10 Parks to Let Your Dog Run Free in Winnipeg
There’s not a lot more relaxing than taking your dog out for a leashless walk. It becomes even more therapeutic when the scenery looks good and you get the chance to watch your dog mingle with his own kind.
Winnipeg is known to be a very dog-friendly city, and almost all parks allow dog walking. Not all parks allow dogs to run off-leash though, so here are 10 that do.
1. Assiniboine Park
Spanning over 1,100 acres, Assiniboine Park is a dog-walkers paradise.
The sprawling green spaces, wooded trails, and charming duck pond provide an ideal setting for a leisurely stroll with your furry friend. Don’t get too close to the ducks though, or your dog might go swimming with the fishes.
The park’s designated off-leash areas, such as the Maple Grove and Assiniboine Forest, offer enough room for your dog to run, play, and socialize with other furry friends.
As a bonus, letting your dog play with others is a great way to make friends yourself.
2. St. Vital Park
St. Vital Park has everything a dog could want and more: fountains, ducks, and lots of dirt.
The park’s well-maintained trails wind through a rich tapestry of trees, gardens, and wildlife, creating an enchanting atmosphere for both you and your furry companion to enjoy.
Trained, unleashed dogs are welcome throughout the park, allowing you to savor its natural beauty at a leisurely pace. We have to warn you about the ducks though, because they can sometimes come out of nowhere.
Keep an eye on your dog and the ducks or one of them’s going to get bitten.
3. Kilcona Park
Situated in northeast Winnipeg, Kilcona Park is a near-barren grassland—the perfect dog running ground.
The park’s extensive trails, open spaces, and beautiful lake provide your dog with enough space to run until his legs fall off.
Most of the park is off-leash, with separate areas for small and large dogs. After all, there’s nothing fun about watching your chihuahua get bullied by a labrador.
4. The Forks
As one of Winnipeg’s most iconic destinations, The Forks is not only a hub of culture and history but also a dog-friendly locale.
The riverside promenade is a great spot for leisurely dog walks because not only will there be tons of people asking to pet your dog, but you’ll also get to admire the stunning views of the Assiniboine and Red Rivers.
While dogs must be leashed in most areas, The Forks offers a designated off-leash dog park, providing a space for your furry friend to frolic and socialize.
5. Bois-des-Esprits
At the south end of Winnipeg lies Bois-des-Esprits, a park best known for its carved trees, but also offers a tranquil escape for dog owners.
It features a network of trails that wind through a diverse ecosystem of carved forests, wetlands, and meadows.
Make sure to bring a bag for your dog’s poop though, because a ton of people come here to see the trees and will give you the side eye if they step on feces.
If you get creeped out by the carvings, the Seine River section offers an alternate, very peaceful atmosphere.
6. King’s Park
King’s Park boasts an array of trails and open spaces, which are great for dog runs and walks.
Dogs have to remain on a leash in most areas, but there’s a designated off-leash area that’s just one giant field.
There aren’t any nearby benches though, so if you plan on resting on the floor while your dog runs, prepare to get pounced and licked.
7. Harbour View Recreation Complex
For dog owners who like the cool breeze of the north, Harbour View Recreation Complex offers a chilly dog-friendly space.
Most of the park is one big off-leash area, allowing your furry friend to romp and play freely, provided you don’t lose them.
Bring a friend and chill while your dog does his thing.
8. La Barriere Park
If you’re willing to travel a little, La Barriere Park sits right outside the Winnipeg perimeter and presents a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and their canine companions.
The park’s expansive trails wind through woodlands and alongside the meandering La Salle River, providing a picturesque setting for long walks and peaceful moments of tranquility.
While dogs can run free at the park, just keep an eye out and make sure they don’t suddenly go for a swim.
9. Kildonan Park
Found along the banks of the Red River, Kildonan Park isn’t exactly the prettiest park but it’s more than enough to keep your dog happy.
There are plenty of shaded areas and even more dirt trails offer a wild and free experience for your pet. There are plenty of other pups running around too, so your dog won’t get lonely.
10. Little Mountain Park
Ponds, rocks, and grass are what Little Mountain Park’s all about. Most of the area is off-leash, but there’s a special flat open field within the park that all the dog owners go to.
If you’re looking to excite your dog with diverse terrain, explore the park. If you want them to socialize, the open field area is where to go.
How do you deal with an off-leash dog?
In dealing with an off-leash dog, make sure your dog is fully trained, bring some treats, and keep an eye on the dog at all times.
A dog that listens to you or has the incentive to listen, like with treats, is controllable in even the most hectic situations.