Alberta is known for its spectacular views of the Rockies and an abundance of natural areas that are perfect for exploring with your dog. However, there aren’t many beaches that will accept your best furry friend, although there are plenty of dog parks throughout the province. So, here are 10 of the best spots near rivers, lakes, or the ocean that allow dogs on or off a leash, so you and your pup can enjoy the beautiful outdoors together!
The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Alberta, Canada
- Three Mile Bend
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A post shared by gorgeous george (@gorgeousgeorgebullymix)
🗺️ Address: 📍 8649+FF, 76 St, Red Deer, AB T4P 3R6, Canada
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Nice recreation park with paved walking paths along the Red Deer River.
Perfect place to walk your pup off leash and have a picnic with the family.
You and your dog can cool off in the ponds on hot summer days!
Kid-friendly and public restrooms near picnic areas.
Watch out for wildlife (beavers, moose) when walking your dog.
- Lake Edith and Lake Annette
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🗺️ Address: 📍 Lake Annette Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in the designated area
Two beautiful crystal-clear lakes separated by a short boardwalk in Jasper National Park.
Designated beach areas on Lake Edith and Lake Annette where your pup can roam freely.
Enough room to admire the beauty of the landscape without being disturbed.
There are picnic areas, fire pits, grills, and a playground near Lake Annette.
Plenty of parking and trails that lead to the lakes.
- Boat Launch Park
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🗺️ Address: 📍 Alberta Beach, AB T0E 0A0, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Located in the heart of the downtown hamlet of Alberta Beach.
A few algae problems can make swimming less appealing for you, but probably not for your dog!
Excellent place for water sports, picnicking, fishing, and spending time with the family.
Plenty of room to play and walk your dog on a leash.
- Lacombe Lake
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🗺️ Address: 📍 151 McKenney Ave, St. Albert, AB T8N 2T7, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Nice lake to swim in and a great place for the pups to run around.
The area is well lit so you can prolong your summer evenings in complete safety.
Fenced dog park near the pond to let your doggie run freely.
Dedicated area for smaller dogs on one side of the lake.
- Devonshire Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍 2M0, Range Rd 55, Widewater, AB T0G 2M0, Canada
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Superb and vast lake with warm waters.
Smooth, clean sandy beach around the lake.
Only a 15-minute drive from the town of Widewater.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Hermitage Park
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🗺️ Address: 📍 2115 Hermitage Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5A 5H5, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Scenic little park located next to the Yellowhead Trail in Edmonton.
Access to water where you can fish and cool off.
Your dog must be well-behaved if you leave them off leash, as there is no fence.
Plenty of parking and restrooms available.
- Sandy Beach River Access
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🗺️ Address: 📍 Calgary, AB T2S 0Z8, Canada
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, from September to May
Great place in Calgary by the river to take your dog on a hot summer day.
Friendly locals and plenty of doggies to socialize with your dog.
Not too crowded and plenty of parking spaces.
Shallow waters ideal for introducing your puppy to swimming!
- Sue Higgins Park
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A post shared by Shannon Howells (@chewiebear66)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Southland Drive SE &, Deerfoot Trail, Calgary, AB T2J 1S1, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Large riverside park with plenty of people and their doggies (but not always well-behaved ones).
Well maintained with plenty of trash bins.
Good place to let your dog roam freely, as the whole park is fenced.
You can let your dog run in the river to cool off.
- Gull Lake Sandy Beach
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A post shared by Cheddar Squee Butt Butt 🧀 (@cheddarthecorgo)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Gull Lake, AB T0C 0J0, Canada
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free, but there’s a parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Long stretch of clean, sandy beach on the north side of Gull Lake.
Dogs must stay on a leash, even in the water.
Great place to enjoy a quick dip in the shallow waters of the small lake.
- Newcastle Beach
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A post shared by Kiran, Ebony, Grayson & the Shih-tzus (@kiran_vs_theworld)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0, Canada
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in the designated off-leash area
Great place to try paddleboard with your pup.
Rocky beach along the river with calm and shallow waters.
Small, fenced dog park to let your pet run wild and free!
Bathrooms and free showers at the entrance of the beach.
Conclusion Alberta is one of the best places to be outdoors with your four-legged friend. There are numerous parks and trails, as well as lakes, rivers, and a few beaches across the province that are perfect for exploring with your pup. If you have a dog that loves the water, we definitely recommend heading to any of the designated off-leash areas to let them play, swim, and explore their surroundings. But remember that your dog must be under your supervision and control at all times. See also: Top 5 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Newport Beach, CA (with Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Marina Hobbs, Pixabay
Alberta is known for its spectacular views of the Rockies and an abundance of natural areas that are perfect for exploring with your dog. However, there aren’t many beaches that will accept your best furry friend, although there are plenty of dog parks throughout the province. So, here are 10 of the best spots near rivers, lakes, or the ocean that allow dogs on or off a leash, so you and your pup can enjoy the beautiful outdoors together!
The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Alberta, Canada
1. Three Mile Bend
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by gorgeous george (@gorgeousgeorgebullymix)
🗺️ Address: 📍 8649+FF, 76 St, Red Deer, AB T4P 3R6, Canada
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Nice recreation park with paved walking paths along the Red Deer River.
Perfect place to walk your pup off leash and have a picnic with the family.
You and your dog can cool off in the ponds on hot summer days!
Kid-friendly and public restrooms near picnic areas.
Watch out for wildlife (beavers, moose) when walking your dog.
2. Lake Edith and Lake Annette
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ruby & Zoey (@ruby_tequila_toller)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Lake Annette Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in the designated area
Two beautiful crystal-clear lakes separated by a short boardwalk in Jasper National Park.
Designated beach areas on Lake Edith and Lake Annette where your pup can roam freely.
Enough room to admire the beauty of the landscape without being disturbed.
There are picnic areas, fire pits, grills, and a playground near Lake Annette.
Plenty of parking and trails that lead to the lakes.
3. Boat Launch Park
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A post shared by Guinness the Airedale (@elwayandguinness)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Alberta Beach, AB T0E 0A0, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Located in the heart of the downtown hamlet of Alberta Beach.
A few algae problems can make swimming less appealing for you, but probably not for your dog!
Excellent place for water sports, picnicking, fishing, and spending time with the family.
Plenty of room to play and walk your dog on a leash.
4. Lacombe Lake
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jonah the Rough Collie🐾 (@thechaoticcollie)
🗺️ Address: 📍 151 McKenney Ave, St. Albert, AB T8N 2T7, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Nice lake to swim in and a great place for the pups to run around.
The area is well lit so you can prolong your summer evenings in complete safety.
Fenced dog park near the pond to let your doggie run freely.
Dedicated area for smaller dogs on one side of the lake.
5. Devonshire Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by M A I S I E 💕 (@the_crazymaisie)
🗺️ Address: 📍 2M0, Range Rd 55, Widewater, AB T0G 2M0, Canada
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Superb and vast lake with warm waters.
Smooth, clean sandy beach around the lake.
Only a 15-minute drive from the town of Widewater.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
6. Hermitage Park
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Mocha Goldendoodle (@mochadogmodel)
🗺️ Address: 📍 2115 Hermitage Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5A 5H5, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Scenic little park located next to the Yellowhead Trail in Edmonton.
Access to water where you can fish and cool off.
Your dog must be well-behaved if you leave them off leash, as there is no fence.
Plenty of parking and restrooms available.
7. Sandy Beach River Access
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A post shared by 𝐊 𝐀 𝐈 𝐓 𝐋 𝐘 𝐍 𝐌 𝐂 𝐂 𝐑 𝐄 𝐀 𝐃 𝐘 (@kaitlynmccready)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Calgary, AB T2S 0Z8, Canada
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, from September to May
Great place in Calgary by the river to take your dog on a hot summer day.
Friendly locals and plenty of doggies to socialize with your dog.
Not too crowded and plenty of parking spaces.
Shallow waters ideal for introducing your puppy to swimming!
8. Sue Higgins Park
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Shannon Howells (@chewiebear66)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Southland Drive SE &, Deerfoot Trail, Calgary, AB T2J 1S1, Canada
🕐 Open Times: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Large riverside park with plenty of people and their doggies (but not always well-behaved ones).
Well maintained with plenty of trash bins.
Good place to let your dog roam freely, as the whole park is fenced.
You can let your dog run in the river to cool off.
9. Gull Lake Sandy Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cheddar Squee Butt Butt 🧀 (@cheddarthecorgo)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Gull Lake, AB T0C 0J0, Canada
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free, but there’s a parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Long stretch of clean, sandy beach on the north side of Gull Lake.
Dogs must stay on a leash, even in the water.
Great place to enjoy a quick dip in the shallow waters of the small lake.
10. Newcastle Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kiran, Ebony, Grayson & the Shih-tzus (@kiran_vs_theworld)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0, Canada
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in the designated off-leash area
Great place to try paddleboard with your pup.
Rocky beach along the river with calm and shallow waters.
Small, fenced dog park to let your pet run wild and free!
Bathrooms and free showers at the entrance of the beach.
Conclusion
Alberta is one of the best places to be outdoors with your four-legged friend. There are numerous parks and trails, as well as lakes, rivers, and a few beaches across the province that are perfect for exploring with your pup. If you have a dog that loves the water, we definitely recommend heading to any of the designated off-leash areas to let them play, swim, and explore their surroundings. But remember that your dog must be under your supervision and control at all times.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by gorgeous george (@gorgeousgeorgebullymix)
A post shared by gorgeous george (@gorgeousgeorgebullymix)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
- Nice recreation park with paved walking paths along the Red Deer River.
- Perfect place to walk your pup off leash and have a picnic with the family.
- You and your dog can cool off in the ponds on hot summer days!
- Kid-friendly and public restrooms near picnic areas.
- Watch out for wildlife (beavers, moose) when walking your dog.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ruby & Zoey (@ruby_tequila_toller)
A post shared by Ruby & Zoey (@ruby_tequila_toller)
- Two beautiful crystal-clear lakes separated by a short boardwalk in Jasper National Park.
- Designated beach areas on Lake Edith and Lake Annette where your pup can roam freely.
- Enough room to admire the beauty of the landscape without being disturbed.
- There are picnic areas, fire pits, grills, and a playground near Lake Annette.
- Plenty of parking and trails that lead to the lakes.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Guinness the Airedale (@elwayandguinness)
A post shared by Guinness the Airedale (@elwayandguinness)
- Located in the heart of the downtown hamlet of Alberta Beach.
- A few algae problems can make swimming less appealing for you, but probably not for your dog!
- Excellent place for water sports, picnicking, fishing, and spending time with the family.
- Plenty of room to play and walk your dog on a leash.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jonah the Rough Collie🐾 (@thechaoticcollie)
A post shared by Jonah the Rough Collie🐾 (@thechaoticcollie)
- Nice lake to swim in and a great place for the pups to run around.
- The area is well lit so you can prolong your summer evenings in complete safety.
- Fenced dog park near the pond to let your doggie run freely.
- Dedicated area for smaller dogs on one side of the lake.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by M A I S I E 💕 (@the_crazymaisie)
A post shared by M A I S I E 💕 (@the_crazymaisie)
- Superb and vast lake with warm waters.
- Smooth, clean sandy beach around the lake.
- Only a 15-minute drive from the town of Widewater.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Mocha Goldendoodle (@mochadogmodel)
A post shared by Mocha Goldendoodle (@mochadogmodel)
- Scenic little park located next to the Yellowhead Trail in Edmonton.
- Access to water where you can fish and cool off.
- Your dog must be well-behaved if you leave them off leash, as there is no fence.
- Plenty of parking and restrooms available.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 𝐊 𝐀 𝐈 𝐓 𝐋 𝐘 𝐍 𝐌 𝐂 𝐂 𝐑 𝐄 𝐀 𝐃 𝐘 (@kaitlynmccready)
A post shared by 𝐊 𝐀 𝐈 𝐓 𝐋 𝐘 𝐍 𝐌 𝐂 𝐂 𝐑 𝐄 𝐀 𝐃 𝐘 (@kaitlynmccready)
- Great place in Calgary by the river to take your dog on a hot summer day.
- Friendly locals and plenty of doggies to socialize with your dog.
- Not too crowded and plenty of parking spaces.
- Shallow waters ideal for introducing your puppy to swimming!
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Shannon Howells (@chewiebear66)
A post shared by Shannon Howells (@chewiebear66)
- Large riverside park with plenty of people and their doggies (but not always well-behaved ones).
- Well maintained with plenty of trash bins.
- Good place to let your dog roam freely, as the whole park is fenced.
- You can let your dog run in the river to cool off.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cheddar Squee Butt Butt 🧀 (@cheddarthecorgo)
A post shared by Cheddar Squee Butt Butt 🧀 (@cheddarthecorgo)
- Long stretch of clean, sandy beach on the north side of Gull Lake.
- Dogs must stay on a leash, even in the water.
- Great place to enjoy a quick dip in the shallow waters of the small lake.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kiran, Ebony, Grayson & the Shih-tzus (@kiran_vs_theworld)
A post shared by Kiran, Ebony, Grayson & the Shih-tzus (@kiran_vs_theworld)
- Great place to try paddleboard with your pup.
- Rocky beach along the river with calm and shallow waters.
- Small, fenced dog park to let your pet run wild and free!
- Bathrooms and free showers at the entrance of the beach.
See also: Top 5 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Newport Beach, CA (with Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Marina Hobbs, Pixabay
