Fun & Adventurous Pet Friendly Canmore Activities

19/09/2024

There’s nothing quite like bringing your pet along on your vacation. And in Canmore, pet-friendly is the name of the game. Whether it’s an outdoor adventure, downtown shopping, eating at Canmore’s pet-friendly restaurants or staying at one of Canmore’s pet-friendly hotels, your family’s favourite furry friend is welcome just about everywhere.

If you’re planning your next mountain getaway and wondering what pet-friendly activities you can put on your itinerary, our team at Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre has some suggestions.

Pet-Friendly Things to Do in Canmore

Canmore is the perfect place to vacation with your pup. Take a look at this list of things to do in Canmore and plan the perfect day—whether you’d like it to be relaxing, adventurous, or full of delicious food and drink.

Off-Leash Heaven

Canmore has five off-leash areas for your pooches to run to their hearts’ content and socialize with other pups, each with its own distinct vibe. For pet-owners looking for things to do in Canmore, start with one of these five amazing off-leash dog parks.

1. Quarry Lake Dog Park

Technically, Quarry Lake Dog Park should count as two locations. This park is the biggest on this list and offers two distinct off-leash areas. One is a gorgeous meadow with a ton of room for dogs to run, play, and fetch. The second backs right onto a pond, so your dog can do more than just run—they can swim, too! Quarry Lake Dog Park also features incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

2. Cougar Creek

Conveniently located right off the side of the highway, there’s a four-foot fence that runs all the way around the boundary of this dog-lover’s dream. You’ll feel like you’re in a thick forest when you and your pup visit Cougar Creek. There are intersecting pathways that wind through this park, but space is abundant for your dog to run and you to explore.

3. Elk Run Dog Park

This neighbourhood park has a little bit of everything, with two baseball diamonds nearby and trails that are great for exploring once you’ve put your pup back on its leash after a run in the off-leash area. The off-leash section itself is fenced-in, so no need to worry about your dog taking off and getting lost. Plus, it has absolutely stunning views of the mountains.

4. Palliser Dog Park

Though it isn’t as big as the previous three off-leash areas we’ve listed, it has a neighbourhood vibe and is ideal for puppies or smaller dogs. There’s a five-foot-tall chain-link fence and lots of room for dogs to play, socialize and get the running in that they need and crave.

5. Hubman Dog Park

Like Palliser, this is more of a neighbourhood park. It’s smaller, but is right by a popular disc-golf course and there is an extensive system of paved trails nearby. You could easily make a day of exploring the area with your dog with a stop-in at the off-leash area, too.

Pet-Friendly Canmore Patios

When the weather’s nice, locals in Canmore love setting up outside and kicking back. Patio season can be any time the weather’s nice enough to be sitting outside with your meal, your coffee or a drink that’s a little bit stronger.

There are plenty of pet-friendly restaurants in Canmore that welcome dogs on their outdoor patios. Here are a few:

TABLE Food + Drink: Located in the Coast Canmore Hotel, this pet-friendly restaurant in Canmore allows pets on the patio. Browse the Weekly Features menu for fresh, seasonal eats made with local ingredients, or sip a café latte in the sun amidst the mountains with your pup.
Bridgette Bar: This upscale, chef-driven restaurant and bar has a terrific daily matinee happy hour, and the pizzas are spectacular. Part of their patio is designated dog-friendly.
Communitea Cafe: This delightful Canmore staple is a lot more than just a cafe. Yes, it’s got a great selection of coffee and teas, but its menu is packed with healthy bowls and sandwiches and you should absolutely bring your dog along if you’re planning on sitting outside.
The Drake Pub: Grabbing a drink at the Drake is a quintessential Canmore experience, but the pub has a great food menu, too, and one of Canmore’s best pet friendly patios.

Walk in Town…or in the Mountains

Whether it’s a stroll downtown or a hike up to Ha Ling Peak, Canmore is the type of town where you and your dog can leave the car behind and get your steps in.

Canmore has over 80 km of multi-use trails that connect the town and the surrounding recreational areas, so your options are endless when it comes to putting your dog on a leash and exploring.

The Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk Trail, for example, starts in downtown Canmore and winds through forests and wetlands. It also connects to more than 70 km of further trails. The Upper Grassi Lakes Trail is spectacular, too.

And for anyone looking for a bigger challenge, there’s a reason why Canmore is considered a hiker’s paradise. If your dog is in good shape and would enjoy walking right up a mountain, any of Ha Ling Peak, the East End of Rundle, and Lady Macdonald are challenging mountain hikes accessible from town that will take you up to some spectacular views.

In addition, the Kananaskis area, accessible from Canmore, offers countless options for dog owners and their pets.

Treat Your Pet with Some Shopping

Shopping with your pet can be incredibly fun. And because Canmore is such a pet-friendly town, there is no shortage of options to get out and about with your pup.

Canmore Mountain Market: If you’re in Canmore on a Thursday between May and November, definitely make it a point to stop by the Canmore Mountain Market. It’s outdoors, pet-friendly and has local vendors selling everything from farm-fresh fruit to artisan goods and fresh baking. There are even a few treats you could buy your dog!
The Mut Hut: This is a lot more than just your average pet store. There’s a large selection of products for your pet, and the Mut Hut also has its own grooming service and an in-store bakery that makes healthy treats every single day.
Alberta’s Own Market: This downtown Canmore shop showcases everything from home decor to men’s grooming products, baby items, jewelry and gifts. It’s pet-friendly and represents more than 150 artists and craftspeople from around the province.

Plan Your Pet-Friendly Trip to Canmore

If you’re planning a trip to Canmore, there’s no reason to leave your pet behind. With countless pet-friendly activities in Canmore, visitors will love seeing their family’s furry friend exercising, interacting and embracing life in this mountain community.

The Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is the perfect place to stay in Canmore if you’re bringing your dog along. It’s not just that pets are welcome; our hotel is excited to see them, and all dogs will receive a cozy pet bed, a food bowl and a locally-sourced treat.

Book your stay with us today, call (403)678-3625 or browse our latest hotel deals in Canmore for ways to save.

Pet Friendly FAQS

Is Canmore pet-friendly?

Absolutely, Canmore is pet-friendly. With expansive off-leash areas, trails that wind through town and up into the mountains and pet friendly hotels like the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, there are endless Canmore activities for you and your family pet.

Are there off-leash areas for dogs in Canmore?

There are five off-leash areas for dogs in Canmore, from the massive Quarry Lake to the more community-minded Hubman Dog Park. Anyone looking for pet-friendly Canmore activities should start their day at one of the off-leash areas, where their pet can run freely and get lots of exercise.

Are there pet-friendly hotels in Canmore?

At Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, we love dogs. We encourage pups of all sizes to stay with us and even provide a pet bed, dinner bowl and a treat upon arrival.

Our hotel is within walking distance from downtown, a huge trail system and much, much more, so it’s perfect for your pet-friendly Canmore vacation.