Our furry friends are part of our social circle, like a shadow they go where we go. Urban hiking is a social activity. It provides an opportunity to connect with friends and family. You can also engage with the community while exploring the urban environment.

Calgary has 157 public off-leash areas totalling 1145 hectares, some of the most in North America. These off-leash designations make up approximately 13% of the 8642 hectares of parkland that Calgary Parks maintains. You can view The City of Calgary map here.

River Park

Free parking is available at the top and bottom of the ridge at 50th Avenue and 14A Street SW. The upper section is 21 hectares of open off-leash green space. It is filled with dogs and offers a great view of the downtown skyline.

Sandy Beach Park

At the bottom of the ridge in the Elbow River valley is Sandy Beach Park. An on-leash area that features grills to BBQ, a playground, restrooms, and river access but no sandy beach. If you cross the bridge to Riverdale Park, you can explore a trail along the river. You can also climb the stairs up to another open off-leash green space in Britannia. Alternatively, stay on the path where you will find a fenced off-leash area.

There is a second parking lot at 1334 Riverdale Avenue SW. From here you can extend this into an urban hike to explore the community of Elbow Park.

Urban Hiking

This 4.24 km hike should take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.

Begin at the east side of the parking lot. There is a sign for Sandy Beach Park. It directs you to the right. Follow the map going straight to enjoy the view from the ridge. Then, take the hidden stepped trail through the trees down to Sandy Beach Park.

Urban Area of Interest: Elbow Park School

A plaque placed by the Heritage Advisory Board of The City of Calgary reads that the school built in 1926 was the “first and most ornate of a series of schools built by the Calgary School Board in the 1920s. Modified to reflect the residential character of the district it is an excellent example of the romantic English Revival style. Characterized by a steeply pitched roof topped by a prominent steeple, articulated brick and fine stone window mullions.”

The school’s proximity to the Elbow River caused severe structural damage following a devastating flood in June 2013. This led to its destruction. It was rebuilt to withstand a 1-in-500-year flood leaving only the facade with a refurbished library and modern gymnasium. The project cost $16.5 million and reopened to students in 2017.

Remember The City of Calgary Leash Area Rules

• Dogs must be on leash in all public spaces unless otherwise indicated by a posted sign that the area is an off-leash area. This includes the parking lot of off-leash areas. Dogs on pathways must be on a leash no greater than two meters in length.
• Dogs must be under their owner’s control at all times. In off-leash areas, this means dogs must be able to respond to their owner’s voice, sound or visual commands.
• Dog owners are required to carry a “suitable means” (e.g. plastic bag) for picking up after their pet.
• Dogs are not permitted within five meters of play structures, school grounds, wading pool/swimming areas, sports fields, golf courses or cemeteries.
• No dogs are allowed off of the pathways in sensitive wildlife habitats such as Weaselhead Natural Environment Park. It is illegal for dogs to harass wildlife.
• Dogs considered to be extremely aggressive must be muzzled, and harnessed or leashed. The leash should be no greater than one meter in length, and the dog handler should be over 18 years of age.
• It is against the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw to ride a bike or in-line skate with your dog.
• Learn more about the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw.

Where is your favourite place to explore with furry friends? Leave a comment below.