Whether you live in the city with a furry friend, or you’re house sitting as a pet sitter in Winnipeg, look no further than this handy guide for planning a dog-friendly day out. Below, you’ll find Winnipeg’s off-leash dog parks, as well as pet-friendly restaurants, cafes, walks and things to do.
Winnipeg’s off-leash dog parks
A dog’s favorite thing to do is explore in the open air, leash-free. And luckily, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to off-leash dog parks in Winnipeg. While many are standalone dog parks in their own right, others are situated within wider city parks. So with that in mind, only let your dog off the leash if you’re sure you’re in an off-leash zone.
Kings Park
Get out of the city’s hustle and bustle with your furry friend and head to one of the most popular dog-friendly parks in Winnipeg - Kings Park. Walk to the western side of the Red River and discover its 92 acres of green space, walking trails and an enclosed off-leash area.
Location: 198 Kings Dr, Winnipeg, MB R3T 3G1, Canada
Bonnycastle Dog Park
Fully fenced and surrounded by trees, this dog-friendly place in Winnipeg keeps pups safe as they dash after toys. You’ll often hear chatter between dog owners, and there’s even a water fountain that works for both bottles and bowls. Reviews regularly praise how clean and breezy the park is—even under evening lights. Keep an eye on noise levels though, as neighbors sometimes request “No excessive barking” signs.
Location: Assiniboine at, Garry St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0X6, Canada
Maple Grove Dog Park
Maple Grove Park offers a taste of the wild without leaving the city limits. With acres of shady forest and big open fields, it’s ideal for pups who love to explore off-leash. Dog owners say it’s "extremely well maintained" and "super fun and safe" for mixed dog groups. Check for deer ticks after exploring the trails.
Location: 190 Frobisher Rd, Winnipeg, MB R2N 3Z1, Canada
Brenda Leipsic Off-Leash Dog Park
Brenda Leipsic is all about freedom and safety. Its fully fenced grounds and double-gate system make it easy to manage pups who chase after a ball. Folks appreciate the gravel paths that stay dry and the wide expanses perfect for running drills or teaching recall. Shade and fountains are scarce, so bring extra water and bags.
Location: 100 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0W7, Canada
Kilcona Off-Leash Dog Park
As one of the most popular off-leash dog parks in Winnipeg, Kilcona is well worth a visit with your canine companion. Find a small lake for paddling and ample green space for a game of fetch.
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Dog-friendly restaurants in Winnipeg
Hungry hounds and their people rejoice - pet-friendly Winnipeg’s culinary scene is totally pup-approved. From spacious outdoor areas in the Exchange District to laid-back spots by the river, you can dine alfresco with your furry friend in many of Winnipeg’s dog-friendly patios. Start with our list below and be sure to double check the rules on bringing your pooch before turning up.
Chaise Café & Lounge
Order a plate of their wood-fired pizza or fresh pasta, and let the savory scents set the mood. Reviewers describe the service as attentive and the vibe as welcoming, so if family-style Italian food is your thing, head to the restaurant’s dog-friendly outdoor seating area.
Location: 271 Provencher Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R2H 0G6, Canada
Carnaval Brazilian BBQ
Carnaval Brazilian BBQ brings the sizzle of all-you-can-eat rotisserie meats to your table—and welcomes dogs on its outdoor patio. Expect servers to pass by with skewers of roasted chicken, smoky beef, and seasoned sausage.
Location: 100-270 Waterfront Dr, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0L4, Canada
The Beer Can
For somewhere a little more laidback, head to The Beer Can’s dog-friendly patio in Winnipeg for local beers and a simple menu that pairs perfectly.
Dog-friendly activities in Winnipeg
Fetch your calendar and pencil in some paws-itively fun outings. From market strolls to brewery expeditions, pet-friendly Winnipeg delivers memorable moments for two and four-legged adventurers. These activities will have your dog grinning from whisker to whisker.
Forks Farmer’s Market Stroll
Take your pup on a mid-week morning mission through The Forks Market, a historic meeting place by the river that welcomes leashed dogs throughout its outdoor areas and food stalls. As you wander past fresh veggies, baked treats and quirky artisan crafts, you might score a nibble from a friendly vendor—bread crust, cheese sample, or maybe a pup-approved cookie.
Cost: Free to enter
Date and time: Wednesdays through Saturdays, mornings
Location: 1 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4L9, Canada
The Forks National Historic Site
Interested in the history of Winnipeg? Explore The Forks National Historic Site where dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas, on a leash.
Location: Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4S8, Canada
Leo Mol Sculpture Garden
Want somewhere a little artsy to walk your furry friend? Check out Leo Mol Sculpture Garden for a dog-friendly walk surrounded by interesting works of art.
Location: Assiniboine Park Dr, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N7, Canada
Assiniboine Riverwalk
Winnipeg locals love this hiking trail for its seamless blend of urban energy and green respite. Bring your dog on a loose leash and enjoy the peaceful flow of water and the rustle of leaves. Most people recommend going early for a quieter walk. The trail is stroller and mobility-friendly, with occasional spring closures if the river floods.
Location: River Walk, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1C4, Canada
Length: Approximately 5 km
Dog-friendly cafes in Winnipeg
Calling all coffee-and-canine connoisseurs: these snug cafés pour puppuccinos as well as cozy vibes. Sit back, sip a latte, and watch the city bustle by— these dog-friendly coffee shops in Winnipeg deliver that perfect blend of caffeine and canine camaraderie.
Fête Ice Cream & Coffee
This boutique joint is loved for its scratch-made ice cream and artisanal brews. It sits snugly beside the dog park, so reviewers say it’s perfect for a “coffee pause and puppy watch.” Expect a relaxed, cheerful vibe where humans savor robust coffee while pups nab their own treats.
Location: 300 Assiniboine Ave Unit B, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0T1, Canada
Dug & Betty’s Ice Creamery & Café
Dug & Betty’s is warm and welcoming—the kind of place where the staff top up your dog’s water bowl before you even ask. The menu includes vegan and gluten-free options alongside richer scoops like caramel cookie dough.
Location: 309 Des Meurons St, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2N4, Canada
Yellow Derny Café
Located in Woodcock Cycle Works, this pet-friendly cafe is the perfect spot to get your morning coffee while on a walk with your furry friend.
Location: 433 St Mary's Rd, Winnipeg, MB R2M 3K7, Canada
French Way Café
Head to the French Way Café for traditional sweet treats alongside your espresso and relax with your pooch on the outdoor dog-friendly patio.
Dog-friendly bars in Winnipeg
When it’s time for you to wet your whistle, these bars roll out the red carpet—or should we say red leash? Sip craft brews on patios where every pooch is treated like a VIP.
King's Head Pub
This long-standing pub in the Exchange District boasts one of Winnipeg’s largest draft selections and welcomes dogs like old mates. Expect hearty pub fare—think fish and chips or chicken roti—alongside friendly staff who rarely visit without offering your pup a water bowl or a scratch behind the ears.
Location: 120 King St, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1H9, Canada
Sookrams Brewery
This dog-friendly pub in Winnipeg has a rotating beer menu with inventive options. While the taproom is indoors and for humans only, the patio is wide open for dogs. Expect craft brews, a few snack options, and a social atmosphere—bring your best doggo-owning crew and enjoy some sunshine together.
Location: 479-B Warsaw Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0R2, Canada
Brazen Hall Kitchen & Brewery
Sucker for a brewpub? Head to this spot’s dog-friendly patio and enjoy a local beer with a comfort food classic.
Location: 800 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB R3M 2M7, Canada
Dog-friendly beaches in Winnipeg
Craving some sand between your toes? Less than an hour from downtown, you'll find sandy stretches where your pup can dig and sniff the lake breeze. These sun-soaked shores are the best dog-friendly beaches in Winnipeg—excellent for beachside romps. Grab a frisbee and let your furry friend chase horizons instead of waves.
Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park
Soft sand shores and a scenic boardwalk make this a delightful lakeside escape. Leashed dogs can roam a clearly marked, dog-friendly stretch of beach south of the water tower, where benches offer perfect spots to relax with your pup during sunset snacks.
Location: 3 Hamilton Ave, Winnipeg Beach, MB R0C 3G0, Canada
Grand Beach Provincial Park
A little farther afield, Grand Beach is a jewel of white sand that feels like a prairie-meets-lakeside retreat. While not all areas are dog-friendly, there’s an off-leash section at the west end of the beach where leashed dogs can mingle, and playing fetch is fair game.
Tips for pet parents
Living with a dog in Winnipeg comes with its quirks and perks, so here are some creative and practical ideas to make your life together even more awesome.
Help your pup master crosswalk manners
Winnipeg’s downtown has convoluted crosswalks and busy intersections, making dog walks in Winnipeg a little tricky. Teaching some basic voice controls—like a solid “wait”—and having your dog heel at each curb builds both respect and safety. The city encourages responsible ownership, so pacing confidently across Portage or Main Street can become a useful urban skill for your pup.
Scout out pet-washing stations
After muddy afternoons at Maple Grove or Prairie Creek Trail, finding a spot for cleanup saves your floors—and your sanity. Many pet groomers, like Muddy Dog Paws or mobile wash vans, offer walk-in, do-it-yourself tubs. Post-walk cleanup keeps fleas and lake smells at bay.
Think ahead for your vacation pet care
Is your vacation fast approaching? In-home pet sitters can step in while you’re away, maintaining routine and comfort for your pets. To find out how to connect with a verified sitter to keep your pooch happy and your home secure while you’re away, click below.
Finding a pet sitter
Tips for pet sitters
Fancy exploring the city, first-hand with a furry friend by your side? Follow our tips below for house sitting in Winnipeg.
Visit green spaces for a game of fetch
Beyond the main off-leash parks, neighborhoods often conceal small grassy nooks—little triangular islands, and even church yards with permission. These secret single-dog zones offer refuge for fetch, potty breaks, or a moment of midday calm.
Connect with pet-friendly retailers
Several local shops—such as Chapters bookstore and Peavey Mart—regularly welcome leashed dogs. These shops can be a lifesaver on rainy days or during shorter outings, offering light social exposure and a safe indoor break for your pup.
Explore Winnipeg through house sitting
House sitting in Winnipeg does more than just simplify your travel plans—it offers a unique opportunity to live alongside the city's diverse communities, vibrant arts scene, and pet-loving residents. To learn how to get your house sitting adventure started, click below.
Finding a house sit
More dog-friendly travel guides near Winnipeg
Thinking about house sitting near Winnipeg, 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.
