Edmonton is known for its extensive river valley, which offers some of the most scenic and spacious off-leash dog areas in Canada.
As Alberta’s capital city, Edmonton boasts over 40 official off-leash areas covering urban parks, fenced enclosures, and miles of interconnected trails. With more than 480 kilometers of maintained pathways, many dog-friendly zones are located in the city's iconic river valley, including Buena Vista Park, Gold Bar Park, and Terwillegar Park, which features one of the city’s largest off-leash trail systems. Edmonton promotes responsible pet ownership, requiring all dogs to be licensed and supervised in public spaces.
1. Where can dogs be off-leash in Edmonton?
Dogs may be off-leash only in **designated areas**, including marked trails and fenced parks. These are listed and mapped on **edmonton.ca**.
2. Do dogs need to be licensed?
Yes. All dogs must be licensed with the **City of Edmonton**, and tags should be worn during park visits.
3. Can dogs go off-leash near rivers?
Yes, in parks like **Terwillegar** and **Gold Bar**, dogs can explore riverbank areas—but must remain under control.
4. Are waste bags provided?
No. Pet owners must bring their own bags and clean up after their dogs at all times.
5. Are aggressive dogs allowed?
No. All dogs in off-leash parks must be **socialized, responsive to voice commands**, and **non-aggressive**.
1. What’s the most popular off-leash area in Edmonton?
**Terwillegar Park** is one of the largest and most popular, with wooded trails, fields, and river access.
2. Are fenced parks available?
Yes. Edmonton has several **fenced off-leash areas**, including smaller neighborhood dog runs and urban sites.
3. Are there off-leash trails in the river valley?
Yes. Multiple trails, including in **Buena Vista**, **Gold Bar**, and **Mill Creek Ravine**, permit off-leash access where posted.
4. Can I bring multiple dogs?
Yes. However, you must be able to control all dogs and keep them in sight at all times.
5. Are parks open year-round?
Yes. Most off-leash areas are **open year-round**, though trail conditions can vary by season.
6. Where can I find a full map?
Visit **edmonton.ca/dogparks** to see a map of all designated off-leash zones and trail networks.
