Canine Canmore: Tips for Visiting the Rockies with Your Dog

Visiting Canmore with your pet? Here are a few insider tips on where to find essentials, dogs parks and most importantly, why it’s important to always have your dog on-leash.

Pet Stores & Grooming

Mutt Hut Pet Emporium – This local downtown Canmore pet store has it all! They offer a large selection of high-quality products and food, as well as a pet bakery and spa like grooming services. They also have the best in-house smoked marrow bones.

Pet Planet – Pet Planet have good selection of treats, toys, food and other products for your pet. They also have a self-serve grooming room at the back.

Dirty Dog Car & Truck Wash – You won’t find much about it online but here’s a local’s secret for you. There’s a do-it-yourself dog and car wash in Cougar Creek at 126 Bow Meadows Cres.

Why it’s Essential to Leash Your Dog in the Rockies

Did you know that all dogs must be on-leash at all times in Canmore, Banff and Kananaskis due to an increased threat of wildlife conflicts? The only exceptions, are the designated off-leash dog park around Canmore and off-leash dog parks in Banff. In the Rockies, wildlife is our top priority, so off-leash dogs are considered a big taboo.

“A two-year remote camera study of human use in wildlife corridors and habitat patches around Canmore between 2015-2017 showed almost 50,000 records of dogs, 58 per cent of which were off leash. In particular, her research showed off-leash dogs had a negative impact on habitat use of black bears, elk and deer. Hikers had a negative impact on habitat use of cougars and white-tailed deer.”  (Source)

Dog Parks

Quarry Park

One of the locals’ favorites which is suitable for only the very best-behaved dogs because it is unfenced. There are large boulders to mark where the edge of the park is, please make sure you’re paying attention to signage as well! Unfortunately, the lake itself is not an off-leash area, but there is a pond in the dog park so your pooch can take a dip as well. If you are visiting in the winter, check the Town of Canmore’s avalanche bombing schedule for the East End of Rundle mountain, the booming sounds have been known to startle dogs that are unfamiliar with them.

Elk Run

Arguably one of the best parks for a game of fetch, as it features a large flat field and panoramic views of the mountain ranges. This park is fenced, and at its busiest in the morning. Sticks are hard to find here as there are few trees, we recommend bringing a ball or a toy of some kind just in case the park is quiet!

Cougar Creek/1A Park

The second biggest park, and also the second-busiest (after Quarry). It’s rare to have this place to yourself! Locals call this park “Helipad” due to its proximity to the Heliport – if your dog is not comfortable with loud noises or crowds, this is not the park for you. Characterized by paths that wind through the trees, and rocky open areas (a remnant of the 2013 floods), this park can make you feel like you’re out on an adventure and not in a fully fenced park in town. If you’re steady on your feet and looking for a crowd, this park will tick all of the boxes – there’s also lots of sticks!

Palliser Park

A fully fenced park located in front of a condo complex. It is a smaller neighborhood park that may seem as though it is just for the residents of those buildings. It is open to all, but parking can be limited on the street.

Hubman Dog Park

A smaller neighborhood park. The park is not immediately visible from the parking lot, and is accessed by following the paved path along the Frisbee Golf course. There is a high chance of coming across Elk here so please keep your pup leashed and under control until you are in the park.

Hiking with Dogs

Most dogs love walks, and hikes are basically just reaaally long walks. While we at Rockies Rentals are dog lovers and dog owners – we are not experts on hiking with dogs. For the top things to keep in mind when out on your next mountain adventure, check out The 10 Commandments of Hiking with Dogs.

There is one thing not noted in that article, however, that we think you should also keep in mind. Dogs need water when hiking, and most mountains lack water as you gain elevation. PLEASE always remember to bring water for you AND your dog.

Visiting with your Dog

It’s important to check with your accommodation provider whether the property you are staying in is pet friendly or not. Some places love having your pets, some have no exceptions for pets staying. At Rockies Rentals, we love all types of different furry friends, with most of our properties being pet friendly, however additional fees usually apply. The following properties that we manage are pet friendly:

• Boardwalk 400 – with pet fee
• Bow 119A – with owner’s permission
• Crawford House – with pet fee
• Crawford Suite – with pet fee
• FalconCrest 112 – with owner’s permission
• Riverstone Getaway – with owner’s permission
• Rundle Vista – with pet fee
• Summit Place 2B – with pet fee
• Summit Place 4B – with pet fee
• Summit Place 5B – with pet fee
• The Mountain View – with pet fee