Your Ultimate Guide to Planning a Dog-Friendly Getaway in Canmore and Kananaskis

Travelling with your canine companion can be a great bonding experience. With majestic mountains, serene lakes, and lush forests, Canmore and Kananaskis offer an abundance of outdoor activities and cozy accommodations tailored for you and your furry friend. Get ready to discover the best spots and must-visit attractions for an unforgettable experience for both you and your four-legged buddy.

Canmore and Kananaskis offer a wide variety of pet-friendly hotel accommodations – you can “ruff” it anywhere ranging from a luxury resort suite to cozy B&Bs with rustic rooms.

• Chateau Canmore
• Lamphouse Hotel
• Northwinds Hotel
• Copperstone Resort
• Mount Engadine Lodge
• Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino
• Lady MacDonald Country Inn
• Basecamp Resorts Canmore
• Canmore Inn & Suites
• Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn
• Skyridge Glamping
• The Malcolm Hotel
• The Drake Inn

Tip: Pet-friendly rooms are limited and may require additional fees. Be sure to call the accommodation provider to inform them of your canine travel companion prior to booking your stay and request any amenities your dog may require.

Once you’ve settled into your accommodations, it’s time to explore! Walking or hiking with your dog in Canmore and Kananaskis is a fantastic way to experience the mountain atmosphere. There are plenty of places to explore on foot or by paw in the region, with options suited to different human and canine activity levels.

Off-leash dog parks

For pups who love to run free, Canmore offers three designated off-leash dog parks:

• Elk Run Dog Park: A fully fenced park on the north side of Canmore.
• Cougar Creek Dog Park: Another enclosed space for off-leash fun.
• Quarry Lake Dog Park: An open, partially off-leash area. Paid parking is required.

Tip: All dogs must be vaccinated and licensed to use the off-leash parks. Please do your part in keeping our parks clean and pick up after your dog.

On-leash walking trails

For those who are looking for a leashed adventure, these walking trails in Canmore are great options:

• Policeman’s Creek Trail: Walk along Policeman’s Creek, bursting with bird activity and a great source of water for your pet.
• Bow River Loop: Take a journey along the Bow River and walk past attractions like the Canmore Engine Bridge.
• Downtown Canmore: Walk along Main Street and browse the local shops. 8th Street becomes fully pedestrianized from May to October and is bustling with people and dogs alike.
• Attractions and sightseeing: Take a wander along our curated walking path to see all the local attractions in Canmore.

Tip: Dogs must on-leash at all times. Please help us protect yourself, your dog, and the local wildlife by keeping your dog on a leash.

Hike in the backcountry

If you have an energetic four-legged friend, consider a hike out in beautiful Kananaskis Country. Be sure to do some research on trail difficulty before choosing an objective, and ensure your chosen hike is appropriate for your dog. Some trails are rocky or steep, which can be tough on unprotected paws.

Tip: Remember to be prepared and bring layers of clothing, enough water for you and your companion, and bear spray. Always check trail conditions prior to heading out and learn how to keep you, your pup, and local wildlife safe on your journey.

Having a pet in your life won’t hold you back from experiencing the astonishing adventures in the Canadian Rockies. Here are a few of pet-friendly activities in Canmore and Kananaskis:

Book a dog-friendly tour

• Canmore Food Bike Tours: Hop on a bike or e-bike and take a culinary tour to the best restaurants in Canmore. For an additional fee, your four-legged friend can tag along on the journey in a doggy trailer that attaches right to your bike. This tour is available seasonally from May to October.
• Kananaskis Outfitters Family Survival Hike: Well-behaved dogs are invited to participate in learning outdoor survival skills with Kananaskis Outfitters. Embark on a 5 km (3.1 mi) hike with stops along the way to analyze animal tracks, forage for edibles, and learn how to build a fire and shelter.
• Cluesolvers Adventures: For a group activity, we recommend a self-guided scavenger hunt with the puzzle-solving challenges of an escape room. Cluesolvers leads you and your team – including your canine pal – around town to solve a series of riddles you need to solve.

Float on the local lakes

• Canmore Raft Tours: Enjoy a relaxing float down the Bow River with your furry friend by your side. Make sure to call ahead to let the guides know you have a plus one.
• Bow Valley SUP & Surf: For calmer dogs who love being on the water, consider a tour or rental from Bow Valley SUP and Surf, a dog-friendly business that loves to see your furry friends out on the water.

Tip: If you are renting a paddleboard or watercraft to explore our local lakes, make sure to bring a floatation device for your dog and read up on our water safety and sustainability tips to ensure everyone’s safety.

Enjoy leisure time

• Crock a Doodle: Paint your own pottery with your furry friend at your side at Crock-a-Doodle. Each ready-to-paint piece is professionally glazed and kiln-fired to become durable souvenirs for you or your dog. That’s what we call puppy love.
• Canmore Mountain Market: The Canmore Mountain Market operates seasonally from May to October, every Thursday at Elevation Place. This outdoor market features vendors offering farm-fresh produce, baked goods, artisan wares, and more!
• Shopping: Many shops in Canmore embrace canine customers. Some include Alberta’s Own Marketplace, Rocky Mountain Soap Co., and Big Bear Trading Company, all located on Canmore’s Main Street.
• Dog-friendly dining: After a day of adventure, you’ll likely be ready for a good meal. Fido can join you at these dog-friendly outdoor patios and tables for a post-adventure snack or brew.

With so many pet-friendly hotels in Canmore, breathtaking trails, and welcoming businesses, you and your pup are in for an unforgettable adventure. Pack your pup’s leash, favourite treats, and sense of adventure while you experience our unfiltered wilderness together.

In Canmore and Kananaskis, our natural ecosystems and stunning landscapes are the heart and soul of our local mountain culture. Before your visit, we encourage you to sign the Pledge to the Peaks, committing to mindful exploration to ensure the safety of all inhabitants of the region and preserve the beauty of our unfiltered wilderness for generations to come.