Guide: 9 of the best dog-friendly summer activities in Calgary
Curiocity Group Inc.Photo via @shelby_sheppardPhoto via Deerfoot CityPhoto via @colormeminekensingtonPhoto via @jfgingrassPhoto via Eater ChicagoPhoto via @homesensecanadaPhoto via @fynntheaustralian
Calgary businesses have really been amping up their dog-friendly game and we’ve got to say we’ve been loving it. More patios are becoming open to pups, and there’s tons of activities that people don’t even know they can bring their fur-children to! You don’t want to miss out on these 9 must-do activities with your perfect pooch!
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Gather your blankets, picnic basket and dog treats and find a spot on the grassy hill for Theatre Calgary’s production of Shakespeare by the Bow! Pair your dog walk with an evening rendition of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Prince’s Island Park will set the stage for a magnificent showing of one of Shakespeare’s classic plays performed by Alberta’s emerging artists.
When: Now to Sunday, August 18 – check website for showtimes
Where: Prince’s Island Park (on the hill)
Cost: Admission is pay-by-donation
COLD GARDEN
Who let the dogs out?! Cold Garden. As one of the first Calgary bars to be dog-friendly indoors, Cold Garden has surged the way for pup owners to take their good boys and good girls out for a craft brew and munchable snacks!
When: 11am–12pm Tuesday–Thursday & Sunday; 11am–1am Friday–Saturday
Where: 1100 11 St SE
DEERFOOT CITY
Take a stroll through Deerfoot City. Leash up the pooch, grab bae, a coffee, and you’ve got yourself a nice Friday afternoon! Deerfoot City’s newly renovated outdoor mall is the perfect backdrop for cruising past new retailers, strolling through the Farmers Market and sittin’ patio side under the hot Calgary sun!
Where: 901 64 Ave NE
INGLEWOOD NIGHT MARKET
Leash up and cruise with your cuties down Inglewood’s 10th street and check out over 50 local vendors ripe for the shoppin’! Stop by the market from now until September. Shop from handmade items to vintage clothing, antiques, collectibles & more!
When: August 9, September 13 & 14 from 5pm–11pm
Where: 9th Avenue & 10th Street SE in Inglewood
Cost: Free to attend
COLOR ME MINE (UPTOWN & KENSINGTON LOCATIONS)
Spend a lovely Saturday afternoon glazing a bowl, making a mug or painting your pooch’s face! Both the Uptown & Kensington Color Me Mine locations in Calgary are pet-friendly and offer doggie-inspired events for dog owners and lovers!
When: Hours depend on location
Where: Uptown & Kensington locations
SANDY BEACH RIVER PARK
Warm up that stick-throwing arm, ’cause the poochies are goin’ for a swim! Take your trusty tail-wagger to Sandy Beach’s huge off-leash area and put some miles on those paws. Follow all city by-laws and only allow your dogs to swim in the designated off-leash access point!
Where: 4500 14a St SW
DOG-FRIENDLY PATIOS
It’s been ruff times for dog owners looking to have a cold brew and juicy burger, but not anymore, since more restaurants are making their patios dog-friendly. The Guild, Ranchmans, Vin Room, Booker’s BBQ & Crab Shack, Donna Mac, Midtown and One Night Stan’s are just some dog-friendly patios in the city!
HOMESENSE
Get your shopping done and pick up a toy or two for your beloved fur child! Dogs (must be well-behaved) are welcome, accompanied either in a cart on a leash, in most HomeSense stores in Calgary! Other retail stores that are dog-friendly are Cabela’s, Winners, Sunnyside Home & Garden, Indigo Chapters (various locations), Spruce it Up Garden Centre, Urban Barn (various locations) and Bass Pro Shops!
Where: Address varies by store
TAIL-BLAZERS
Blaze the dog-friendly trails with your 4-legged pals through the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains in surrounding areas just outside of Calgary including Bragg Creek, Kananaskis, Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and beyond!
There you have it, Calgary, 9 dog-friendly activities you and your furry friends can enjoy this summer!
