Dog-friendly Montréal: Things to do in Montréal with a dog

From riverside rambles to dog-friendly restaurants Montreal locals love, dog-friendly Montréal is packed with places to eat, stroll, and sniff through the city. 

This guide rounds up the best cafes, parks, hikes, and activities for you and your pup to enjoy together. Plus, if you're looking for house-sitting opportunities in Montréal or need a reliable Montréal pet sitter, read on to find out more!

Best dog parks in Montréal

Looking for the perfect place in dog-friendly Montreal for your pup to play and make new friends? Several dog-friendly parks in Montréal allow your canine companion to enjoy off-leash fun in safe, welcoming environments. Here are some of the top suggestions…

Percy-Walters Park

Percy-Walters Park offers a quiet, fenced dog run in the city center, perfect for small to medium dogs. Natural shade keeps it cooler in summer, and drinking fountains are available. It’s a great spot for relaxed play sessions, especially for less energetic animaux domestiques. 

Location: 40 Av. Mcgregor, Montréal, QC H3G 2J8, Canada

Parc La Fontaine Dog Park

Located near Vieux Montréal, this spacious fenced park is a go-to for active dogs. Gravel footing makes it easy on paws, while double-gated entries add extra safety. Weekends get super lively, with social dogs enjoying every day. Shade is limited, so make sure to bring water in warmer months.

Location: Parking lot, 3819 Av. Calixa-Lavallée, Montreal, Quebec H2L 3A7, Canada

Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Dog Park

A laid-back park along rue Centre Montréal, perfect for dogs who prefer a slower pace. Separate fenced zones for big and small dogs keep playgroups balanced. The dirt and grass surfaces offer enough variety for fetch or sniffing games. Nearby, you’ll find popular café restaurants for a quick coffee after a visit.

Location: 3501 Marcil Ave, Montreal, Quebec H4A 1W4, Canada

Dog-friendly restaurants in Montréal

Dining out with a dog in Montréal? These dog-friendly restaurants in Montréal offer real outdoor seating, relaxed spaces, and staff who welcome four-legged diners without fuss.

Restaurant Mont-Royal Hot Dog 

Mont-Royal Hot Dog features a basic but lively summer patio that allows dogs (on a leash). Expect quick meals like pizza, poutine, and souvlaki – the patio is small and next to a busy sidewalk, so it's best enjoyed in shorter visits during quieter times.

Location: 1001 Mont-Royal Ave E, Montreal, Quebec H2J 3E3, Canada

Restaurant Mûrmur 

Restaurant Mûrmur’s terrace, set against the walls of Hôtel Sainte-Anne, offers a quieter option away from traffic. Tables are spread out, giving dogs more space to settle without crowding. Staff are attentive to guests bringing pets, often offering water bowls on warm days. The menu leans upscale, featuring wagyu, seafood, and carefully plated meals, with service staying relaxed even during lunch hours.

Location: 32 Rue Sainte-Anne, Québec, QC G1R 3X3, Canada

Espace Organique

Espace Organique welcomes leashed dogs in a sheltered alley space fitted with seating. The semi-outdoor setup is casual, with grab-and-go food like organic salads, wraps, and baked goods. The calm atmosphere makes it manageable even for shy or older dogs needing a less crowded environment.

Location:369 Rue Saint-Jean, Longueuil, QC J4H 2X7, Canada

Fun dog-friendly activities in Montréal

Looking to mix up your outings? These dog-friendly activities in Montréal offer nature, water views, and wide-open spaces for dogs to sniff, stroll, and explore beyond the usual city streets.

Mount Royal Park 

Mount Royal Park is a vast green space in the city's center, offering miles of trails for on-leash dogs to enjoy. The main wooded paths are shaded and peaceful, ideal for long walks with your pup. The climb up to the lookout is worth it for sweeping city views, and there’s a more gradual route around Beaver Lake for dogs that prefer flatter ground. Water fountains are available near the lake area in warmer months, but bringing extra water for longer hikes is smart.

Cost: Free

Best time: Early mornings, spring, and fall are most comfortable

Location: 1260 Chem. Remembrance, Montréal, QC H3H 1A2, Canada

The Lachine Canal 

The Lachine Canal offers kilometres of scenic trails where dogs can walk on leash. The paths are wide and run along the water, providing an easygoing route for casual strolls, jogging, or cycling with your dog. You can pass by Atwater Market for fresh snacks and dog treats. Shaded areas are limited, so early mornings or evenings are the most comfortable for longer walks.

Cost: Free

Best time: Early mornings or evenings, especially during summer

Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

Aire Commune

Aire Commune, located at 5705 Avenue de Gaspé in Montréal, offers a unique outdoor coworking space where dogs can accompany their owners on the terrace. The venue features shaded seating and free Wi-Fi and hosts various events like yoga sessions and live music. It's advisable to bring water for your pet, especially during warmer days.​

Cost: Free entry; charges apply for food, drinks, and reserved meeting spaces.

Best time: Weekday mornings or early evenings for a quieter atmosphere.

Location: 5705 Avenue de Gaspé, Montréal, QC H2T 2A3

Best dog-friendly walking trails in Montréal

Some dogs need more than a walk around the block. These dog-friendly hikes in Montreal offer forest trails, shaded paths, and peaceful areas where pups can explore safely away from heavy city crowds.

Joe Raie Nature Trail

This small trail near Côte Saint-Luc is best for dogs who prefer quiet, low-traffic spaces. It is mostly flat and has a mix of dirt and grass surfaces. A fenced dog run and shaded benches are available. Parking is limited, so be prepared to walk from nearby side streets.

Location: 8182 Chem. Wavell, Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 1M3, Canada

Length: Approx. 1.5 km (round trip)

Parc-nature Du Bois-de-Saraguay

This forested area offers short, flat walking trails with mostly dirt and gravel surfaces. There are two entrances with easy street parking on Jean Bourdon, and shade is abundant throughout the park. Dogs must stay leashed, and watch out for those pesky mosquitoes that can be around during summer. 

Location: 9095 Boul Gouin O, Montréal, QC H4K 2W6, Canada

Length: Approx 2 km (network of trails)

Bois-de-Liesse Nature Park

Bois-de-Liesse features multiple interconnected trails that range from easy to moderate in difficulty. The paths vary between forest dirt, wooden bridges, and light gravel. Proper restrooms, shaded picnic areas, and river views make it a full-day outing option. Dogs must stay on leash, and watch out for fast cyclists along some paths. 

Location: 9432 Boul Gouin O, Pierrefonds - Roxboro, QC H8Y 1T4, Canada

Length: Approx. 10 km (complete network of trails)

The best dog-friendly cafes in Montréal

If you want a relaxing coffee break with your furry friend at one of the best dog-friendly cafes in Montreal, the city will not disappoint you. Consider any one of the following recommendations, as they are known for offering outdoor seating with enough space for dogs to settle, shaded spots, and water on warmer days.

Bulla Café

Bulla Café offers indoor seating with wider pathways between tables, making it easier for dogs to rest without blocking walkways. Staff sometimes provide water bowls near the entrance. The café stays quieter during weekday mornings, giving large-breed owners more room to sit comfortably without stress.

Location: 4141 Saint Denis St, Montreal, Quebec H2W 2M7, Canada

Ferlucci Coffee Shop

Café Ferlucci features a small shaded patio with seating arranged along the sidewalk. Dogs have enough space to stretch out near their owners, especially in the early mornings. Water bowls are usually available in the outdoor area. Due to the patio’s compact layout, it’s best for small to medium dogs.

Location: 432 Rue de Castelnau E, Montreal, QC, H2R 1R3

Cafe Vito

Cafe Vito’s sidewalk patio has sturdy, spaced-out tables, making it easier to manage leashes during busy hours. Staff often greet regular dogs with treats at the counter. The morning crowd is lighter, giving dogs more room to settle without distractions from bigger groups of people later in the day.

Location: 151 Rue Villeray, Montréal, QC H2R 1G4, Canada

Ruby Café

Located in the heart of Saint-Henri, Ruby Café welcomes dogs on its outdoor terrace with water bowls and shaded seating. It’s a relaxed spot to sip a flat white while your pup lounges beside you. The staff are known to greet canine guests with plenty of smiles (and sometimes a biscuit).

Location: 6230 Rue Saint-Hubert, Montréal, QC H2S 2M2, Canada

Annual dog events in Montréal

If your dog loves a day out with plenty of wagging tails, Montréal hosts standout dog-friendly events like SNAC. These events offer activities, competitions, and learning opportunities for pet owners and their dogs.

Salon National des Animaux de Compagnie (SNAC)

SNAC is Montréal’s largest indoor pet event featuring agility shows, dog training workshops, and a championship-level cat expo. Dogs visiting the venue must stay leashed, and agility courses allow anyone to participate. It’s a lively celebration for confident dogs who enjoy busy, energetic spaces.

Cost: Adults: $16.95; Seniors/Students: $14.95; Children (5–11): $12.95; Under 5: Free

Date and Time: Date and Time: October (annually); check official listings for specific dates and times

Location: 1001 Pl. Jean-Paul-Riopelle, Montréal, QC H2Z 2A7, Canada

Corgi Pawty at BLVD Festival

Join the largest gathering of corgis in Montréal during the BLVD Festival. This delightful event brings together corgi owners and enthusiasts for an afternoon of fun, photo ops, and community spirit. Last year's event saw over 200 corgis in attendance!

Cost: Free

Date and time: August 31, 2024, at 4:00 PM

Location: Place Guilbault (corner of St. Laurent Blvd), Montréal, QC ​

Dog Fest Montréal

Celebrate all things canine at Dog Fest Montréal, the city's largest outdoor festival dedicated to dogs. Enjoy vendor booths, demonstrations, and activities designed for dogs and their owners. It's a must-attend event for dog lovers in the city.​

Cost: Details to be announced

Date and time: Dates for 2025 to be confirmed

Location: Location details to be announced prettypaw.ca​

Dog-friendly bars in Montréal

Looking for real dog-friendly places in Montréal to relax with a drink? These bars combine casual spaces, outdoor patios, and dog-accommodating setups so you can enjoy a night out without leaving your pup behind.

BarBara

BarBara’s sidewalk terrace is compact but manageable for calm dogs on a leash. Mornings during coffee service offer more space and shade. After 5 PM, the tables get crowded with dinner and wine guests. Staff sometimes allow dogs indoors on rainy days, but make sure to call ahead just in case. We advise bringing a portable water bowl for more extended stays.

Cost: No entry fee; food and wine priced individually
Best time: Morning coffee hours (8 AM–11 AM) or before 4 PM on weekdays
Location: 4450 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, QC, H4C 1S1

Saucette Caviste

Saucette Caviste has a compact paved patio, better suited for quick stops with your dog rather than extended stays. There’s minimal shade at midday, making early lunch a smarter time. Water bowls are not usually provided, so bringing your own is a good idea, and it stays quieter before evening wine hours.

Cost: No entry fee; meals and wines priced separately
Best time: Weekday early afternoons before dinner rush
Location: 38 Rue Green, Saint-Lambert, QC, J4P 1R9

Terrasse St-Ambroise

Terrasse St-Ambroise is one of the most spacious dog-friendly places in Montreal. With gravel paths and picnic tables along the Lachine Canal, dogs have plenty of room to rest without crowding. Weekends get busy after 2 p.m., so weekday mornings or late afternoons are ideal for quieter visits.

Cost: No entry fee; beers and snacks priced individually
Best time: Late mornings (11 AM–1 PM) or weekdays before 5 PM
Location: 5080 Rue Saint-Ambroise, Montreal, QC H4C 2G1

Dog-friendly wineries in Montréal

These vineyards near Montréal offer ideal settings for dog owners, featuring shaded outdoor areas, stable ground surfaces for dogs, and wine selections worth exploring without the crowd pressure.

Domaine Les Brome

Domaine Les Brome offers shaded terraces with enough space for dogs to lie safely, away from heavy foot traffic. Grass lawns surround the tasting area, making the ground cooler for paws. Rieslings and Ice Wines form the core of their production, and they are known for their strong local character. Water stations for dogs are not available on-site so make sure to bring a portable water bowl.

Location: 285 Chemin Brome, Lac-Brome, QC J0E 1V0

Vignoble Kobloth

This vineyard’s outdoor garden seating has shaded grassy sections where dogs can rest during tastings. Surfaces mix soft grass and compact gravel, making walking easy without paw discomfort. Specialities include organic Frontenac Gris and Maréchal Foch wines. Crowds build around lunchtime, so early visits allow a quieter space for pets.

Location: 905 Grand Boulevard O, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC J3V 0L8, Canada

Vignoble Ste-Pétronille 

The patio areas at Vignoble Ste-Pétronille have flat paved surfaces and grass sections, suitable for dogs to settle beside tables. Heated coverings make the space comfortable year-round. The tasting list focuses on Vidal and Pinot Gris varietals. Late mornings are calmer before the terrace fills up for a wood-fired pizza service.

Location: 8705 Chemin Royal, Sainte-Pétronille, QC G0A 4C0

Dog-friendly beaches in Montréal

Dog-friendly beaches in Montréal give dogs enough room to swim, sniff, and relax without stress.

Plage de Saint-Anicet

Fine sand with gradual water entry makes this shoreline ideal for smaller dogs or first-time swimmers. Natural shade is limited across the beach area, so portable shade or umbrellas are essential for extended stays.

Location: 1582 61e Rue #1566, Saint-Anicet, Quebec J0S 1M0, Canada

Belvédère Sur Les Dunes De Sable

Situated in Tadoussac, this area features expansive dunes leading to the St. Lawrence River. Dogs must remain leashed at all times and make sure to bring lots water for you and your pup. The beach is open 24 hours a day and is free to access, however, it’s worth noting that the descent to the water is steep and so could be challenging for dogs with mobility issues. ​

Location: Tadoussac, Quebec G0T 2A0, Canada

Jacques-Cartier Beach Park

This park is located along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec City and offers grassy areas and a rocky shoreline. The park is open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM, and entry is free. Leashed dogs are welcome, but there are no designated off-leash areas. Water fountains are available, but it's recommended to carry extra water, especially during warmer days.

Location: 3636 Chem. du Pavillon, Québec, QC G1Y 1W3, Canada

Tips for pet parents in Montréal

Now that you’re ready to explore Montréal with your pup, here are a few tips to help you both enjoy the pet-friendly city safely and comfortably.

Know the leash laws and city rules

Montréal has strict leashed dogs regulations across parks and streets. Always use a leash unless you're in designated off-leash areas. Check current regulations at the Ville de Montréal dog ownership page

Prepare for wild weather swings

Weather can change quickly in Montréal, QC. Carry a towel, water bottle, and paw protection during winter and summer. Plan morning or evening walks to avoid hot pavements in the summer.

Arrange pet care before your trip

If you're traveling without your dog, why not welcome an in-home pet sitter in Montréal?. This way, your pup will be comfortable and stress-free at home, and vets recommend this as the kindest option.

Tips for pet sitters in Montréal

Montréal is a great way to experience the city while caring for a four-legged friend. Follow our simple tips to keep both the pets and their owners happy during your stay.

Confirm walking routes and backup vets

Before owners leave, write down their dog's usual walking routes and nearby veterinary clinics. Knowing the closest 24-hour vet and pet supply store around Centre Ville or Vieux Montréal in emergencies saves time and worry.

Carry water and paw protection year-round

Montréal’s sidewalks can get icy in winter and hot in summer. Always carry water, collapsible bowls, and protective paw balm during walks, especially around exposed areas like the Lachine Canal or Old Port paths.

Check leash rules for each park before heading out

In Montréal, leash regulations vary from park to park, and fines can be steep. Before walks, check if parks like Parc Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier allow off-leash hours or require strict leash control. Knowing the park rules beforehand avoids penalties and keeps you and your new furry friend safe during outings.

Explore Montréal through house sitting

There’s nothing quite like experiencing a new city as a house sitter. There are often plenty of options for house sitting in Montréal, particularly over holidays. Go on, take a look, and find your Montréal pet-sitting adventure!