You didn’t move to the mountains because you hate winter. Both Banff and Canmore come alive during the colder months with events.
Somebody said there are more dogs than people in the Bow Valley. That may or may not be true, but dogs and the mountain lifestyle seem to go hand in hand! So where can you bring your pooch around town? Whether you’re looking to go on an adventure, drink on a patio or even do some shopping, the Bow Valley is a friendly place for both you and your canine companion.
1) Stretch those Legs
Canmore has 5 off leash dog parks for our furry friends to go full speed. The one by Quarry Lake is the biggest and has a pond for Fluffy to swim, while the one by Cougar Creek is popular for local doggo friends. Elk Run’s dog park can be quieter during the day and the residential parks at Palliser and Three Sisters serve those neighbourhoods well. Banff has a dog park in the industrial area with another being planned for the new Rec Grounds. So take a walk, make some friends – with two legs or four – and enjoy some time off leash!
2) Take a Hike
There are so many hiking trails around town and beyond that you and Rover can enjoy. The simple and scenic trails along the Bow River in both Banff and Canmore are an easy starting point before advancing to smaller mountain trails like Tunnel and graduating to full backcountry hikes in Kananaskis. Make sure your dog is fit for a long and steep walk and bring a collapsible water bowl so they stay hydrated for the miles. Keep your dog on leash during your hike. This keeps everyone safe, including your dog and local predators like bears and cougars. Believe it or not, there may even be people on the trail that don’t want slobbery dog kisses, or other dogs who don’t want to play. Just because your dog is friendly, doesn’t mean everyone he meets is!
3) Relax on a Patio
If you just want to sit on a patio and relax with a beverage of choice, you can bring Bella with you! Enjoy unique and delicious cocktails on the dog-friendly patio at Where the Buffalo Roam or have a morning coffee with your pooch on the patio at Beamers in the Shops of Canmore. Try a craft beer from Sheepdog Brewing and bring your pup to their patio or taproom. In Banff, enjoy homemade pizza at Bear Street Tavern and order dog-specific menu items for your fuzzy family member! Treat yourself like a tourist and enjoy fine dining with Fido on the patio at the Fairmont Banff Springs, which recently became dog friendly.
