Explore Scenic Hiking Trails in Alberta With Your Dog

From turquoise lakes and Rocky Mountain summits to waterfalls, badlands and hidden alpine gems, discover Alberta's most unforgettable dog-friendly hiking trails.

Alberta is a paradise for adventurous dogs and the people who love exploring with them. Whether you're climbing mountain ridges in Kananaskis Country, wandering through Banff's iconic canyons, discovering Jasper's alpine lakes or hiking through the unique hoodoos of Drumheller, there's an incredible adventure waiting around every corner.

This collection includes famous bucket-list hikes alongside lesser-known local favourites, giving you plenty of inspiration for your next adventure with your best friend.

Before you go: Trail conditions, wildlife closures, wildfire activity and leash regulations can change throughout the year. Always check current park regulations before heading out. Dogs are welcome on many Alberta trails but are generally required to remain on leash within National Parks.

Our Paw Rewards Adventure Ratings

1. Prairie View Trail

Kananaskis Country

6

Overlooking beautiful Barrier Lake, Prairie View is one of Kananaskis Country's most rewarding moderate hikes. The steady climb winds through forests before opening onto spectacular panoramic mountain views.

Best For: Mountain views • Active dogs • Sunrise hikes

2. Troll Falls

Kananaskis Country

6

One of Alberta's best family-friendly hikes, Troll Falls follows a wide forest trail to a beautiful waterfall. It's an excellent introduction to mountain hiking for puppies, young families and senior dogs.

Best For: Families • Waterfalls • First hikes

3. Grassi Lakes

Canmore

6

Perhaps Alberta's most famous turquoise lakes, Grassi Lakes offers two trail options leading to breathtaking emerald water surrounded by towering cliffs.

Best For: Photography • Families • Crystal-clear lakes

4. Rawson Lake

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park

6

Hidden beneath dramatic mountain peaks, Rawson Lake is one of Alberta's most beautiful alpine lakes. Visit early in the morning for peaceful reflections and fewer hikers.

Best For: Alpine lakes • Photography • Summer adventures

5. Johnston Canyon

Banff National Park

6

Elevated walkways hug the canyon walls as rushing waterfalls thunder below. It's one of Alberta's signature hikes and remains a favourite for visitors travelling with dogs.

Best For: Waterfalls • Families • Year-round hiking

6. Sulphur Skyline Trail

Jasper National Park

5

One of Jasper's finest summit hikes, Sulphur Skyline rewards hikers with spectacular 360-degree mountain views after a steady uphill climb.

Best For: Summit views • Experienced hiking dogs

7. Horseshoe Canyon Trail

Drumheller

6

Swap mountain peaks for Alberta's famous Badlands. This incredible landscape of hoodoos, colourful rock formations and winding canyons offers one of Canada's most unique hiking experiences.

Best For: Desert scenery • Families • Unique landscapes

8. Powderface Ridge

Kananaskis Country

8

A spectacular ridge walk featuring wildflowers, alpine meadows and endless mountain scenery. Powderface Ridge is ideal for adventurous dogs that love longer hikes.

Best For: Ridge hiking • Wildflowers • Experienced hikers

9. Elbow Falls

Bragg Creek

6

One of the province's easiest and most accessible waterfalls, Elbow Falls combines scenic viewpoints with relaxing riverside trails perfect for every age of dog.

Best For: Short adventures • Families • Picnic days

10. Crypt Lake Trail

Waterton Lakes National Park

5

One of Canada's most legendary hikes, Crypt Lake includes waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, a mountain tunnel and unforgettable scenery. This trail is best suited to highly experienced hikers with exceptionally fit, confident dogs.

Best For: Bucket-list adventures • Experienced hiking teams

Hidden Gems Worth Discovering

If you're looking to escape the crowds, add these incredible Alberta adventures to your list:

• 🌲 Crescent Falls (Nordegg) — Beautiful waterfalls tucked into the David Thompson Country.

• 🏔️ Allstones Lake — A stunning alpine lake with brilliant turquoise water and far fewer visitors than Banff.

• 🌿 Castle Provincial Park — One of Alberta's least explored mountain regions with incredible hiking and wildlife viewing.

• 🌄 Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park — UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, hoodoos and fascinating Indigenous history.

Hiking Safely With Your Dog

Before every Alberta adventure:

• 🐾 Keep your dog on leash where required.

• 🐻 Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

• 💧 Bring plenty of fresh drinking water.

• 🦌 Give wildlife plenty of space.

• 🩹 Pack a canine first-aid kit.

• 🥾 Protect paws from sharp rocks and hot surfaces.

• 🌲 Leave no trace and pack out all waste.

Plan Your Next Alberta Adventure With Paw Rewards

Every trail becomes another memory you'll never forget.

With the Paw Rewards app, you can:

• 🐾 Discover Alberta's best dog-friendly hiking trails.

• 📍 Find nearby parks, waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.

• 🎯 Complete Paw Quests while you explore.

• 🏆 Earn Treats for every adventure.

• 📸 Capture your favourite moments.

• 🇨🇦 Build your dog's adventure story across Canada.

Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Kananaskis, exploring the Rocky Mountains around Banff and Jasper or discovering Alberta's hidden Badlands, your next adventure starts with Paw Rewards.