It’s much better than the majority of national parks in the US, where dogs are limited to paved areas and parking lots. But even compared to other Canadian national parks, it’s pretty welcoming of furry friends. Jasper National Park to the north bans dogs from most trails to protect endemic caribou, and many popular British Columbia provincial parks ban dogs entirely, like Garibaldi and Joffre Lakes.
Photos: BGSmith/Shutterstock, Camera de Riviere/Shutterstock, and Lindsay Creed/Shutterstock
The town of Banff (inside the park) is extremely dog-friendly, with hiking trails accessible from downtown without needing a car. There are also lots of paths around town for dogs (or people) who prefer gentler strolls. Travelers keen on exploring banff beyond the hiking trails can also bring their dogs on other adventures. Humans and dogs are welcome in canoe rentals on the Bow River from the Banff Canoe Club and iconic red canoes at Lake Louise. (Don’t forget your doggy life jacket) You’ll also find plenty of dogs and people playing in the water at Johnson Lake, especially mid-week when it’s not as busy with tourists.
Dogs do need to be on leash at all times to protect visitors and wildlife, though there are off leash play areas for dogs around town. Dogs are allowed on outdoor patios at restaurants, and some, like Wild Flour Bakery, service freshly made treats for both humans and dogs.
While Banff is extremely welcoming to dogs, it’s important to remember that dogs aren’t the only animals in Banff (neither are humans). Leash laws are in place not just to protect pups from wild animals, but vice versa. Banff is home to grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, coyotes, elk, and other wildlife, and those animals can act defensively if they feel threatened by barking or approaching dogs. Leash laws keep dogs on trails and under the supervision of their owners at all times, which is how Banff manages to balance wildlife preservation with the understanding that spending time with your dog outdoors enhances the human travel experience.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
This modern hotel in a very walkable area of downtown has designated pet-friendly rooms, with up to two dog allowed. The dog fee is only $25 CAD, and cats are allowed too, in case it’s not just your dog along for the ride.
Fairmont Hotels are known for being one of the most pet-friendly luxury brands — so much so, in fact, that they’re sometimes called “Furmont” hotels. Dogs are welcome at this Banff institution, and built into the nightly pet fee is a donation to the local Bow Valley SPCA.
The fully remodeled Rimrock Banff is set to reopen in July 2026, and will be not just the newest hotel in Banff, but one of the most luxurious. Two of the hotels floors are dedicated to pets and people, with dog beds in each room and no restrictions on breed or weight. 