Our Favourite Dog Parks in South Calgary

Did you know Calgary is home to 157 off-leash areas in the city? If you have a dog, knowing where to find the best dog parks near you is an absolute must.  

Wolf Willow will soon have our very own state-of-the-art dog park in the community, with construction slated to start in summer 2023. As we eagerly anticipate the park’s approval, we rounded up our favourite dog parks in south Calgary that are within a 15-minute drive from Wolf Willow.

Dog Parks near Wolf Willow

We’re lucky to have two major dog parks in south Calgary that are within driving distance from Wolf Willow – Jim Davidson Bark & Play and Sue Higgins Park.

Jim Davidson Bark & Play

In the nearby community of Auburn Bay, Jim Davidson Bark & Play is the closest dog park to Wolf Willow. With quick access via Stoney Trail, you’ll reach the park in just 10 minutes. Jim Davidson Bark & Play has its own parking lot at the entrance of the park.

With 10 acres of fully fenced-in green space, your dogs will have tons of room to stretch their legs. This bark park is off leash, so your pups will have the opportunity to play with plenty of friends during their visit! There are also educational signs around the dog park to educate visitors on common canine behaviours they might see while at the park. In addition to all of that room to run, you’ll find agility obstacles, a digging pit, and climbing hills to create training opportunities for your dogs.

There are also plenty of pathways and benches if you’d prefer to take a stroll through the park. Near the entrance, you’ll find a water fountain to keep your pups hydrated while they play, as well as waste bins to keep the park clean.

Sue Higgins Park

Sue Higgins is more than just your average dog park – it’s a nature-packed park along the west bank of the Bow River, and it’s just a 15-minute drive from Wolf Willow. Sue Higgins is the largest fenced off dog park in Calgary, coming in at 62 hectares. Here you’ll find plenty of hiking trails, walking paths, picnic tables, and washrooms for the whole family to enjoy a day outside. With a parking lot just off of Southland Dr SE, the park is easily accessible from Deerfoot Trail.

For additional training and enrichment, there are weave poles and training rings available for your dogs. And if your pup loves playing in the water, there are 4 convenient access points to the Bow River to let them go for a swim!

Off-leash areas in south Calgary

There are also plenty of off-leash areas near Wolf Willow where you can take your companions for a stroll. These are considered multi-use areas, so they are often without a full fence around the area or contain playgrounds. Be sure to follow the City of Calgary’s rules for off-leash areas to ensure everyone has a safe and fun time!

About 15 minutes from Wolf Willow, Deer Ridge has a very scenic off-leash area. Here you’ll find lots of open, grassy space for your pups to run free and plenty of paths for walking, running, or cycling. Near here you’ll also find Mallard Point, a beautiful day use area in Fish Creek Park that runs along the Bow River. There are lots of pathways to walk with your dogs here as well, but it is a leash-only area.

In addition to Deer Ridge, there are several other off-leash areas you can visit if you’re looking for a change of scenery, including Parkland (13-minute drive), Queensland (16-minute drive), Lake Bonavista (12-minute drive), and Southwood (15-minute drive).

Coming soon: Wolf Willow’s very own dog park!

One of Wolf Willow’s most highly anticipated amenities is our very own dog park. This dedicated green space will be fully fenced and off-leash, filling a need for multiple communities here in south Calgary.

Construction is set to start this summer on the 9-acre dog park, which will feature enhanced landscaping, dog themed equipment, and fenced areas for different dog sizes.

There are also numerous walking paths and trails in Fish Creek Park, which can be easily accessed through the parking lot in Wolf Willow.

Pet stores near Wolf Willow

If you are a pet owner living in (or near) Wolf Willow, you might be wondering where to find the nearest pet stores. Thankfully there are many choices in the area to help you take care of your pets’ needs.

In Legacy, the Bone and Biscuit, PetSmart, and Tail Blazers are all within a 7-minute drive of Wolf Willow. In Walden, Pet Planet is merely a 5-minute drive away from the community. And 10 minutes away in Shawnessy, you’ll find Petland, Pet Valu, and Global Pet Foods.

To keep up to date on the latest news about the dog park or when new community lots become available, be sure to follow us on Instagram @westcreekdevelopments or Facebook @WolfWillowYYC or subscribe to our newsletter!