Alberta’s Adventures Will Have Your Pet’s Tail Wagging

Where you can hike, swim, camp or glamp with your four-legged pal

You know the familiar body language of your super happy fur baby. A wagging tail and an adorable face seem to say, ‘more please.’ It can happen on a hiking trail, at a dog park, or after a splash on a hot summer day in a stunning Alberta landscape.

Alberta boasts the highest number of pet parents in Canada. So it’s no wonder we’re always looking for activities where we can bring along our four-legged companions.

“More and more pet owners consider their pet to be a member of the family,” says Erin Ballinger, editor at BringFido.com, a service that helps pet owners plan their holidays.

If you rarely leave home without your pet, you’ll be delighted to learn there’s many attractions and activities where you’re both welcome.

Activities

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Alberta’s many provincial, national and privately owned campgrounds. A typical requirement is for Fido to be on a leash no more than 2 m (6.5 ft) long.

Victoria Stuart, who has more than 100,000 Instagram followers on her account  @JustBeingFarley, featuring her adorable Australian Shepherd, has some advice for pet parents.

Areas for camping or glamping

Meska Outdoors (south of Calgary) If you and your pet pal prefer glam-camping, check out dog-friendly  Meska Outdoors. The luxe outfitter relocates every year. In 2022, it set its unique glamping experience at Eau Claire Distillery in Diamond Valley, 60 km (37 mi) south of Calgary. Besides sampling one of Alberta’s best spirit-makers, guests can play lawn games, relax around a fire, explore the town’s eateries or hike in nearby Kananaskis. Comfortable tents come complete with a queen bed and cozy bedding.

Southeast Alberta, Elkwater, Cypress Hills Provincial Park

Amazing rolling prairie scenery awaits you and your pooch in this provincial park that straddles the Alberta/Saskatchewan border.  Elkwater is one of 20 campgrounds here and dogs are welcome. There are plenty of campsites, hiking trails and a sandy beach. Bonus: Cypress Hills is a Dark Sky Preserve, making it an excellent spot to snuggle up and stargaze with your canine companion.

Northern Alberta

Alberta’s only provincial park on an island, Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park is situated on the shores of Lac La Biche. Set amid an old-growth forest, it sports leafy hiking trails, sandy beaches, a campground and year-round comfort cabins. In summer, you can stand-up paddleboard, kayak or canoe. In winter, you can practically have the cross-country trails to yourself.

You’re just 10 minutes from supplies in the easily walkable town of Lac La Biche. While you’re there, you can let your pup run off some more energy at Alexander Hamilton Park’s off-leash area. Be sure to treat yourself to the delicious sweet treats at  Queen Bean or a bubble tea and Mediterranean-style food at  Café on Main.

Swimming

Water-loving dogs will beg for a cool-down dip on a hot summer day. Though dogs are not allowed on public beaches at most provincial parks, there's other options at non-public access points to lakes. Hikes with natural water features are perfect, too. Consider Mistaya Canyon off the Icefields Parkway, which stretches from Lake Louise to Jasper, or Valley of the Five Lakes near Jasper.

Looking for the perfect Rocky Mountain Insta-shot? Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are dog-friendly. Rent a canoe and take a serene paddle amid jaw-dropping scenery.

The Moraine Lake Road is open during the summer season from June until mid-October. However, the only vehicles that can access Moraine Lake are guests of Moraine Lake Lodge, visitors with disabilities (with valid parking placards), commercial buses (tours), Roam Public Transit and a shuttle bus. The shuttle bus, operated by Parks Canada, departs from Lake Louise Ski Resort.

Passenger pets are allowed at no charge. All pets must be crated in a carrier that’s small enough to fit on your lap. Space on the shuttle bus is limited, so it’s best to reserve your spot in advance.

There’s also several dog-friendly swimming holes in Alberta’s urban centers. At Calgary’s Sue Higgins Park, dogs can frolic in the Bow River. Terwillegar Park in Edmonton has hiking trails, an off-leash area and opportunities to canoe the North Saskatchewan River. In nearby St. Albert, pooches can cool off at Lacombe Lake Dog Park.

Hiking

Hiking with Fido on a leash is common in Alberta. The  All Trails app can help you check where your buddy is welcome. Here are a few items you’ll want to bring along:

• Water
• Collapsible dish
• Treats/food
• Collar/harness
• Leash
• Dog first-aid kit
• Reflective vest or collar if hiking at night
• Booties if you’re hiking rough terrain
• Plenty of doggie bags so you leave no trace

Dog parks

Alberta’s countless dog parks let your furry friend work off some pent-up energy. The  Dog Pack app is a handy guide for finding dog-friendly parks.

A little off the beaten path

Here are three of the hundreds of pet-friendly Alberta attractions.

Jasper Skytram

You can bring your dog on this thrilling seven-minute gondola ride that whisks you up to 2,200 m (7,200 ft). Hike, take in the views and wow your social followers with pics of you and your pooch on top of the world.

Waterton Shoreline Cruises

This scenic cruise in Waterton Lakes National Park welcomes well-behaved and leashed dogs at no charge.