Winnipeg’s Dog-Friendly Scene: What You Need to Know
If you’re a dog owner living in, visiting, or moving to Winnipeg, you may wonder whether the city is dog-friendly and what kind of activities you can enjoy with your furry friend.
As a dedicated dog owner and a proud resident of Winnipeg, I have spent countless hours exploring this city with my furry companion.
And from my personal experience, I can confidently say that Winnipeg offers a fantastic time for my dog and me, and we always have a blast here.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Winnipeg for you and your dog to have a great time.
So, whether you’re a first-time pet parent or a seasoned dog owner, this guide will help you discover all the best dog-friendly spots and activities here!
Is Winnipeg dog friendly?
Winnipeg is generally considered a very dog-friendly city.
The city offers a lot of amazing spots to bring your furry companions, like off-leash parks, pet-friendly businesses, and events catering to dog owners and their furry friends.
In addition to that, there are multiple hotels in our city that permit dogs, as well as dog daycares and even restaurants that have patios, especially for our pets.
There are also various events and activities that are tailored for dogs and their owners, such as the annual Winnipeg Humane Society “Paws in Motion” walkathon. You can take a leisurely stroll with your furry friend while raising funds for a good cause.
Moreover, Winnipeg has a strong sense of community when it comes to dogs.
For instance, it’s easy to start a conversation with the many dog owners walking their four-legged friends while you walk with your own. Also, there are even local dog groups and organizations that organize meetups and playdates for dogs.
On the whole, Winnipeg is a fantastic city for pups and their owners alike. With its numerous pet-friendly establishments and welcoming community, you and your furry friend will indeed have a fantastic time while exploring all that the city has to offer.
Things to Do With Your Dog in Winnipeg
And if you’re looking for things to do with your furry friend, you’re in luck! This beautiful city has plenty of things to do with them!
From hiking trails to establishments with pet-friendly patios, there’s no shortage of activities to entertain you and your dog.
Let’s explore some of the best things to do with your dog in Winnipeg, so you can have a great time with your fur baby while enjoying all that this city has to offer.
1. Take a stroll through Assiniboine Park.
Address: 55 Pavilion Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N6, Canada
Assiniboine Park is one of the most popular parks in Winnipeg and for a good reason. With beautiful walking paths, plenty of green space, and even a duck pond, it’s the perfect place to take your dog for a leisurely stroll.
Plus, there’s a dedicated off-leash dog park where your pup can run and play with other dogs.
2. Explore the trails at Birds Hill Provincial Park.
Address: Oakbank, MB R0E 0K0, Canada
Just a short drive outside Winnipeg, Birds Hill Provincial Park is a beautiful natural area perfect for a day trip with your dog.
The park has over 30 km of hiking trails, many of which are dog-friendly. There are available dog sledding activities during the winter too!
3. Enjoy a drink on a dog-friendly patio.
Winnipeg has plenty of great restaurants and bars with outdoor dog-friendly patios.
From the beer garden at Little Brown Jug Brewing Company to the patio at Bonnie Day, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a drink or a meal with your furry friend by your side.
And they can also serve drinks for your pet, like water with blueberries.
4. Visit the Winnipeg Humane Society.
Address: 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3, Canada
If you’re looking for a fun and meaningful activity to do with your dog, consider visiting the Winnipeg Humane Society.
You can take your pup along for a visit and meet some of the animals that are up for adoption.
And who knows? You might just fall in love with a new furry friend.
5. Attend a dog-friendly event.
Throughout the year, Winnipeg hosts a variety of dog-friendly events, such as the Bow Wow Ball, Paws in Motion, and the Winnipeg Pet Show. These events are a great way to get your dog to socialize, meet other dog owners, and have some fun.
Top 6 Places to Stay with Your Dog in Winnipeg
There are a lot of pet-friendly accommodations in Winnipeg that offer comfortable and enjoyable stays for both you and your pup.
Here are some of the top places to stay with your dog in the city:
1. Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg
Located in the heart of Downtown Winnipeg, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg is an excellent option for those looking for a luxurious stay with their furry friend.
The hotel offers a range of amenities, including a fitness center, an indoor pool, and an on-site restaurant. And a dog-potty area is available on the property.
However, there is a pet fee of $35 every three days. Furthermore, only two pets are allowed; the maximum weight limit for each is 23 kilograms.
2. The Fort Garry Hotel
The Fort Garry Hotel is a historic landmark in Winnipeg and is a great choice for dog owners looking for a unique and elegant stay.
Guests with pets are warmly welcomed here. But the best part of this hotel is that there’s a getaway package called “Tail Wagger” which is perfect for travelers with pet companions!
In addition to the standard guest amenities, this package offers access to the hotel’s pet bedding and an exclusive welcome package for both dogs and cats.
3. Mere Hotel
The Mere Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the vibrant Exchange District of Winnipeg. The hotel welcomes pets and offers spacious and modern rooms with stunning views of the Red River.
It is also near several dog-friendly parks like Stephen Juba Park and walking trails. Furthermore, the pet-friendly rooms are on the main floor, providing easy outdoor access.
4. The Fairmont Winnipeg
Like the Fort Garry Hotel, the Fairmont Winnipeg has a unique package named “HosPETality Staycation,” designed specifically for guests traveling with pets.
The package features a guide to Downtown Winnipeg that is tailored to dog owners, and the room is equipped with a comfortable bed, water, and bowl for the furry guest. The package also includes delightful dog treats to pamper your pet.
There are no charges for service dogs, and the hotel warmly welcomes pets of all sizes.
5. Inn at the Forks
Located in the heart of the city, the Inn at the Forks offers pet-friendly accommodations that are both comfortable and stylish.
Upon arrival, dogs receive a welcome package with a bed, bowl, and treats. They also offer a pet-sitting service if you need to leave your dog behind for a few hours when you need to go somewhere in the city that does not allow pets.
6. Norwood Hotel
The Norwood Hotel is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on pet-friendly amenities. Your pups are welcomed with a treat and provided with a comfortable bed.
The hotel also offers a designated outdoor area for dogs to do their business. Not to mention, the hotel’s location in the heart of St. Boniface makes it easy to explore the city’s French Quarter, with its charming cafés, boutiques, and museums.
Top 6 Places in Winnipeg to Visit with Your Dog
Gone are the days when leaving your pet alone in a hotel room or at a dog daycare was your only option.
Many establishments in Winnipeg welcome pets and provide facilities to make your outing a fun experience for both you and your companion.
Here are the pet-friendly places to visit where you can take your pet along with you.
1. Kilcona Regional Park
Address: Springfield Rd, Winnipeg, MB R2G 4C1, Canada
Aside from Assiniboine Park, Kilcona Regional Park is another great park to take your dog to. It has over 27 hectares of open space and features walking trails, picnic areas, and an off-leash dog park.
The off-leash area is fully fenced and has a double-gated entrance to keep your dog safe. There is also a pond where your dog can swim and cool off on hot days.
2. The Forks
Address: 1 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4L8, Canada
The Forks is a popular tourist destination in Winnipeg that is also dog-friendly. It is located at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers and features a market, restaurants, shops, and plenty of outdoor space.
Dogs are allowed in most outdoor areas but must be on a leash.
3. Assiniboine Forest
Address: 2595 Roblin Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N7, Canada
Assiniboine Forest is a natural area located in the west end of Winnipeg. It covers over 700 hectares of land and is perfect for hiking and exploring with your dog.
There are also beautiful walking trails that wind through the forest, and dogs are allowed off-leash in designated areas.
4. Kildonan Place Shopping Centre
Address: 1555 Regent Ave W, Winnipeg, MB R2C 4J2, Canada
If you need to do some shopping, then the Kildonan Place Shopping Centre is a great place to go with your dog.
Many of the stores inside are open to dogs as it is a pet-friendly space. However, they must be on a leash.
5. Manitoba Legislative Building
Address: 450 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8, Canada
The Manitoba Legislative Building is a beautiful landmark that is also pet-friendly.
Dogs are allowed in the outdoor areas, including the front lawn and the fountain area. The building is open to the public and a great place to explore and take photos with your furry friend.
6. King’s Park
Address: 198 Kings Dr, Winnipeg, MB R3T 3G1, Canada
King’s Park is a residential suburb located in the south of Winnipeg. It features an off-leash dog park for your dog to run around, baseball diamonds, waterfowl, marshland, and even a soccer field.
Winnipeg Pet Laws
As with any city, there are rules and regulations that pet owners must follow in Winnipeg. And as a matter of fact, the city has a whole by-law dedicated to it.
Here are some of the key pet laws and ownership rules in Winnipeg:
Licensing
All dogs and cats over the age of six months must be licensed with the City of Winnipeg. Licenses can be obtained at any Animal Services Agency location, and proof of current rabies vaccination is required.
Here are the steps to follow for obtaining a pet license in Winnipeg through online means:
- Visit the official website of the City of Winnipeg to access the online pet license application form.
- Fill out the online form with the required information, including your personal details and your pet’s information.
- Upload a copy of your pet’s current vaccination record.
- Pay the license fee using the online payment options provided by the website.
- Once your application is processed and approved, your pet’s license will be mailed to you within a few business days.
Leashing
Dogs must be leashed at all times in public places except in designated off-leash areas. Failure to leash your dog can result in a fine.
Waste Disposal
Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets in public areas, including parks and sidewalks. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
Noise
Excessive barking or howling can be considered a nuisance and may result in fines or other penalties.
Breed-specific Legislation
Winnipeg does not have any breed-specific legislation, meaning that there are no restrictions on owning certain breeds of dogs.
Housing
Landlords may have their own rules about pet ownership, so it is important to check with your landlord before bringing a pet into your home.
Veterinary Care
Pet owners are responsible for providing their pets with appropriate veterinary care. But if you’re a breeder, the by-law requires you to get a breeding permit and must have active veterinary care.
Animal Cruelty
It is illegal to mistreat or abuse animals in Winnipeg. If you suspect animal cruelty or neglect, you should report it to the appropriate authorities.
Wrapping Up
Winnipeg is a fantastic city to live in as a dog owner, offering a pet-friendly atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to explore the city with your furry companion.
As well as an excellent destination for travelers with their four-legged buddies.
We hope this blog has helped you plan your trip to Winnipeg with your furry friend or if you are a local who is considering adopting a new fur baby.
With its dog-friendly atmosphere, variety of activities, and stunning natural beauty, Winnipeg will surely provide an unforgettable experience for you and your dog.