Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Ottawa

Ottawa has some of the largest urban off-leash areas in Canada, plus hundreds of kilometres of dog-friendly pathways. Here's what you need to know.

Off-Leash Dog Parks

Bruce Pit

Ottawa's most popular off-leash area, located within the Stony Swamp conservation area. A large open field at the entrance leads to approximately 3 km of wooded loop trails through forest. Managed by the NCC.

• Address: 175 Cedarview Road, Nepean
• Parking: Free (lot P12). Fills up on weekends.
• Rules: Dogs must be on leash in the parking lot. Dogs are not allowed to swim in the pit water (contamination risk — NCC fine applies). Not allowed at the nearby toboggan hill.
• Year-round, dawn to dusk. Free.

Conroy Pit

Approximately 5 km of narrower, more meandering forest trails. Not fenced — good recall recommended. Gets very muddy in spring.

• Address: 3136 Conroy Road (south of Hunt Club)
• Parking: Free lot (fills quickly)
• Year-round. Free.

Jack Purcell Park

The best fenced downtown option — 8,885 m² with smooth gravel ground, double-gated entrance, water fountain with dog bowl, and shaded seating.

• Address: 320 Jack Purcell Lane, Centretown
• Parking: Street parking only (downtown)
• Year-round. Free.

Other Notable Off-Leash Parks

• Hampton Park (Island Park Drive, Westboro) — Large fenced area with shade trees
• David Bartlett Park (5201 McLean Crescent, Manotick) — 35 acres along the Rideau River with a designated dog swimming area
• New Edinburgh Park (203 Stanley Avenue) — Unfenced, water access, playground nearby

Dog-Friendly Trails

Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park allows leashed dogs on most marked trails from April 15 to November 30 (max 2 dogs per person, leash max 2 m).

Dogs are prohibited year-round at:

• Pink Lake Trail
• King Mountain Trail
• Luskville Falls Trail
• All beaches, picnic areas, and campgrounds

Winter (Dec 1 – Apr 14): Only 4 trails allow leashed dogs — Sugarbush Trail, Lauriault Trail, Pioneers Trail, and the Capital Pathway in the Hull sector. Dogs are not allowed on ski, snowshoe, or snow biking trails.

NCC Greenbelt Trails (Apr 15 – Nov 30, on leash)

• Green's Creek — Trails 60 to 63
• Mer Bleue — Trails 50 and 51 (but not the boardwalk at Ridge Road/P22)
• Stony Swamp — Trail 27 (5.3 km) and Trail 29 (3.4 km)

Dogs are not allowed at Mud Lake, Old Quarry Trail, or the Beaver/Chipmunk Trail. In winter, dogs are only allowed on multi-use pathways and the off-leash areas (Bruce Pit, Conroy Pit).

Capital Pathway

Dogs on leash are allowed year-round on the entire NCC Capital Pathway network, including sections along the Rideau Canal.

Dog Swimming Spots

Dogs are not allowed at any City of Ottawa supervised beach (Britannia, Petrie Island, Mooney's Bay, etc.).

Where dogs can swim:

• David Bartlett Park (Manotick) — Rideau River access, designated off-leash park
• Remic Rapids — Ottawa River wading near the rock sculptures (on leash)
• Swimming is banned at Bruce Pit — NCC regulation, contamination risk

Dog-Friendly Patios

Since January 1, 2020, Ontario restaurants have the discretion to permit pet dogs on outdoor patios (under amendments to Ontario Regulation 493/17). It is not mandatory — each restaurant decides individually. Always ask before sitting down with your dog.

The ByWard Market area has a concentration of dog-friendly patios.

Dog Events

ByWard Barket

An annual dog festival in the ByWard Market — 30+ pet-friendly businesses, 40+ artisans, a dog fashion show, live music, and pet portrait painting. Typically held in summer. Free admission. Partial proceeds benefit Sit With Me Shelter Dog Rescue.

Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run

The Ottawa Humane Society's largest annual fundraiser at Lansdowne Park. 5K, 10K, 3K walk, and fun runs. Pet marketplace with 25+ vendors. Typically late September. Registration required.

Ottawa Pet Expo

Held at the EY Centre (4899 Uplands Drive), typically in October. Adults $16, Youth/Senior$10, Family $43. Canine Fun Zone, grooming demos, and vendor marketplace.

Leash Laws

City of Ottawa

• Leash required at all times unless in a designated off-leash area
• Max leash length: 3 metres
• Dogs prohibited within 5 m of play structures, wading pools, and spray pads
• Fine for off-leash violation: $125

NCC (Federal Land)

• Leash required on all NCC land except designated off-leash areas
• Max leash length: 2 metres (shorter than City bylaw)
• Max 2 pets per person
• Cannot ski, bike, or inline skate while handling a pet

Tips

• Bruce Pit and Conroy Pit are the go-to year-round off-leash options — they remain open in winter when most trails close to dogs.
• Bring water. Most off-leash parks don't have fountains (Jack Purcell is the exception).
• Check Gatineau Park seasonal rules before heading out — the trail restrictions change between summer and winter.
• NCC leash rules are stricter than City rules (2 m vs 3 m, max 2 dogs). Know which land you're on.