Winter Activity Series – Winter Pups in the River Valley

Header photo: Nick Croken

Even in winter, our four-legged friends need fresh air and exercise. Though parts of the river valley are more suitable for snowshoes or cross-country skis in winter (with deep snow that isn’t as friendly for our shorter dogs!), there are several off-leash parks and trails in the river valley that make for the perfect getaway in the city to burn off your pup’s energy! 

Here are some of our favourite spots in the river valley to take your dogs. These are either off-leash trails or a trail adjacent to an off-leash park. In both cases, the trails are well-trodden enough by other walkers that you and your pup shouldn’t be knee-deep in snow at any point.

As with anywhere in the city, off-leash or not, be sure to be a considerate dog owner and scoop the poop — we all share the trails. 

Dawson Park

Dawson Park is adjacent to the Riverdale neighbourhood. Just after the picnic sites begin, an off-leash trail follows along the river with scenic views of the downtown skyline. There are a couple of sections between Dawson Park and the Capilano Bridge where your dog needs to be re-leashed, but for the most part, it’s open for free exploring.

You can read more about the 5 km Dawson to Capilano loop.

Hawrelak to Keillor Point

While Hawrelak Park is not dog-friendly, you can park your car at Picnic Site 2 and take your pup on the trails surrounding the park or across the Buena Vista Footbridge. Crossing the footbridge also takes you to the open and popular Buena Vista off-leash dog park if you aren’t feeling up to trekking the trails. 

One of our favourite routes stays on the Hawrelak side of the river and follows the beautiful forested trail. It finishes at the newly renovated Keillor Point lookout, an old horse trail up and down a b that offers panoramic views of the river and surrounding valley. The trail is off-leash once you pass the picnic site, but please remember that once you reach the lookout, your dog has to go back on a leash to enjoy the views.

You can read more about the 3.5 km there-and-back Hawrelak Park to Keillor Point trail.

Mill Creek Ravine

Mill Creek Ravine is a neighbourhood gem, and there’s no mystery why. South of the Mill Creek outdoor pool is an off-leash trail that goes under the Whyte Ave bridge and crosses several of Mill Creek’s iconic red footbridges, all while getting a taste of nature right in the heart of the city. There are sections where you must cross a major road, and your dog must return on the leash, but for the most part, you and your pup will be happy to wander creekside through this scenic ravine.

You can read more about the south route in Mill Creek Ravine.

Terwillegar Park

Terwillegar Dog Park is Edmonton’s largest off-leash area in the river valley! The park has many trails you and your pup can explore off-leash, or you can leash up and cross the Terwillegar Footbridge for even more vistas. Your pup will love all the different adventures you can have and the other dogs to play with in the snow. Bonus — a dog treat food truck is stationed at the park on weekends. 

Read more about the West End Trails that originate at Terwillegar Park.

West River’s Edge

The West River’s Edge loop is a groomed, paved, on-leash trail in Fort Saskatchewan that follows the river and trees. In the centre of the loop is a fenced off-leash dog park if your dog isn’t tired enough from walking on the 5 km trail!

Read more about the West River’s Edge trail loop.

Gear

If you’re headed out to #trekthetrails with your pup in wintertime, make sure they’re just as prepared for the elements as we humans are! These items are available at your favourite local pet supply store. 

• Jacket: If your pup has short fur or its belly is close to the earth, a jacket will help keep snow off its underside and keep it warm in colder temperatures.
• Boots: Young puppies’ paw pads are susceptible to cold and ice. A pair of booties will help keep their feet from freezing, which means cutting your adventure time short. If your dog hates booties or they don’t stay on, you can look at using a paw protectant salve (also known as musher’s wax) — concentrate the salve in the spaces between their toes so snow doesn’t get stuck in their feet, causing them to freeze faster.
• Water: In the summertime, when pups are out getting active, they drink from rivers and creeks, but this is less likely when the water is frozen! Please ensure you bring water for your dog, whether a water bottle or a portable water dish.
• Microfibre towel: Good for sopping up a soggy, snow-covered dog before returning to the car!

Above all, it’s important to watch for cues from your dog to make sure it’s not uncomfortable or cold. If it is, halt the adventure and go inside for warmth. 

We love seeing pictures of pups in the river valley — they may even be our favourite pictures (we’re a little biased!) Please share your winter dog adventures in the river valley on Instagram with the hashtag #trekthetrails.