Calgary’s dog parks have something for everyone—and every pet. The city has everything from small community dog parks to massive recreational areas where your dog can run and explore. But what are the best dog parks in Calgary? We have a few recommendations.
Of course, you also want to ensure your pet has an area where they can play and exercise at home, which is why so many dog owners in Calgary are building dog runs on their properties. A dog run offers a safe, secure place for your animal to enjoy being outdoors, so we’ll look at how you can build one at your home, too.
The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in Calgary
Calgary has approximately 160 off-leash dog parks in the city, ranging from smaller neighbourhood areas to large destinations worth driving across town to visit. Here are four of our favourite unfenced and fenced Calgary dog parks, with one in each quadrant of the city.
Nose Hill Park (North-West)

You could spend all day exploring Nose Hill Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Ponds and hiking trails dot the vast park, which offers excellent views of downtown.
There is a massive amount of space for dogs to run freely within the park, with the Edgemont entrance offering direct access and other parking lots requiring short hikes to off-leash areas.
Sue Higgins Park (South-East)
Southland Drive & Deerfoot Trail
The largest dog park in Calgary, Sue Higgins Park, is 62 hectares and offers access to the Bow River, too, for pooches that like to swim. It might be the crown jewel of dog parks in Calgary.
Looking for a fenced in dog park in Calgary? Fences and gates separate multiple areas, and while dogs need to be on leashes as they cross the paths between those areas, there are tons of open spaces and treed areas for you and your puppy to explore.
Tom Campbell’s Hill (North-East)

Sitting high above the city and overlooking the zoo and Memorial Drive, this 18-hectare park offers dog owners and their pups the chance to experience nature just a short distance from downtown.
Native flowers dot the grassland atop a hill, with paved pathways and wide-open meadows providing space for your dog to run, run, and run some more.
River Park (South-West)

Located near the ever-popular Sandy Beach, River Park has had off-leash status since 1987 and is one of Calgary’s most popular spots for dogs.
This park has beautiful views and can be coupled with a long walk along the Elbow River once your dog is back on their leash. It’s also home to the Cat Margetts Memorial Park fountain, where dogs can grab a drink and cool off on hot days.
Petfinity Indoor Dog Park
This indoor dog park in Calgary opened earlier in 2024 and is a great all-season spot for your dog to get some exercise. The new facility also features a dog slide, rocks, turf, artificial trees, and grass patches. It also has a separate section for smaller dogs and a drainage system for proper disposal.
There’s an outdoor space, too, but the indoor area is great for the deepest, darkest, coldest days of winter when your dog needs some playtime and exercise.
The Best On-Leash Dog Parks in Calgary

While the ability for pups to run free can be a plus, off-leash dog parks don’t suit every pet. We’ve rounded up three of our favourite on-leash dog parks ahead—and we think you’ll love the variety they provide all year long.
Glenmore Reservoir Loop
This multi-use trail winds around the gorgeous Glenmore Reservoir in South Calgary and provides an oasis of recreation and activity. Cyclists and runners keep the paths busy, but adjacent trails connect with the main, paved route, which are perfect for exploring.
Fish Creek Provincial Park
There’s no other way of putting this: Fish Creek is absolutely huge. It is the second-largest urban park in Canada and has more than 80 kilometres of pathways for walking, hiking, and biking. The landscape changes as you cross the park, so you’ll keep coming back again and again to discover new areas.
Bow River Pathway
The pathway along the Bow River meanders its way through the city for almost 50 km and you can pop in and walk with your dog at any point. The section that runs along downtown is particularly beautiful, though, and you can stop in at Prince’s Island Park, too.
Building Your Own Dog Run at Home

Dogs need lots of exercise, and sometimes there isn’t enough time to get them out for a run at an off-leash area at one of the dog parks in Calgary. There’s an easy, affordable solution: Build a dog run at your home for your pup to exercise, play, and have as much fun as possible outside.
FenceLine Rentals Ltd. offers fence panels to build a dog run at home. Setup is quick, and it’s easy to create a shape that perfectly fits your yard and dog’s needs.
Why Build a Dog Run at Home?
- Dog runs provide safe and comfortable spaces for your dog to exercise.
- A fenced-in area protects landscaping you don’t want your dog to destroy when they are playing outside.
- A dog run provides animal lovers the security of knowing their animals are safe, especially for animals inclined to wander off.
What You Need to Build a Dog Run at Home
Building a dog run at home sounds complicated, right? In reality, once you find a dependable company that sells quality temporary fencing, the rest will fall into place.
We’ll walk you through exactly what you’ll need to build a dog run at home, but we encourage you to check out our blog on installing a temporary dog fence for more thorough setup instructions.
To set up a temporary dog fence, you’ll need:
- Fence panels that are the right size for your dog. FenceLine Rentals Ltd. has panels for dogs of all sizes, from Jack Russells to Great Danes.
- Fence hardware, including bases, clamps, and couplers.
- A plan of where you want the fence to go.
- Planned shade, warmth, water, and entertainment for your pup when in the dog run.
You can rent or buy temporary dog fencing. Depending on how long you’ll have your dog run set up, both have advantages. Mix and match panels to build a dog run that fits the configuration of your property. FenceLine offers new and used fence panels for sale in the following sizes:
- 8’x10’
- 6’x10’
- 6’x4’
- 4’10’
- 6’x6’
- 6’x2’
We also sell gates and casters for easy in and out access for you and your dog.
Building a Dog Run at Home Is a Great Way to Keep Your Pet Happy & Healthy
You love your dog, and your dog loves getting outside and exercising. Calgary has a wealth of recreational spaces, parks, and off-leash areas for you and your animal to get the outdoor activity you both need.
Building a dog run at home is easy with the right supplies. FenceLine Rentals Ltd. can help by providing fence panels for purchase or rent, delivery and setup, and personalized recommendations for your pet.
We’re here to help. Call 782-825-5737 in Edmonton or 587-864-5607 in Calgary.