Kensington sits on the north bank of the Bow River, about 8 minutes from PAWS in Connaught across the 14 St NW bridge. This vibrant, pedestrian-forward community has one of the highest concentrations of dog owners in Calgary, and the infrastructure to match. From morning off-leash runs on McHugh Bluff to afternoon patio stops along Kensington Road NW, the neighbourhood is built for life with a dog.
The best spots to let your dog run free — rated and reviewed by the local dog community.
Crescent Road NW, Calgary, AB
Dogs that need a proper run. McHugh Bluff is in Kensington and offers the kind of open trail space that tires out even high-energy dogs. The views of downtown are a bonus for owners.
698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Leashed walks with great river scenery. Princes Island itself is leashed, but it connects to the Bow River pathway system which links to off-leash areas in both directions. A favourite for before-work riverside walks.
8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary, AB
A longer weekend outing with a water-loving dog. About 10–15 minutes west by car, Bowness Park has a large flat off-leash field and river access. Popular with Kensington owners who want more space than McHugh Bluff provides.
Veterinary care options for Kensington dog owners.
1202 20 Ave NW, Calgary, AB
Full-service independent clinic serving the Kensington and Hillhurst area. Wellness care, vaccinations, surgery, and dentistry. A well-regarded neighbourhood clinic with a loyal client base among local dog owners.
4204 4 St NW, Calgary, AB
Full-service clinic a short drive north in Capitol Hill. Part of the VCA Canada network — useful for owners who want access to a larger diagnostic lab and specialist referral network.
7140 12 St SE, Calgary, AB
24/7 emergency and specialist centre. The primary after-hours emergency option for all inner-city Calgary dog owners, including Kensington. Approximately 20 minutes by car.
PAWS's emergency vet partner is Western Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Centre. All PAWS staff are trained in pet first aid and we have protocols for any medical situation during the day.
Where to go with your dog — beyond the dog park.
The Kensington Road NW strip has several cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating that welcome leashed dogs. A practical stop after a McHugh Bluff run or before dropping off at PAWS. Look for the water bowl by the door — most dog-friendly spots put one out.
Pet supply store on Kensington Road NW carrying a range of food, treats, and accessories. Staff are knowledgeable and dogs are welcome in-store. A practical stop for recurring supply runs without leaving the neighbourhood.
The Bow River pathway runs along Kensington's southern edge, offering year-round leashed walking with access to off-leash sections. The paved pathway connects eastward to Princes Island and westward toward Edworthy Park — a full-day trail system accessible straight from the neighbourhood.
A spacious neighbourhood park a few blocks from Kensington Road NW. No formal off-leash designation, but a generous green space for on-leash morning walks. Well used by local dog owners as a pre-work loop.
Kensington is as walkable as it gets for Calgary dog owners. The neighbourhood's compact street grid, two major pathway systems (Bow River and McHugh Bluff), and dense retail strip mean a dog owner can handle the full daily routine — morning walk, supply run, patio coffee — without getting in a car. PAWS itself is across the Bow in Connaught, about 8 minutes by car, not a walk from Kensington Road.
Kensington's river-adjacent location means spring flooding can close pathway sections near the Bow in May and June — check City of Calgary pathway alerts before heading out. Winter is generally manageable: the commercial strip clears quickly, McHugh Bluff stays accessible, and the pathway system is maintained. Wind off the river can make exposed bluff walks feel significantly colder than the forecast — layer accordingly in January and February.
From Kensington, cross the Bow on the 14 St NW bridge and continue to 16 Ave SW. PAWS is at 1313 16 Ave SW in Connaught, about 8 minutes by car. Street parking is available directly in front.
1313 16 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3C 0Z7
7:00 – 10:00 AM, Monday through Friday
3:30 – 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday
8 minutes from Kensington
Kensington dog owners are surrounded by options — but they choose PAWS because it's the facility that actually matches how they think about their dogs. The kennel-free daycare, the daily pack walk, and the structured socialization model aren't features to compare against a competitor — they're what responsible daycare looks like to anyone who's done their homework.
Open-play environment — no crates, no kennels, ever
45–60 minutes of supervised outdoor walking, every visit
One managed pack — every size and energy level together
New dogs get a complimentary intro day — no commitment
Continue exploring Calgary's dog community — parks, vets, and pet-friendly spots in every neighbourhood we serve.
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