Canmore residents love exploring our mountain home—and so do their pets! Whether you're a long-time local or new to town, find everything you need to know about responsible pet ownership in Canmore.
Lost or found a pet? Visit our Animal Control page for steps on reporting a found pet or reuniting with a missing one.
Off-Leash Dog Parks
Canmore has five off-leash dog parks for you to enjoy.
Quarry Lake Dog Park: This park offers two official off leash areas - the meadow area and a pond area where you can swim your dog. Off leash zones are clearly marked and dogs are to be on leash when not in the official off leash zones.
Cougar Creek/Highway 1A Dog Park: This park offers parking and is located off of the 1A highway right along Cougar Creek. This park has a four foot fence and offers a large area for your dog to run.
Elk Run Dog Park: Located on Glacier Drive with parking available in the Elk Run Ball Diamond parking lot located off of Glacier Drive and Sandstone Terrace. This park has a five foot chain link fence.
Palliser Dog Park: Located on Palliser Trail this is a smaller neighborhood park. There is limited on-street parking. This park has a five foot chain link fence.
Hubman Dog Park: Located in Three Sisters off of Three Sister Boulevard this is a smaller neighborhood park. There is limited parking at this location, it is the small parking lot located off of Three Sisters Boulevard. Please do not park on private property when using this park.
Guidelines for future dog parks are outlined in the 2015 Open Space & Trails Plan
- Outside of the off leash area, dogs must be on leash. Fines start at $250. Read the Animal Control Bylaw to learn more.
- All Canmore dogs must wear a current, valid Town of Canmore license.
- Pick up after your dog and use the waste bins – please don’t leave baggies behind!
- Keep your dog within sight and under control at all times.
- Dogs in heat or sick are not allowed.
- Wildlife, including elk and bears, may be in the area. Do not let your dog chase or harass wildlife or you may face fines up to $2,500.
- If you spot wildlife, give them space and call 403.591.7755.
- Report dog bites to Municipal Enforcement at 403.678.4244
- For any issues with of-leash parks, contact the Parks Department at 403.678.1599
How to apply for a new application online:
- Download and complete the above application form.
- Email the completed form to ccreception@canmore.ca OR drop in mail drop slot at the Canmore Civic Centre OR mail to 902 7 Ave, Canmore, AB, T1W 3K1.
- A member of our team will contact you to arrange payment over the phone. Alternatively, you can drop a cheque off with your application in the mail-drop slot made payable to "Town of Canmore."
- We will mail a dog tag to you.
How to apply for a new application in person:
- Complete your application in person at the Canmore Civic Centre, 902 7 Ave, Canmore, AB, T1W 3K1.
| Month Purchased | One Year Licence | Three Year Licence |
| January - March |
$55.00 |
$114.00 |
| April - June | $41.50 | $105.00 |
| July - September | $28.00 | $96.00 |
| October - December | $14.50 | $87.00 |
| Other Fees | |
| Cat licence (voluntary) | $25.00 |
| Replacement tag | $10.00 |
| Impound fee | $50.00 |
| Kenneling fee per day | $30.00 |
* Licences expire on Dec. 31 and must be renewed prior to Jan. 1 for the following year.
** The pro-rated fees are applied to new applications only.
Town of Canmore dog licence fees pay for the following:
- Food and treats for lost or abandoned dogs and cats.
- Maintenance of the kenneling facility.
- Mutt Mitts (poop bags). Annually over $23,000 is spent on maintaining and operating this program.
- Veterinarian visits for sick abandoned animals, medications, and surrendering fees.
My Licence Is My Ticket Home
Having a valid dog licence ensures the Town of Canmore Municipal Enforcement can identify your dog and return it home to you. If a lost dog is found at large and is wearing the corresponding Active Canmore Animal Licence Tag, Municipal Enforcement Officers will attempt to return your dog, free of charge*.
*Drive Home Program only applies to dogs that have a valid licence in the Town of Canmore and one occurrence is permitted per year. Certain circumstances shall void the return of an animal for free.
Voluntary Cat Licencing
Owners of cats may voluntarily licence their cats for a one-time fee of $25.00. This voluntary licence will enhance the ability for Municipal Enforcement to ensure the safe return of your cat should it come into our possession.