1. Bowmont Park

Location: Along the Bow River from 85th St east to Home Road (Bowmont Park).

Bowmont is a large, dramatic river valley park with mixed terrain, open fields, wooded trails, and multiple off-leash pockets with river access. It’s great for active dogs who love varied terrain and water play. A small fenced off-leash play area is available near the west border for owners who want a contained space. There are multiple trailheads and viewpoints, so you can easily plan short or long outings.

2. Nose Hill Park

Location: Large natural area north of downtown (multiple access points; Edgemont entrance is commonly used for off-leash access).

Nose Hill is one of Calgary’s largest natural parks, huge prairie and trail networks give dogs tons of space to wander. Off-leash opportunities exist from specific entrances (Edgemont is noted for easy off-leash access) and the park is ideal for long hikes and open-space play.

3. River Park

Location: 1504 50 Ave SW (part of the Britannia / Landsdowne / River Park area).

River Park is a well-loved, unfenced off-leash area with 21 hectares (~52 acres) of gently rolling meadows, trees, and sweeping views of the Elbow River valley. It’s part of a major river valley system, so you can easily connect your dog walk to adjacent parks like Sandy Beach or Britannia Slopes.

Highlights:

• Wide open grass fields for running and playing.
• Benches and plenty of shade from perimeter trees make it a comfortable spot for humans too.
• Downtown skyline views from high points.
• Dog water fountain for hydration.
• Ongoing ecological restoration (removal of invasive Caragana) to boost native biodiversity.

4. Sue Higgins Park

Location: Southland Drive SE and Deerfoot Trail SE, Calgary, AB.

Sue Higgins (formerly Southland Park) is Calgary’s largest fully fenced off-leash area, covering about 62 hectares. The space is wildly diverse, featuring open meadows, wooded trails, hills, and four distinct river access points on the Bow River. It’s built for both play and training.

Highlights:

• Fully fenced boundary, very safe for dogs who may not reliably come back.
• Multiple river entry points: some shallow for wading, others deeper for confident swimmers.
• Agility and training equipment: weave poles, moguls, open fields, and structured zones for training.
• Quiet corners and busier areas, choose where your dog roams.
• Amenities: washrooms, picnic tables, and waste stations are all well integrated.
• Scenic natural features: poplar and aspen trees, marshy wetland areas, willows, sedges.
• Public artwork: Bronze sculpture “Deux Chiens Assis” is a unique artistic touch.
• Riverbank restoration project (2025): improving access with gentle gravel ramps and rock features.

5. Rotary Park

Location: 617 1 St NE, Calgary, AB.

Rotary Park is a smaller but scenic off-leash area perched on McHugh Bluff. It has terraced lawns, winding pathways, and historic sandstone stairs, plus some of the best views in the city overlooking the Bow River and downtown.

6. Elliston Park

Location: Elliston Park (SE Calgary; the southern third of the park is off-leash).

Elliston is a sculpted, landscaped park with open grassy areas, forested pathways, and a stormwater pond. The off-leash portion (southern third) gives a nice mix of open play space and shady trails, plus washrooms and picnic areas for families. It’s a good choice if you want a nice balance between leash-required areas and off-leash freedom without huge crowds.

7. Shaganappi Park and off-leash area

Location: Shaganappi Park (25A St SW and 14 Ave SW area).

Shaganappi offers a surprising forested pocket just seconds from downtown. It’s small but lush: hilly slopes, a shallow stream, and a feeling of being out in the trees rather than the city. The park is unfenced, borders residential streets and playgrounds, and has good downtown views from some spots. Because it’s close to the core, it’s a favorite quick-trip destination.

8. Edworthy Park

Location: Edworthy Park, Spruce Dr. and Bow Trail area (5050 Spruce Dr SW).

Edworthy is scenic, with riverside meadows, wooded Douglas fir trails and open fields. It’s a year-round favourite for dog walkers because of the variety, quiet, shaded routes for hot days and wide open meadows for running. The park has designated off-leash maps and multiple off-leash areas, making it easy to choose the kind of outing you want.

9. Bowness Park

Location: Bowness Park (next to the Bow River in the Bowness community).

Bowness Park is a classic Calgary destination, river access, picnic spots, and lots of grassy areas. Some parts of Bowness are used off-leash informally and it sits close to Bowmont Park for an extended river valley adventure. It’s family-friendly and a great option for mixing dog time with a park day out.

10. Fish Creek Provincial Park

Location: Fish Creek Provincial Park, extensive trail network across southern Calgary (Sikome/South Glenmore area is inside the broader park network).

Fish Creek is one of Canada’s largest urban parks with huge trail options, natural creekside forests, and designated dog areas. While some facilities (like Sikome Aquatic Facility) restrict pets in certain spots, the park has many dog-friendly trails and designated off-leash pockets that provide a wilderness-style outing inside city limits. It’s perfect for owners who want longer, quieter trails and a real escape into nature without leaving Calgary.