A guide to Winnipeg’s pet-friendly places
Winnipeggers are always happy to welcome you to the city, and they’re even happier to see you bring your furry pet friend along for the adventure.
The city is full of places primed for your pooch. From staying in one of the city’s many pet-friendly hotels to lounging at one of the city’s many dog-friendly patios, you’ll quickly learn it’s always a dog’s life in Winnipeg.
We guarantee this guide will have tails wagging.
Parks
Each corner of the city has an off-leash park just made for your furry pal to run around in. Along with ready-made dog parks, some of the city’s parks also have off-leash dog areas for them to romp around in.
Wander over three kilometres of trails covered by an Aspen tree canopy in Little Mountain Park, or walk along the Red River at Maple Grove Dog Park and you’ll forget you’re even in the city.
Right in the heart of the city, make a pit stop at Bonnycastle Park for a run with your dog. After a wild run at the park with your pooch, make sure to stop by Fête Ice Cream (opens in new window) (conveniently attached) for a sweet treat for both of you.
Your four-legged friends are welcome in all city parks, just make sure to keep them on a leash and check the city’s website (opens in new window) for both on-leash and off-leash dog park information.
Other off-leash dog parks can be found at Charleswood Off-leash Dog Area, Kilcona Park and Brenda Leipsic Park.
Pet-friendly hotels
Many of Winnipeg’s hotels are happy to welcome your furry friends.
Nestled in the heart of Winnipeg’s east Exchange District, Mere Hotel (opens in new window) offers ground floor pet-friendly rooms with easy access to the expansive greens of Stephen Juba Park on the banks of the Red River.
Winnipeg’s Norwood Hotel (opens in new window) is happy to welcome your four-legged friends and offers bowls and beds at no extra cost, while pet fees are just $25 per night. Make sure to walk down to The Forks, where your dog can join you on the outdoor patio, The Common.
Victoria Inn (opens in new window) has dedicated their main floor to pet-friendly rooms, and their Pawsitively Pet Friendly Package (opens in new window) includes a toy, a waste bag and the pet fee.
Other pet-friendly hotels include Alt Hotel Winnipeg, Inn at the Forks, Travelodge Winnipeg East, Best Western Plus Winnipeg Airport and Four Points by Sheraton Winnipeg South.
Pet care
Every good dog deserves some grooming! If your pets are in need of a groom, polish, bath or brush, try Barks & Bubbles Pet Spa (opens in new window). Also available are daycare and pet limo services.
At Pride & Groom (opens in new window), your pet will receive the best attention from trained and certified groomers during their treatment and can experience home-like comforts during their overnight stays.
Dapper Dogs (opens in new window) give your dogs some love with one-on-one grooming and even offers to pick up and drop off your dog before and after their appointment.
Shopping
It can be nice to take your four-legged friend along with you when doing some shopping. If you’re looking to sniff out your next great read, have them help you at Whodunit Mystery Bookstore (opens in new window).
The Outlet Collection Winnipeg (opens in new window) lets your pet shop for the latest trends in fashion, footwear and accessories… who knows, maybe your furry friend will end up with their own new accessory.
Or, if your dog has a green paw, bring them to Lacoste Garden Centre (opens in new window) and Shelmerdine Garden Centre (opens in new window) — both of which are pet friendly.
Restaurants and coffee shops
Nothing brings people (and their dogs) together outside more than warm weather. Many of the city’s restaurants, breweries and coffee shops are happy to welcome you and your pets with open paws.
Le Patio 340 (opens in new window), in the heart of Winnipeg’s Saint-Boniface neighbourhood, offers bilingual live music, along with art and other activities.
Saint-Boniface’s Dug & Betty’s Ice Creamery (opens in new window) (named after the original Inferno’s Bistro owner’s basset hounds) is good for some licks.
Winnipeg is home to many craft breweries with patios whose patrons always include smiling dogs.
OGC (opens in new window), Barn Hammer (opens in new window), LBJ (opens in new window), TCB (opens in new window), Good Neighbour (opens in new window) and Sookram’s (opens in new window) all welcome you and your pet, while Low Life Barrel House (opens in new window)’s patio is also fit for your furry crew.
Winnipeg’s neighbourhoods are perfect for an evening stroll with your dog. Winnipeg’s Exchange District (opens in new window) is home to gems like Corrientes, King & Bannatyne and King’s Head Pub, all of which are happy to host you and your four-legged friend.
Or, perhaps, enjoy a walk down Corydon Ave (opens in new window), which could see you enjoying the patio at Bar Italia, Kristina’s on Corydon or Frenchway Café, all with your dog sitting right next to you.
If you’re looking for some live music, or just want to enjoy some good vibes, head to The Beer Can (opens in new window) to listen to the latest in local music, or walk down to The Common and enjoy the view of both the Red and Assiniboine Rivers from the outdoor patio at The Forks (opens in new window).
Attractions
Both Assiniboine Park (opens in new window) and Assiniboine Forest have lots to offer both you and your pet. Wander over six kilometres of trails through trees and meadows in Assiniboine Forest and then head to Assiniboine Park to stroll through Leo Mol Sculpture Garden. Let your dog stop and smell the roses while you also enjoy the flowers, fountains and sculptures. By now both you and your pet will surely need something to quench your thirst, so stop by Cargo Bar (just across the road) for a drink, a snack and a sit.