Dogs Love Edmonton: A Local's Guide to Edmonton Dog-Friendly Patios, Parks & Restaurants

Moving is a challenge by itself, but moving to a home in Edmonton with a pet brings another set of considerations to tackle. Are dogs welcomed in the new community? Are there plenty of activities for a four-legged friend to participate in? Edmonton is one of the larger metro areas in all of Canada, and new residents moving to Edmonton will be happy to know that dogs are very much appreciated here. Keep reading to discover a few of the dog-friendly places and activities available in Edmonton.

Dog-Friendly Activities in Edmonton

Dogtopia is a canine spa, daycare, and boarding service located at 10529 116 St. NW near Downtown Edmonton. It's one of the coolest facilities in the downtown area for folks who live in nearby apartments or condos with their dog. Pooches can get a full bath, nail trim, haircut, or other spa services with a reservation.

The daycare portion of the facility is large and filled with all sorts of activities where dogs can run around and play indoors (great for the colder months!). One nice feature of Dogtopia is that every room in the facility has a live webcam in it. If an owner drops their dog off before they go to work, they can remotely check in anytime during the day to see how their pet is doing. There's also rubber flooring throughout the facility, which is better for dogs' hips and knees.

They also offer short-term and long-term boarding for dogs when owners need to leave town for a trip or vacation. Dogs are taken for regular potty breaks and get up to 10 hours of playtime (split between mornings and afternoons), as well as their very own home-style crates for naps and sleeping.

The next section of this guide is all about dog parks and trails in Edmonton, but Terwillegar Park deserves a special mention. It's a 459-acre off-leash park next to the North Saskatchewan River. It's too big to take the whole park in during a single visit, not far from the gated community homes at Promontory Point.

Dog Parks & Trails in Edmonton

Note: Unleashed dogs are not allowed in playground areas designated for children at any of the parks in Edmonton. However, there are plenty of outdoor spaces where pet parents can take their dogs off-leash and have some fun with them.

Mill Creek Ravine South is a long and meandering off-leash dog park that has plenty of walking trails for dogs and their owners to get some exercise. Most of the park is wooded, and there are some fun footbridges crossing the Mill Creek Ravine. The park has multiple access points near homes in southeast Edmonton.

Jackie Parker Off-Leash Dog Park is located near Jackson Heights neighbourhood homes, off 50 St NW. Lots of wooded trails and open spots to run are available in the off-leash part of this large park. Be sure to put the leash back on your dog if you want to explore some other areas of the park.

Located at 2115 Hermitage Rd NW near homes in northeast Edmonton, Hermitage Park is great for summertime visits. It has direct access to the river so dogs can cool off on a hot day. Ponds at the park are stocked with trout, and the walking trails are paved.

There's a large parking lot with access to the hiking trails at Gold Bar Hiking Trail, located at 10955 50 St NW in east Edmonton. This is an excellent place for a hiking adventure with dogs and has river access.

Buena Vista Park is a large park is near the Edmonton Valley Zoo. The off-leash area is vast and provides lots of space for pups to run and play.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Edmonton

Doggy Style Deli is one of the few delis in Edmonton where human guests have to bring their own sack lunch. That's because every recipe on the menu is actually for puppies and full-grown dogs. The Doggy Style Deli caters specifically to canines. Menu items include entries like duck & turkey lasagna, German Shepherd Pie, and Something Fishy Mac and Cheese. They also offer full grooming services and high-quality raw dog food on the menu.

El Cortez is a Mexican kitchen and tequila bar located near the beautiful homes in Old Strathcona. Dog owners are welcome to bring their leashed pet to enjoy a meal or a cocktail in the enclosed outdoor patio area.

Enjoy a craft beer at an outdoor table at the Sea Change Brewing Co., and bring your dog along too. Also located in the Strathcona neighbourhood, Sea Change has a simple burgers-and-fries menu, lots of craft beers on tap, and a place for four-legged guests to lie down and relax.

The Rocky Mountain Ice House provides heaters and blankets in the outdoor patio area during the colder months, and dog owners can bring their pets along. The menu features southern US comfort foods (primarily Texan), cocktails, wines and craft ales. The Ice House is located near the condos in Downtown Edmonton.

Café Bicyclette has an outdoor patio area and serves coffee, pastries and classic French dishes. Owners are welcome to bring their leashed dogs to an outdoor table for a relaxing meal or coffee.

Dog-Friendly Shopping in Edmonton

Shades of Grey Boutique is located in west-central Edmonton allows well-behaved on-leash pets or doggies in strollers. The store primarily sells women's clothing and jewelry.

Kent of Inglewood, located near Garneau real estate, is a men's store that sells grooming products such as straight razors and shaving brushes. It also offers outdoor gear such as pocket knives, axes and "everyday carry" kits. Leashed dogs are welcome to browse with their owners.

Red Ribbon Boutique is located in west-central Edmonton. It's a clothing and boutique shop that sells many local brands of clothing for men, women, and children. Leashed pets are welcome.

How about a boutique that's just for pets? Poochie Moochie is located near homes in northwest Edmonton off 107 St NW. The store carries more than 160 brands of pet food, leashes, collars and other pet accessories. Poochie Moochie mainly caters to dogs and cats. Leashed pets are welcome.

Homes Alive Pets is a locally-owned pet shop that features only Made in Canada brands. Food and items for dogs and cats are for sale, as well as birds, reptiles and fish. Leashed doggies are welcome with their owners. Earn a free bag of food after a certain amount of purchases by joining their "FREEquent feeder" program.

Pet Planet has been in business since 1996 and has six stores located in different parts of Edmonton. They have a great "points" program that allows members to earn discounts and freebies on certain products. Leashed dogs welcome.

Pet-Friendly Lodging

The Best Western Plus West Edmonton (on 179A St NW) and the Best Western Cedar Park Inn (on Gateway Boulevard) both allow dogs to stay in rented rooms with their owners. There's a $20 fee per pet.

Located on 100th Avenue, the Comfort Inn West allows dogs of any size for a $20 pet fee. A maximum of two pets per room is permitted.

Candlewood Suites West Edmonton is located on 100 Avenue NW. The Candlewood Suites allows dogs to stay in rooms with their owners and offers reduced rates on the pet fee for extended stays. The pet fee is $20 per night, $75 for six nights or less, and $150 maximum for seven or more nights.

Edmonton is a Pet-Friendly City

From trendy boutiques to fine dining and vast outdoor green spaces, there is always plenty for a dog lover and their favourite pet(s) to do in Edmonton. The city is very friendly to dog owners and provides plenty of year-round activities for them. When searching for a new home in Edmonton, take a look at what amenities are available nearby to enjoy with your furry best friend.