Dogs irrespective of the breed constantly need exercise to keep healthy and burn off pent-up energy. While you may be able to walk them on some streets, not all places are conducive especially when you have a restless dog on the leash straining to run wild and free or startling passers-by with growls and barks. Here are some of the best dog parks you can find in Ottawa:

Bruce Pit
175 Cedarview Rd, Nepean, ON K2H 6A5

This is a nice off leash Dog Park where your dog can enjoy the freedom to run free with no restraints and also get to socialize with different breeds of dog. The park usually has a large number of dog owners and their dogs during the summer months. You should expect some mud in the park during the rainy months and dress accordingly.

Apollo Crater Park
600 Apollo Way Orleans Ottawa, Ontario

This is an off-leash Dog area managed by the city of Ottawa and comes with no fees. The park is spread across 1.28 km of well-mowed lawns with trees planted on the sides. So, your dog will have ample space to play. However, you are required to clean up after your dog to maintain the neatness of the surroundings. You will meet friendly dog owners and possibly not only your dog will get to socialise.

Stony Swamp Conservation Area
4897 Old Richmond Rd, Nepean, ON K2R 1G8

The Stony Swamp Conservation Area is a long stretch of 2000 hectares comprising woodlands and wetlands with beaver ponds. The land is divided into trails for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. On the boardwalks, you will find information on geology and natural history. Only leashed dogs are allowed on the trails except otherwise indicated.

Ravine Park
1424 Duford Drive, Orléans, ON K1E

This is a great off-leash Dog Park with perfect walking trails and a wide space for your dog to run and play free with other dogs. There are plenty of trees where you and cool off but you should be careful of running into some mushy areas and wetlands especially if your dog becomes too adventurous and goes off the well-demarcated trails.

Park des Jardins
250 Avenue du Bois-Franc, Gatineau, QC, CA, J9J 2E4

This park is situated just a bit away from the Ottawa River in the Jardins-Lavigne park area. It is a small circle-like path where you can complete a walk in 15 minutes at a regular pace and it is maintained by volunteers. The park is surrounded by a natural wooded area with a lower grassy area in the circle for your dog to run off leash and play games with other dogs.

Gatineau Park
33 Scott Road, Old Chelsea, QC J9B 1R5

Situated in the Outaouais region of Quebec, this park is a teeming spot for lovers of outdoor activities such as hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. From spring to fall, you are permitted to walk your dog on a leash on almost all trails except for the Pink Lake Trail and a few others where dogs and other pets are not allowed. In winter, there are three trails where you can walk your dog.

Brewer Park
100 Brewer Way, Ottawa, ON K1S 5T1

This is a municipal park situated on the north bank of the Rideau River and just across from Carleton University. It is a kid’s paradise with many thrilling facilities for play and soccer fields, a hockey arena and many biking paths among other facilities which will appeal to adults. Dogs are only allowed off-leash in the south of the berm, in the parking lot and from Cameron Street towards the Rideau River.

Jack Purcell Dog Park
2J5, 320 Jack Purcell Ln, Ottawa, ON K2P

If you want a more controlled space for your dog to run off leash, this park will be a great option for you as it is fenced and just a few minutes from Elgin where you can get free parking. There are shades and benches where you can sit and a fountain which includes a water bowl for your dog. The ground is covered in smooth gravel which is great for running and keeping your dog clean.

Conroy Pit
Conroy Rd, Ottawa, ON K1T 3S4

This is a park with lovely natural scenery and the wilderness area is located just off Conroy and Hunt Club. It has many off-leash dogs walking paths for you to explore and there is usually more people and dogs on weekends. All dog breeds are also welcome. You should remember to bring along a plastic bag to clean up after your dog as it is that culture that keeps the park clean and friendly.

Bordeleau Park
349 Bruyere Street Ottawa, ON K1N 5G9

This park is in a quiet neighborhood and you can allow your dog run off leash without being afraid of them straying into traffic on the streets. The dog park shares space with a tennis court and a children’s park, so even though it is an off-leash park, you will have to keep your dog under control and away from the river’s shoreline.

Landsdowne Dog Park
Holmwood and O’Connor Ottawa, Ontario

If you want your dog to learn some socializing skills, Landsdowne Dog Park is a great place to start. It is a fenced area where you can set your dog off-leash only on the dog run area. You should bring drinking water along for you and your dog because there is no on-site drinking water facility.

The Experimental Farm
72 Arboretum, Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6

The Central Experimental Farm was originally created in a bid to solve farm production related issues. In present times, its major attractions include the Arboretum, the Ornamental Gardens, and the Tropical Greenhouse. It has become a tourist site where people come to observe the plants and animals. Dogs are only permitted on-leash in the Arboretum, the Fletcher Wildlife Gardens and the lanes alongside the farm fields. Owners are also expected to clean up after their dogs.

Petrie Island Park
Orléans, ON K4A 3P4

This is a multifaceted park with many trails to walk and wildlife such turtles, frogs and woodpeckers to observe. It also has one of Ontario’s finest beaches with light sand and calm water to wade in. Dogs used to be allowed on the walking trails but as of present they are no longer allowed anywhere on the island. It will be a good spot to walk your dog when that changes.

New Edinburgh Park
193 Stanley Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1M 1P2, Canada

This park is far from the distraction of traffic and bordered by the Rideau River. There is a wide space for your dog to run off leash. There is ample parking space on Stanley Avenue and there is a children’s park at the east end of the park. You should make sure to keep your dog leashed until you leave this area.


Andrew Haydon Park
3169 Carling Ave, Nepean, ON K2H

This park is situated at Carling Avenue on the Ottawa River. Therefore, you will get nice views of the water from there especially taking a walk at sunset. It is a popular site for outdoor concerts and picnics. Before 2009, it used to be a dog-free park but laws were changed in favour of bringing your dog with you. However, you have to place your dog on-leash.