Ottawa’s Best Dog Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Ottawa’s green spaces make it easy for pets (and their owners) to get active. Here are a few local favourites worth adding to your weekend routine:
Bruce Pit (Nepean): One of the city’s most popular off-leash areas, Bruce Pit offers wide-open trails surrounded by forest — perfect for long walks, fetch sessions, and meeting other dog owners.
Conroy Pit (South Keys): With its winding paths and wooded areas, Conroy Pit feels like a mini escape from the city without leaving the city limits.
Riverview Park (Alta Vista): A large fenced area and plenty of shade make this a great summer spot for smaller dogs or older pets.
Rockcliffe Park: For leashed strolls with unbeatable views, this area offers scenic trails along the Ottawa River — ideal for a quieter day out.
Ottawa’s dog park network has expanded in recent years, with more fenced spaces popping up in suburban communities like Barrhaven, Kanata, and Orléans. The city’s official park map is updated regularly, making it easy to find your closest off-leash zone.
Pet-Friendly Cafés and Restaurants
Ottawa’s café culture is growing, and many local spots have opened their patios (and sometimes interiors) to pets. If your dog’s as social as you are, these are worth checking out:
Arlington Five (Centretown): Known for its cozy vibe and outdoor seating, this café often has a few dogs lounging nearby while owners sip on lattes.
Equator Coffee (Westboro & NAC): With multiple locations and an outdoor-friendly setup, it’s a great place for a post-walk caffeine stop.
Bridgehead (Various Locations): Several Bridgehead patios are dog-friendly, especially along Bank Street and Wellington West.
The Ministry of Coffee (Hintonburg): Their Wellington location welcomes pets on the patio and has easy access to nearby walking routes.
The Third (Hintonburg): A local favourite for weekend brunch — their back patio is pet-friendly and shaded during the summer months.
In recent years, Ottawa has seen pop-ups and events designed just for dog lovers, like “Bark Markets” and pet-friendly patio crawls hosted by local breweries. These community-driven events make it easier than ever to connect with other pet owners while supporting local businesses.
Ottawa Pet Services Worth Knowing About
Whether you need grooming, daycare, or emergency care, Ottawa’s pet service scene is strong. Here are some standouts for 2025:
Masters ’N Dogs (Wellington West): A boutique-style pet store offering quality food, gear, and grooming services. Staff are known for personalized advice and product expertise.
Little Dogs on the Prairie (Barrhaven): A small-scale grooming studio that’s perfect for anxious or first-time pets.
Furever Friends Pet Sitting (Citywide): Offers reliable dog walking and pet sitting — great for busy professionals or frequent travellers.
Ottawa Animal Emergency & Specialty Hospital (Hunt Club): A 24/7 emergency hospital with advanced diagnostic and surgical care.
Global Pet Foods (Multiple Locations): A trusted chain with locally owned stores across the city, stocking healthy treats, food, and accessories.
As more Ottawans embrace pet ownership, the demand for high-quality care and community spaces continues to rise. Many new condo developments even advertise “pet-friendly amenities” like dog washing stations and private outdoor runs — something worth watching for if you’re shopping for your next home.
Living the Pet-Friendly Ottawa Lifestyle
What makes Ottawa so special for pet owners is its blend of urban and natural environments. You can grab a coffee downtown, stroll along the canal, and then head to an off-leash park — all within a single afternoon. The city’s welcoming attitude toward animals is part of what makes living here so rewarding, and that community spirit extends well beyond the leash.
If you’re exploring new neighbourhoods or thinking about moving within the city, talk to your local agent about which areas offer the best balance of pet-friendly housing, parks, and amenities. Whether it’s a condo near a walking trail or a suburban home with a fenced yard, Ottawa’s real estate options are just as pet-ready as you are.
