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9 Amazing Dog-Friendly Beaches in Alberta 2024: Off-Leash & On-Leash Places to Go

Chelsie Fraser

By Chelsie Fraser

dalmatian dog on the beach

As one of only two land-locked provinces in Canada, Alberta isn’t exactly known for its beaches. While the northern half of the province is filled with beautiful lakes, the southern half is mostly limited to humanmade swimming areas and irrigation ponds. Nonetheless, there are a few beaches in Alberta that are dog friendly. If you’re looking for a place to swim with your dog, you’ve come to the right place!

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The Top 9 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Alberta

1. Newcastle Beach, Drumheller

🗺️ Address: 📍 Drumheller, AB
🕐 Open Times: Any time
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Rocky beach along the river
  • Bathrooms nearby
  • Moderately sized off-leash area
  • Well-treed with shady spots

2. Gull Lake Sandy Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 Gull Lake, AB
🕐 Open Times: Any time
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No, dogs must be on-leash at all times
  • Dogs allowed on leash only
  • Playground
  • Food concessions
  • Long stretch of sandy beach on the north side of Gull Lake
  • Shady areas
  • Clean and well-maintained
  • Shallow area for swimming

3. Boat Launch Park, Alberta Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 Alberta Beach, AB
🕐 Open Times: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No, on leash only
  • Clean area for picnicking and fishing
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Small but typically not busy

4. Sandy Beach Off-Leash River Access, Calgary

🗺️ Address: 📍 Calgary, AB
🕐 Open Times: Any time
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Popular spot to cool off on hot days
  • Shallow water for dogs to swim in the river
  • Plenty of parking
  • Garbage cans readily available
  • Benches and picnic tables

5. Devonshire Beach, Widewater

🗺️ Address: 📍 Range Rd. 55, Widewater, AB
🕐 Open Times: Any time
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No, on leash only
  • Smooth sandy beach and shallow water
  • Not overcrowded
  • Bathrooms available
  • Dogs allowed on leash only

6. Three Mile Bend, Red Deer

🗺️ Address: 📍 Red Deer, AB
🕐 Open Times: Any time
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Off leash allowed at all times
  • Sand beach and rock beach, paved paths, and swimming area
  • Beware of wildlife, mostly moose and beavers

7. Lacombe Lake Dog Park, St. Albert

🗺️ Address: 📍 St. Albert, AB
🕐 Open Times: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Different areas for dogs
  • Paved pathways
  • Fishing and areas for dogs to swim

8. Sue Higgins Park, Calgary

🗺️ Address: 📍 Southland Drive SE and Deerfoot Trail, Calgary, AB
🕐 Open Times: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Off-leash dog beach next to the Bow River
  • Secure gates around off-leash areas
  • Busy during the summer
  • Plenty of walking trails

9. Accidental Beach, Edmonton

🗺️ Address: 📍 North Edmonton, AB
🕐 Open Times: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, closed Saturday and Sunday
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Tricky to find
  • Sand beach with no rocks
  • No amenities
  • Named “accidental beach” because it emerged due to LRT construction next to the North Saskatchewan River
  • Use at own risk due to rapidly changing water levels

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Conclusion

While you won’t find many sandy beach areas in Alberta, there are several dog-friendly spots and off-leash areas next to lakes and riverbanks. They offer extensive walking trails, picnic areas, and swimming holes for dogs to cool off. Hopefully, this list has helped you find a fun spot for your next adventure!

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Featured Photo Credit: Yulia YasPe, Shutterstock

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