Exploring Banff with your Pet

Welcome to the Canadian Rockies, we hope you and your pet enjoy the magnificent scenery that surrounds us. Dog owners should always abide with Park regulations by keeping their dogs leashed at all times, picking up after their dogs and by sharing trails and yielding to those on bike or foot. We’d like to share with you a few of our favourite spots to take our pets in Banff.

Banff Off-Leash Dog Park

Located in Banff’s industrial compound on Hawk Ave, the dog park is open from 7am-8pm daily. This 1.5 acre area is fenced in, allowing your dog to run loose and socialize with all the local dogs!

Banff Gondola Located at 1 Mountain Ave, you and your pet can soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain to take in the breathtaking views of six spectacular mountain ranges. This 8 minute journey to the summit is open year round except for 2 weeks in January.

Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise Take this 1 hour cruise on the largest lake in . Enjoy the wonderful moutain scenery and emerald green waters while your guide shares stories of native folklore and the submerged village of Minnewanka Landing. Open from May to October.

Fenland Loop Trail

Located at the Forty Mile Picnic area on Mount Norquay Rd, this short but pleasant walk loops through the white spruce forest and along the banks of Forty Mile Creek. It is a favourite among locals and tourists.

Duration: 35 minutes | Elevation Gain: Minimal

Johnston Canyon

Located along the Bow Valley Parkway, 17.5 Km from the Trans-Canada Hwy interchange. This popular trail is open year-round however the trail is not serviced in the winter which can lead to slippery conditions. Follow the canyon-clinging catwalks 1.1 Km to the Lower Falls, then continue along for another 1.6 Km to find the Upper Falls. Option: Continue another 3 Km to see the inkpots.

Duration: 45 minutes | Elevation Gain: 215m (Upper Falls) Tunnel Mountain Summit

Lower trail head located on St. Julien Rd from the Banff Centre overflow parking lot. Upper trailhead can be found on Tunnel Mountain Drive (closed to vehicles in winter). To reach Banff’s smallest summit, follow the well-graded switchbacks up 2.3 Km. This popular short hike offers 360° views of the townsite, Bow & valleys, Banff Springs Golf Course and surrounding peaks.

Duration: 2 hours | Elevation Gain: 300m

Bow Falls

Begin at Banff’s Central Park at the corner of Buffalo St. and Bow Ave. After crossing the Bridge, this 1.2 Km trail will lead you along the south shore of the Bow River up to a rocky outcrop that overlooks the Bow Falls and then descends to the base of the falls for a spectacular viewpoint.

Duration: 25 minutes | Elevation Gain: 10m

Johnson Lake

A ten minute drive from Banff, take Banff Ave. and continue past the Trans-Canada intersection and follow the signs to Johnson Lake. Perfect place to take your dog for a paddle or walk around the lake.

Duration: 45 minutes | Elevation Gain: Minimal

Banff Veterinary Services

• Located in Banff’s industrial compound at 140 Hawk Ave • Open Tuesdays 10am – 1pm & 2:30pm – 6pm and Thursdays 11am-2pm • Contact number: 403 762 3611 • Emergency contact: 403 678 4425

Veronica’s Dog Grooming

• Located in Banff’s industrial compound at 114 Eagle Crescent • Certified Grooming, Overnight Boarding and Kennel Free Daycare including indoor/outdoor doggy playground • Visit www.762dogs.com or call 403 762 3647 for details