This is one of our favourite dog parks for being by the river and having so much space to the let the dog run off leash. It has great quality path ways easy for pushing the stroller on and even when it's busy there is still plenty of room for the pups to play. I will continue using this park when ever we can it's one of the best in the city read more

Sue Higgins Park - Main loop - Dog Parks Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

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I popped in aware that Sue Higgins Park has a big dog park, assuming I'd be able to walk and there would also be cute dogs. The cute dogs expectation was very accurate. The ability to go for a walk was not. This is not a park that allows dogs off-leash or a park with a dog park, this is very much a giant dog park. If you don't have a dog this is not a place to go for a walk. It's a super cool dog park! There are a bunch of different fenced in areas, including a huge agility course and river access. It seemed new and well maintained. The highway noise is pretty intense, but worth putting up with to enjoy letting your dog run and socialize. read more

My absolute favorite dog park. I live in the NW, and actually go out of my way to drive here in the morning with my two pugs. I stop at Starbucks on the way, and Jonas & Chloe start to freak out in excitement once I pull into the parking lot - they just know! I love how the entire area is fenced off (and when I say "area" I mean multiple, massive areas) since my two little monkeys haaaaate bikes, and rollerblades, and skateboards, and anything with wheels that goes faster than they think it should. The bike & jogging paths are on the other side of the fence, which is a huge, huge, HUGE help. There are multiple, tree-lined, lush pathways and several river access points for doggies to get a drink & to cool off during the summer. Wear wellies on a rainy day, as it can get pretty mucky in some areas with nearly impassable puddles! They are doing a lot of work on the park itself, post-flood, since it was essentially annihilated last year... some areas and gates are still fenced & locked off, which is extremely frustrating because there is absolutely no need for them to be, but every time I visit someone has found a way to get around the barriers (there's no stopping us dog folk.) There are some new interpretive centre/nature reserve-style signs posted around the park, and after reading one of them I learned that the hills in the larger off-leash area (sans river access) were man-made specifically for the dogs, as well as (what seemed random and misplaced) wooden posts which are actually strategically put in the ground to the musical score of "how much is that puppy in the window", it's purpose being to look and act like a structure for dog agility. Now, I am an advocate for banning the sale of dogs in pet store windows all together, but the gesture is thoughtful. ;) A couple of cons: I wish there were doggy fountains like at River Park in the huge, huge area that doesn't have any access to the river. Bring your own doggy water bottle if you plan on walking this loop on a hot day, especially if you have squishy-faced dogs like mine! I also wish there were those boxes with black poop bags available throughout the park. Some dog parks in Calgary have them, and others don't, including this one. My pockets & car are always stuffed with them, but on the rare occasion that I've run out, I've had to frantically ask around for extra baggies (although it is never a problem to get some from others!) Third - and I know this is a common complaint - I see huge maintenance trucks in this park ALL the time (watering trees, etc) meaning that I don't think it would be THAT much to ask to put some garbage bins throughout the park. There are ZERO. You'll be stuck carrying your poop bags the entire way until you make it back to the parking lot, unless some kind soul traveling in the opposite direction offers to take it for you, which has happened to me on several occasions. I personally have not had any trouble with parking, but I tend to go during non-peak hours. I can see how spots would fill up quick however, and judging by other reviews, they do ticket those who park on the street. People are always coming and going, though, so you might just have to spend some time trolling around before you secure a spot. Also, VERY important - there have been several reports of dogs getting poisoned at Southland, including my own (recently - it was an expensive and time-consuming, overnight emergency vet visit). Since it is such a huge, popular park, I'm guessing it must be a prime target for those cold-hearted individuals who do terrible, hurtful things for reasons nobody understands. Keep an eye out for your fur babies while they are here - don't let them eat anything off the ground, play with abandoned toys or drink from the puddles, which is what happened to my poor pug Jonas. As long as you are cautious, mindful, attentive, and aware, as well as stocked up with poop bags & water - possibly a towel or two to clean off muddy paws & bellies before getting back into the car - then this park is DEFINITELY worth the trip, and a huge treat for your pups. read more

Sue Higgins Park - One of the many dog walking companies enjoying a rainy morning walk with their pack. - Dog Parks Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

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I see this place all the time, and have been kind of anxious about taking my fur-babies here, since one has a tendency to assume he is a much bigger dog than his 11.5 lbs. and will bum rush one and all, yapping away with the worst high-pitched bark in the universe. But the warm weather, and their happy dopey faces won me over, and I took the boys here. I'm so glad I did! They loved every moment of it. I loved every moment of it. Meeting new dogs, all the different things to see, climb over, explore, smell, etc. It's a wonderland for canines. I only wish they had some doggy drinking fountains, but on a warm enough day, the boys are happy to wade in and lap up L'eau de Bow. Lots of parking available, you can get here one of two ways; I accessed it via the Carburn Park entrance and over the bridge. P.S. Yay for Indy being the face of Southland Dog Park! read more

Sue Higgins Park - My darlings having the best day ever. - Dog Parks Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

I am so happy at the improvements to this park in the last few years. Most notable change is the addition of garbage bins all throughout, making it easier for the lazy the be responsible pet owners and pick up & dispose of the poop. There has also been some landscaping on the North side of the park, making it feel more like an oasis along the river, with the deerfoot rushing along on the other side. Still lots of river access, with the flood repairs there is now improved fencing and what was once a mud slope now has a nice sloping path to the river's edge. There is also a nature reserve nearby and a few protected areas throughout so if you are into bird watching or unique plant life there are some interesting sights. My dog has decided if we don't take him to the river portion of the park, to poop all over his butt tufts so a soak is needed before returning to the car. I'm on to you, Mr. Woof. read more

This is an amazing dog park! My little chihuahua mix loves going there but we have had a few scary moments with big dogs there. They are not trying to hurt my dog but due to their size, my little chi has been injured more than once. I know other small dog owners with similar stories of injury and/or concerns about this park. It would be wonderful to have a designated small dog park in Calgary where our smaller breeds can play safely. I know there are small areas fenced off within the park but they are empty with no other dogs playing there. I'll continue to take my chi mix there because it's her happy place but I'm ever watchful for big dogs that show an interest in her. City of Calgary - small dog park please!!!! read more

This place has gone to the dogs! I think I might have as much fun here as the doggies do (no, not doggy-doo). Your pooches get to run, play, be social and sniff all the dog bums they want, you get to go for gorgeous river stroll complete with wetlands, bridges, trees and hang out by the river, all the while getting greeted by a never ending supply of the cutest puppies ever! EVER! So many cute puppies! SO many cute puppies! I like to run full speed through the field and pick up a whole entourage of doggies trailing behind me. Try it :D It's fenced and safe for dogs, so they can't get out onto the highway or even the bike path that cuts through the middle. Dogs get to be dogs and the poop stays off the pathway. Now we just gotta do something about those Canadian geese... Landmines everywhere! Southland Dog Park is one heck of a good place for your hound and a nice walk for you too. read more

Love love love love! This is Baileys fav spot in Calgary. So much to explore from the fensed in water spot, to the bushel of Trees, so many nooks and crannies to discover! Super easy to find, and HUGE! Normally we visit the doggie park in Dover but its got nothing on this place! Also, theres always other dogs when I go which is great for my poochie, Bailey. Whenever I head over to the Dover park I never catch any other dogs there - Bailey still has fun, but not as much as when there are other four legged friends to run around with. If your new to Calgary I recommend this park! Top knotch, and HUGE! And fur mammas, dont fret - it is completely fensed in! So no way for your little one to wonder off. In the winter its nice but I gotta say its a blast in the Summer, especially when theres a couple pups splashing around in the water! When we get home Bailey will sleep for hours! Tuckered out little puppy - A gem in Calgary! read more

There aren't a lot of dog parks like this one. With its expansive fields, hills, treed areas, and fenced in water spots along the river. My dog goes insane every time we drive by the park, knowing he will soon get to splash, run, and play. Overall the owners are responsible and clean up after their dogs, I have had only one occasion where my dog was playing frisbee and slipped in another dog's feces (ewww) There are two river access points at this park - one with a fence to keep your dog within a confined area, and another open and much muddier area. This park is as good as it gets for off leash parks read more

I have gone to this park many times with my two dogs. Its very large and has lots of different terrain to walk on and many treed areas to roam through. Three are several different areas (62 Hectares!) separated by gates so you can make your walk as long or short as you (or Rover) wants A river runs by the park on the east side and gives the dogs many places to swim (and the river is at a different depth and speed at each one too). There is a fair amount of parking although it can get packed on the weekends. Each area is fenced meaning your dogs are safe. Generally the dogs there are well behaved and owners do a great job of cleaning up after their pooches. This is by far the best dog park I have ever been to (and I've been to my fair share across Canada). read more

Perhaps my favourite dog park in Calgary! All sorts of little nooks and crannies for your pup to explore! There are open fields, access to the bike paths, treed areas, access to the river and little dog beaches. Be prepared for your pup to have fun and get messy! My only comment is that I wish the City would have more garbage bins around the park and bike paths. Not so much fun carrying poop bags around with you! I would come prepared with garbage bags, towels and toys. read more

BEWARE: Suspicious piles of food have been being left behind stumps, behind trees, etc. I might be jumping to conclusions but I can't help but be worried that it is poisoned food being left there deliberately. I saw a few articles of this happening in Toronto. My dog ate a few bites before I realized, seems fine so far but I will update if she gets sick. Just be careful and don't let your dog eat this food! *this is not a review of the dog park itself, the dog park is a great space. read more

I've been going to Southland Dog Park on and off for years. We'd walk my sister's dog there, and then I started bringing mine once I got her in 2008. I don't live especially close, so it's not a usual spot I'll go to, but occasionally I feel like something different from where I usually take my dog (River Park). I like Southland - it's a huge dog park with a lot of options. You can head two different ways from the parking lot, and there are a myriad of paths to branch off on, depending on what you want to do that day. During the summer, there's a good spot for doggie swimming in a little inlet south of the parking area. My dog is small (17 lbs) so I'm afraid to let her paddle around in the river proper, but the gentle currents in this area are fine. It's also really pretty, moreso in the summer. Fun to explore. The minuses? The parking, especially on nice days during prime hours. And parking enforcement does come around for those who've decided to chance the side of the road. And the fencing. It's a positive/negative thing for me. It's great that there's a safe(r) area for people to let their dogs run around, but a lot of owners also believe this means that they don't have to fully train their dogs. "Hey, it's fenced in - why should my dog come to me when called?" I see a lot more poorly trained dogs when I come to this park: jumping up on people, running willy nilly at other dogs and listening to owners try to recall their dogs over and over with nary an ear twitch. So, all in all I think fences on dog parks make some owners lazy. Hence why I prefer to walk my dog at unfenced parks where a modicum of training is needed. I liked Southland better when there was a little fenced in corral and the rest was both fenced and unfenced. But I'll keep visiting because the pluses outweigh the minuses. (Yelp Kicks Butt Challenge 1/10) read more

Sue Higgins was one of the nastiest people to have ever lived, at least now with the park named after her dogs get to shit on her non stop!

This is the best dog park in the city! Even if you don't have a dog it's a great place to walk around and check out all the cute dogs. I love the fence in trails you can follow as well as being close to the river line watching the dogs jump in. It's a huge park so you will for sure get an exercise in. The only thing is I wish they had more parking it's very small lot so most people park on roads which can be dangerous so I would say go early or during weekdays. Weekends are very busy. read more

It was a shame what the 2013 flood did to it. And I understand the work that went into making it useable again. But it seemed as though restoring the improvement have stalled hope they are going to get back on track. But it is still the best in town. How can you beat the size, the river terrain, the pathways and paddock variety plus much more. read more

Sue Higgins Park - Cilli'n after a romp at the park. - Dog Parks Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

I was there this morning and my ford escape passenger side window was smashed and my purse stolen with all id for home and work.. 400 dollars in keg gift cards, cash and coin. My barbering scissors and more... leave your purses at home read more

Love the water access! My dog loves coming here and going for a swim. Just remember the bring the bug spray in the summer!

The park itself is amazing but the amount of badly behaved dogs is not. So many people take unfriendly Dogs here. I hear people tell me every time I go sorry my dog doesn't like other dogs why go to a dog park then!!!!! I prefer the other less busy parks in the city for this reason. I don't feel comfortable taking my dog here read more

Kilometers of trail partially through a nature preserve, with huge fields for throwing balls and frisbees, and 4 access points for dogs to get to the river makes this the spot for Spot to stretch his legs and have a run, sniff, and bark. Weekends the parking lot gets filled so arrive early to ensure stress free dog parking! read more

It was so much better before they cut in half with the Nature access stuff but its still the best park in the city IMO, dogs get to go swimming, lots of room to run, have been going there for over 10 years and only 1 altercation with another dog owner. So pretty great all around. Oh yeah and them adding bins every 5 mins was a great idea as that was my only other beef is I seen people not picking up after their dogs but since the new bins that has gone down drastically ... I also dont know why its saying im in Priddis as im 5 mins away from the park lol .... and by chance does anyone know how many km it is if you do the whole park? read more

Pretty nice place to take your dog. I have a small dog and having the bigger dogs running around kind of scares me. I keep mine on a leash. I think it's a great place to let the big dogs roam free as long as they listen. This place is close to the river which is nice. Great location, just right off the deerfoot. read more

This is a great dog park! And we love the recent improvements (landscaping/trees planted in the north end and the new bridge on the south-west side.) And, thanks for keeping the grass mowed. Only thing I'd suggest, a water hose by the parking lot to clean the dogs paws off with on muddy days and enlarging the parking lot. (Some folks are still forced to park on the road.) But overall, a fantastic dog park. read more