Sanyukta SrivastavaWhen we adopted our energetic pup, we quickly realized they needed more than backyard space – freedom to run and play was really a must!
Our first attempts at off-leash parks were hit or miss – some were muddy, others too small, and others had way too many cyclists sharing the space (no offense – I love cycling too!).
Then, we found the one: shady trails, open fields, and a playful dog community with dog owners who are just as nice as their pups. Inspired, we kept exploring and discovered more amazing off-leash dog parks in Edmonton that we think every dog lover must know about!
1. Terwillegar Park
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Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/terwillegar-park
Address: 10 Rabbit Hill Rd NW
Contact Details: +1 780-442-5311
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Terwillegar Park is a fantastic spot for both dogs and their owners. This expansive off-leash park offers a variety of multi-use trails that wind through lush greenery, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll or an adventurous hike.
One of the park’s highlights is its direct river access, which is a favorite spot for dogs to splash around during the summer. Nestled along the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River, the park is about a five-minute walk towards the water.
The park is well-equipped so the crowd shouldn’t be a problem. It has parking spaces for over 100 vehicles and amenities like portable toilets scattered throughout.
You’ll also find plenty of benches along the trails, as well as a mini truck that pops up in the summer selling dog treats!
2. Mill Creek Ravine South
Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/mill-creek-ravine
Address: 76 Ave NW
Contact Details: +1 780-944-5555
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Mill Creek Ravine Park offers an expansive off-leash area surrounded by the lush greenery of Edmonton’s river valley. The park’s trails are a mix of paved and dirt paths, perfect for leisurely walks or more adventurous hikes with your pup.
Along the way, you’ll even find a creek where dogs can cool off and splash around. It’s perfect if you’re going in the summer as the area can be a little too warm during the season.
If you wander down to the lower areas, you’ll be greeted by dense trees. This forest-like area is a favorite for biking and hiking, or you can just enjoy a quiet moment here with your pet.
For those looking for a bit of variety, the park also features open fields that are great for games of catch, frisbee, or just letting your dog burn off some energy. The upper area, on the other hand, offers fun opportunities for rollerblading, so owners can also be occupied.
3. Jackie Parker Park
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Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/jackie-parker-park
Address: 10 Rabbit Hill Rd NW
Contact Details: 1 780-496-4999
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Jackie Parker Park’s spacious off-leash zone is surrounded by lush trees, making it a great spot for energetic pups to roam freely. If your furry friend loves variety, they’ll enjoy the mix of open fields and wooded trails, perfect for games of fetch or just a good sniff around.
One of the park’s best highlights is the small lake. While swimming and boating aren’t allowed, there’s a loop trail that circles the lake. So if you ever want to jog around with your pup, you can start off at this zone.
Kids would love the playground here, though it’s worth noting that shade is limited. Don’t forget to bring a tent or umbrella on sunny days!
There are also picnic areas with fire rings and benches, so you’re all set for the perfect day out.
4. Hermitage Park
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Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/hermitage-park
Address: 2115 Hermitage Rd NW
Contact Details: +1 780-442-5311
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Hermitage Park boasts 2 kilometers of open trails where pups can roam freely and make new friends. The trails are also paved and well-maintained, even in winter, so you can enjoy a walk no matter the season.
The off-leash area includes a pond, but here’s a tip: keep your furry friend out of the water! Instead, head to one of the river access points nearby if your dog loves to swim. These spots are safer and provide a more refreshing option for water-loving pups.
The park has great amenities for humans too. There are scattered picnic tables and benches that make it easy to take a break while your dog burns off some energy. There are also barbecue sites and a porta-potty near the parking lot.
5. Lacombe Lake Dog Park
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Website: https://stalbert.ca/rec/parks/places/parks/lacombe-lake-park/
Address: 151 McKenney Ave, St. Albert
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Lacombe Lake Dog Park is a fantastic spot for dogs to run free and enjoy the outdoors. The fenced area is spacious, with separate sections for small dogs under 25 pounds. It’s pretty much a safe environment for pups of all sizes.
One of the unique features here is the designated dog swim area in the summer months. While it’s a favorite for water-loving pups, keep in mind that access might be restricted at times due to blue-green algae, which is toxic to pets.
It’s a great reminder to always check park updates before visiting!
Fortunately, there’s still plenty of open space for your dog to explore. It’s connected to the Red Willow Trail System (which is a 99.5-kilometer network of trails), giving plenty of opportunities to explore.
6. Gold Bar Hiking Trail
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Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/gold-bar-park
Address: 10955 50 St NW
Contact Details: +1 780-442-5311
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Gold Bar Park’s off-leash area is ideal for adventurous dogs. The trails here are unpaved and surrounded by thick forest, so there’s plenty of room for dogs to explore and play. Just be prepared for a bit of mud after rain or ice during winter!
The park’s off-leash area is also shared with runners, cyclists, and other outdoor enthusiasts. It’s best to practice courtesy as everyone’s busy doing their own thing here.
Despite the mixed-use, the trails are well-sheltered, so they’re safe to use.
Beyond the trails, Gold Bar Park also offers accessible amenities like picnic areas, washrooms, and pathways. So if you’re bringing little ones with your pet, you can do a full-on family day here.
7. Buena Vista Park
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Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/buena-vista-park
Address: 13210 Buena Vista Rd NW
Contact Details: +1 780-442-5311
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
For pups that love to explore, the wooded areas in Buena Vista are a dream come true. These trails are perfect for sniffing around, with a short walk that leads to access points along the river.
Just be prepared – it’s not fenced, so it’s best for dogs that have good recall!
Amenities here are thoughtfully placed to keep everyone comfortable. You’ll find benches and picnic tables throughout the park, along with garbage cans conveniently located near the entrance and along the main trails.
Accessible washrooms and water fountains are also available, so you don’t have to worry about running out of drinking water for you and your buddy.
8. Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
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Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/sir-wilfrid-laurier-park
Address: 13221 Buena Vista Rd NW
Contact Details: +1 780-442-5311
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Located along the North Saskatchewan River, this park offers an off-leash zone with plenty of green space and shaded areas under towering trees. With a peaceful ambiance, it’s easy to let dogs roam around without being overwhelmed by sunlight.
If you’re planning a family outing, the park has picnic tables and benches. In fact, during the summer, you’ll often find families enjoying BBQs or playing sports in the fields. There’s even a boat launch for those looking to explore the river.
For those who prefer a more relaxed day, the park also has sheltered areas where you spread a blanket and eat with your pet. Just take note that space may be limited during busy hours, so we recommend arriving early.
9. Deermound Off Leash Dog Park
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Website: https://www.strathcona.ca/emergencies-enforcement/pet-ownership/dogs-in-the-park/
Address: 23031 Township Rd 522, Sherwood Park
Contact Details: +1 780-464-8111
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
One of the standout features of Deermound Park is the dedicated area for small dogs. This fenced section is perfect for pups under 30 pounds or those who are less active, so there’s a safe space to play away from larger dogs.
But for energetic pups, there’s a variety of trails to explore. There are wide open fields to more secluded, wooded paths. You can socialize your dog with others or enjoy a quieter, peaceful walk in these areas.
There are picnic tables, benches, and even trash cans with poop bags, so you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable outing. The park is regularly maintained too, making it clean enough for dogs to roam freely.
10. Lauderdale Off-Leash Site
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Address: Edmonton, AB T5E 0C5, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Lauderdale Off-Leash Site is a top choice for dog owners who want a spacious and clean park. The park is fully fenced, with separate areas for small dogs and larger dogs, so everyone can enjoy a safe, fun experience.
One of the best things about this park is its convenience. There’s ample parking available, so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot, even on busier days. Plus, the park has picnic tables where you can relax and watch your dog play!
The park also offers practical amenities, such as garbage cans and poop bags. Just take note that there aren’t a lot of trees for shaded areas, so it can get hot on summer days. The best time to visit is definitely in the winter when there’s snow!
11. Callingwood Park
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Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/callingwood-park
Address: 17740 69 Ave NW
Contact Details: +1 780-442-5311
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
The off-leash area at Callingwood Park is tucked away in a natural tree stand, giving dogs a place to play in a semi-wooded setting. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the area too, making it a nice spot for owners to hang out while their dogs roam free.
Beyond the off-leash zone, the expansive sports fields are also perfect for kicking around a soccer ball or tossing a Frisbee for a quick play of chase. Plus, kite flyers are often here during breezy days, and you can simply sit down and watch them play.
Convenience is great at Callingwood Park, with plenty of parking and clean restrooms at the pavilion. However, it’s worth noting the park’s dense wooded areas, where some homeless individuals have set up camp. We recommend staying alert, especially at night.
12. Kinnaird Park Highlands Hiking Trail
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Website: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/kinnaird-park-highlands-hiking-trail
Address: 7696 Jasper Ave
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Kinnaird Park Highlands Hiking Trail is a 4.3-km loop trail. It’s a moderately challenging path that takes about an hour to complete. Dogs are welcome off-leash in certain areas, so you can complete parts of the trail with your pup.
The route begins near Concordia University, with ample parking along Ada Boulevard and a stair access that leads down into the valley. Along the way, you’ll skirt past the Highlands Golf Club and under the Capilano Bridge before entering the park’s lush surroundings.
Picnic tables scattered throughout provide perfect spots to rest, take in the sights or enjoy a snack with your four-legged friend too. The raised wooden rails and braille trail markers, though not as commonly used today, are also helpful for those with visual needs.
13. Strathcona Science Park
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Website: https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/central/strathcona-science-pp/
Address: 8650 17 St NW
Contact Details: +1 780-672-7274
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunridge Ski Area and Provincial Park may not be Edmonton’s most polished park, but it shines in its own rugged way. The park offers stunning river valley views, with trails that wind through natural landscapes.
For those who like a leisurely pace, there are paved walking and biking paths that make strolling with your pup a breeze. The park connects to Rundle Park via a pedestrian bridge, so you can go for an extended route if you’re feeling adventurous.
And if you time your visit right, the sunset views from here are breathtaking, with cityscapes on one side and the industrial buildings of the oil refinery on the other.
14. Paisley Off Leash Dog Park
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Website: https://paisleycommunity.com/paisleys-dog-park/
Address: 3051 Paisley Green SW
Contact Details: +1 780-423-1910
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Paisley Off-Leash Dog Park is a gem for dog owners in Edmonton seeking a safe, fenced area for their pups to roam freely. The park is thoughtfully designed with separate sections, including one specifically for smaller or timid dogs.
One of the best features here is the agility equipment scattered throughout the park. Benches are also available for owners to relax while their dogs play, as well as cleaning stations with complimentary bags make it easy to keep the area tidy.
If you’re visiting with kids, just a friendly PSA: this is a dog park, not a playground. A kids’ park is conveniently located 100 meters away, so everyone has their own space to enjoy.
