Pooches on Patios: Alberta’s Restaurants Embrace Trend of Dining with Your Dog

Your dog gets extra special treatment at these establishments

You’ve probably noticed how bringing your pup to an outdoor patio can create new friendships and great conversations with perfect strangers.

This is just one of the perks of owning a dog and getting out and about with your pet, says Erin Ballinger, editor for BringFido.com.

“In the age of social media and online friendships, dogs also help us get outside and can act as icebreakers in social situations,” says Ballinger. “Dogs can even increase our social circles and new friendships through meeting up at dog parks, dog-friendly restaurants, bars or breweries.”

Alberta’s outdoor patios are a magnet all summer. Even in cooler weather, you’ll find there’s something special about humans and dogs mingling over a meal and a beverage or two.

Sure, we’re not at the level of dog-crazy France and Italy, where restaurants welcome furry companions indoors. But there are several notable spots in Alberta - and many where dogs get extra special treatment. Check out the BringFido.com app for a more complete list of pet-friendly restaurants, pubs, microbreweries and cafés.

Calgary

Vin Room

Vin Room restaurants are noted for their extensive wine menus and delicious food. Insiders know they also have a soft spot for four-legged fur babies. With three locations, including at the Calgary International Airport (which also welcomes your four-legged travel buddy), Vin Room goes beyond pet-friendly. While you soak up the sun on one of their patios, your dog will feel all the love, too. Fresh bottled water called “pawsecco,” a doggie mat and complimentary treat bags are given to each pup.

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Fionn MacCool’s

Pints with your pooch are a perfect match on a warm day. Fionn MacCool’s in Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood has stepped it up with a new “dog chow menu.” While you’re enjoying classic pub fare, your pet will get an appetizer treat for just being adorable. Feeling generous? Order a shrimp or chicken Puppy Power Bowl.

Cold Garden

Walking into Cold Garden’s lively outdoor patio or indoor tasting room is a bit like going to an impromptu dog show. The craft brewery doesn’t serve food, but you can order takeout for delivery. Pups are just part of the package at this popular watering hole in Inglewood. Water dishes for your dog are never far away and there’s always plenty of cuddles from your fellow patrons.

Edmonton

Café Bicyclette

This slice of joie de vivre in Edmonton’s French quarter serves up a classic French/Quebecois menu, while saying Oui! to your pup. Nibble on croissants while sipping a drink on the airy patio, where trees provide shade for your pup. Or, tuck into heartier lunches and dinners like a smoked meat sandwich, poutine and coq au vin.

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Banff/Lake Louise

Lake Agnes Tea House

It’s a 3.6 km (2.2 mi) hike with a 400 m (1,312 ft) elevation gain to the historic Lake Agnes Tea House at Lake Louise. After this short but intense hike, you and your pup will be ready to put your paws up. Settle onto the outdoor patio for stunning views of the lake and snow-covered mountains. The restaurant is also dog-friendly and serves 100 types of tea, light snacks and lunches.

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Jasper

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

The Great Hall Gastropub at the Fairmont (which cheekily calls itself the Furrrrmont) Jasper Park Lodge is about as dog-friendly as an establishment gets. While you and your pup are taking in the views of Lac Beauvert from the patio, you can both have something to munch on. There’s a menu for humans, and your four-legged friend can choose from the ‘Great Hound’ pet menu. Selections include steamed salmon and veggies or a chicken dish

Medicine Hat

Hell’s Basement Brewery

It’s always a treat to find that smaller cities are dog-friendly, too. Medicine Hat in southeastern Alberta sports a walkable historic downtown and is a perfect getaway to experience with your buddy. Before hitting Hell’s Basement's pet-friendly patio, head to Echo Dale Regional Park. Set along the South Saskatchewan River, it has a large off-leash park, and 5 km (3.1 mi) of trails. Then you’ll have worked up a thirst to sample some of the brews and hard sodas on the menu. And don’t forget about snacks like soft pretzels, which your pooch would likely love if you shared.

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