 1365 Church St, Port Williams, NS B0P 1T0, Canada
Avondale Sky Winery
Located just over an hour from Halifax, this Newport vineyard is known for its unique tasting room – a relocated 19th-century church that was floated upriver. Guests can enjoy estate-grown wines and relax in the garden seating area, accompanied by their leashed furry friends.
Dog-friendly beaches in Halifax
If you’ve been looking for a quick escape to a shoreline where pups can explore new scents, check out these top dog-friendly beaches in Halifax. They attract locals and visitors alike.
Kidston Lake Beach
Located within Rockingstone Park, this beach features a walkable trail loop around the lake. Locals frequent the area for its natural beauty and swimming opportunities. Seasonal washrooms and parking are available, making it excellent for outings – especially for those with pet dogs.
Location: Halifax, NS B3R 2J1, Canada
Queensland Beach Provincial Park
This beach is known for its fine sand and clear waters. As one of Halifax's most popular dog-friendly beaches, locals recommend arriving early in the summer due to limited parking. Visitors praise its cleanliness and natural beauty, and it is officially designated as a provincial beach park.
Location: Nova Scotia Trunk 3, Halifax, NS B0J 1T0, Canada
Black Rock Beach
Situated within Point Pleasant Park, this beach offers pleasant walks along the shoreline. Temporary mobile toilets are available in the parking lot during the summer. You may spot local pets strolling with their guardians, collecting shells to their heart’s content.
Location: Halifax, NS B3H 0B4, Canada
Tips for pet parents
Planning to explore or settle down with your pup on Canada’s East Coast? There are plenty of dog-friendly places in Halifax where both you and your pet can feel right at home. Here are some practical tips to help pet parents make the most of their time in this vibrant coastal city.
Be ready for Atlantic weather
Halifax weather can shift fast – sun, fog, and wind often arrive on the same day. In winter, icy sidewalks and wind chill mean boots and coats are necessary for small or short-haired dogs. In summer, walk during cooler hours to protect sensitive paws.
Make the most of off-leash parks
Point Pleasant Park and Fort Needham Memorial Park include designated off-leash sections alongside regular walking areas. They're popular for dog-friendly walks and meetups, but rules can vary within each park. Use the Halifax off-leash areas map to know exactly where off-leash access is allowed.
Find a reliable pet sitter
Leaving town but your dog can’t come? Bring in an in-house pet sitter! Your dog stays relaxed at home, and your place stays under watchful eyes. Because let’s face it – your dog prefers your couch over a kennel.
Finding a pet sitter
Tips for pet sitters
If you're in Halifax for a short pet-sitting stay, you'll find plenty to see and do in your free time. Here’s how to make the most of your visit while ensuring the dog you're caring for has a great time too.
Familiarize yourself with pet-friendly places
Halifax has some amazing parks that you and your dog will love – Long Lake Provincial Park is a local favorite for both pets and their owners. Beyond parks, the city also offers a variety of dog-friendly cafes and bars. One fun spot to check out is the Brown Hound Public House near Granville Street, known for its lively atmosphere.
Build a routine and communicate with pet owners
Stick to the pet’s regular schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime. Keep owners updated daily with photos or short notes. They’ll appreciate your professionalism and feel more comfortable knowing their pet is in good hands.
Explore Halifax through house sitting
Trade in-home pet care for a place to stay, and discover the city at your own pace. House sitting often places you in residential neighborhoods or near local shops, offering a more authentic glimpse into everyday life in Halifax – all while bonding with a four-legged companion.
Finding a house sitter
More dog-friendly travel guides near Halifax
Thinking about house sitting near Halifax, visiting a nearby town 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.
