Dog-Friendly Trails in Canmore: Tips for Hiking with Your Pet Safely

Exploring dog-friendly trails in Canmore is a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your pet. From steep mountain ascents to gentle trails that keep you close to the Bow Valley floor, there are dog-friendly trails in Canmore that are right for pets of all shapes and sizes. Canmore is an incredibly pet-friendly town with all the services you’ll need if something goes wrong, so a visit to the Canadian Rockies will provide every opportunity for you and your dog to get out and explore the mountains.

Key Takeaways

• Dogs must be kept on leash on all Canmore trails (and in Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country) except in the town's five designated off-leash areas; fines for violations start at $250
• Always check Alberta Parks trail reports before heading out, they're updated regularly with conditions, closures, and wildlife advisories
• Pack water and snacks for your dog on any hike; mountain streams aren't always accessible, and the elevation and heat will tire them faster than a city walk
• Bear spray is essential on any trail outside the downtown core, it's available in Canmore, and our team at the Coast Canmore can point you to where to buy or rent it
• Grassi Lakes and Three Sisters Creek are the best easy options; Prairieview Mountain is the best moderate choice; Mount Lady MacDonald and East End of Rundle (EEOR) are for fit dogs and experienced owners only
• The final scramble sections of both Mount Lady MacDonald and EEOR are not recommended for dogs, turning around at the helipad or viewpoint is the right call for most pets
• The Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is located minutes from the trailheads of Canmore's best hikes and welcomes pets with a bed, bowl, and locally-sourced treat on arrival

Why Pet Safety on Trails Matters

Canmore is an amazing destination for travellers with pets, but there are strict rules for when they can be let off-leash. The Canadian Rockies are home to a wide array of wildlife, including predators like bears and cougars that can be dangerous to dogs that wander off-leash.

In nearby Banff National Park, there are strict rules as well, and at provincial parks like the Canmore Nordic Centre, dogs are allowed on trails in the summer, but they must be kept on leashes. Reducing interactions with wildlife keeps owners, pets, and wildlife safe, including in the Town of Canmore itself, where dogs must be kept on a leash unless you are visiting one of the five off-leash parks.

You can always leave your pet in good hands at a local dog daycare if you’re worried about taking them on the trails. 

What to Keep in Mind When Hiking With Your Dog in Canmore

Whether you’re hiking at the height of wildflower season in late May and early June or in the late summer, Canmore’s trails offer unending miles of outdoor fun. Hiking in the mountains isn’t the same as taking your dog for a long walk in the city, though. It’s strenuous for pets and owners, and there is wildlife, other hikers and variable conditions to consider.

Before you head out on Canmore’s dog-friendly trails, be sure to:

• Check trail reports: Detailed trail reports for hikes throughout Kananaskis are updated by Alberta Parks and provide information on conditions and any wildlife advisories in effect.
• Pack snacks and water for your pet: If you’re going up a mountain, there may not be mountain streams available for your dog to drink from. Bring plenty of water, just like you do for yourself, plus snacks to keep them energized, and pack sunscreen for the long summer days in the Rockies.
• Bring bear spray: Whether you’ve got your dog with you or not, it’s essential that you pack bear spray for any hike in the mountains. It is available at many shops throughout Canmore, and the team at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre can tell you where to buy or rent it.
• Be realistic: Your dog may be able to run for days in a park, but going up a mountain is a different challenge. You should plan breaks to rest and avoid taking on anything that could cause your dog to get hurt. Longer days in the summer mean you can hike into the evening, but if you’re doing so, make sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight.

What Trails are Dog Friendly?

The great news is that once you’ve done a little preparation, there’s no shortage of dog-friendly trails in Canmore. The town is surrounded by mountains, with the gates of Banff National Park just a few minutes down the highway and the provincial parks of Kananaskis Country easily accessible, too. Even if you’re not looking to go deep into the mountains, there are lots of pet-friendly day trips available.

If you’re wondering what trails are dog-friendly in Canmore, here are a few of the best:

Easy Trails for Dogs 

Grassi Lakes Trail

Distance: 4 km
Elevation Gain: 148-250 metres
Estimated time: 1.5-2 hours

This popular dog-friendly trail in Canmore is short but sweet. You’ll have the option of taking the easy route or a slightly more challenging loop that takes you past a waterfall and has spectacular views of the Bow Valley. Pack snacks, too, because you’ll want to spend a little time relaxing and breathing in the mountain air as you lounge by the breathtaking alpine lake once you arrive.

Three Sisters Creek Trail

Distance: 3.5 km
Elevation Gain: 202 metres
Estimated Time: 1.5 hours

If you’re wondering, “What are some easy dog-friendly trails in Canmore?” This one should be right near the top of the list. Located right on the edge of the Three Sisters neighbourhood is one of the best dog-friendly trails in Canmore. You’ll get views of two different waterfalls, as well as stunning mountain vistas. The elevation is never particularly steep, so it’s great for visitors of all fitness levels, and your pets won’t be left exhausted by the end.

Moderate Trails for Dogs

Prairieview Mountain

Distance: 6.6 kilometres (one-way)
Elevation Gain: 421 metres
Estimated Time: 3 hours

Just a short drive from Canmore is one of the most spectacular hikes in the Rockies. Starting at the parking lot by Barrier Lake, you and your dog will slowly but surely make your way along this well-maintained trail that twists and turns up an old forestry road. The views from the top are spectacular, and there are lots of spots along the way for you and your pet to stop and rest.

Hard Trails for Dogs

Mount Lady MacDonald

Distance: 11.1 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 1,317 metres
Estimated Time: 6 hours

Mount Lady MacDonald is one of the mountains that surround Canmore, and the trailhead is just a five-minute drive from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre. It’s not an easy trip up the mountain, by any means, but the grind is worth it for the jaw-dropping views. You don’t need to get right to the top to take it all in, either. Dogs will benefit from the well-maintained trail, although many owners will want to turn around before the final scramble. Bring lots of water.

East End of Rundle (EEOR)

Distance: 5.5 kilometres 
Elevation Gain: 826 metres
Estimated Time: 4 hours

Part of what locals call the Triple Crown of Canmore (alongside Ha Ling Peak and Mount Lady MacDonald), EEOR is steep, demanding, and completely worth it. The climb starts hard and doesn't let up, but the 360-degree views from the top over Canmore, Ha Ling Peak, and the Spray Valley are among the best you'll find on any accessible trail in the Rockies.

Dogs are permitted on leash throughout, but the technical terrain and falling rocks near the summit make the final scramble unsuitable for most dogs. Most owners should aim for the viewpoint rather than the true summit. Dogs should be kept on a tight leash near the summit due to bighorn sheep and loose rock. EEOR is a heavily trafficked trail; go mid-week or at sunrise to avoid the biggest crowds.

Picking the Right Hotel for Your Pet-Friendly Hikes

Whether you’re looking to explore Canmore’s easiest trails or take on more challenging hikes, you’ll want to return to a cozy and comfortable hotel that has all the amenities you need when you’re done. That’s where the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre comes in. 

Our hotel isn’t just pet-friendly; we love to go above and beyond to make sure your pet feels welcome and loved when they visit. They’ll receive locally-sourced pet treats, a pet bowl and a pet bed to sleep in when you check in. On top of that, our hotel is conveniently located near off-leash areas and all of the best dog-friendly trails in Canmore.

“We had a great weekend away in Canmore. We brought our dog with us and hotel was extremely welcoming. They called ahead of time to check the size of pet so that they could provide a correct-size dog bed so that she was also comfortable during our stay. Even had a little welcome package with a dog cookie and dog toy. Hotel was extremely clean and well maintained. Wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again.” – Julie Rice

Stay with Your Pet at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre

There’s no reason to leave your pet behind when you visit Canmore, and the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is the best pet-friendly option in the Bow Valley. Book your stay with us today for a great home base to explore the best dog-friendly trails in Canmore and the best of what Canmore has to offer.

FAQ

How do I handle dog poop on a hike?

Pack extra bags and carry out everything your dog leaves behind, no exceptions. Keeping Canmore's trails clean and safe is a shared responsibility, and leaving waste bags on the trail is just as bad as leaving waste itself. Dispose of everything at a proper waste bin at the end of your hike.

Are dogs allowed in Canmore Nordic Centre?

In the summer, dogs are allowed at the Canmore Nordic Centre as long as they are kept on leashes. They are not allowed on groomed trails in the winter.

What should I do if I encounter wildlife on a trail? 

Stay calm, keep your dog close and under control on the leash, and give the animal as much space as possible. Do not let your dog bark at, chase, or approach wildlife. Back away slowly and calmly. If you encounter a bear, use your bear spray if the animal comes within range. Report all wildlife encounters to Alberta Parks.