20 Dog-friendly Hiking Trails near Saskatoon
Our furry, four-legged friends are always ready for their next adventure, which makes them the perfect hiking companions. Treat them to the freedom of running through endless miles of prairie grasslands in Saskatchewan’s countryside.
Known as the Land of Living Skies, Saskatchewan is waiting for you and your doggo to explore all it has to offer. Grab your boots and leash and check out these 20 dog-friendly trails near Saskatoon.
1. Meewasin Valley Trail
Length: Up to 60 km
Off-Leash? No
Running through the heart of the city, the Meewasin Valley trail is a well-known and popular choice for locals. With up to 60 kilometres of paved pathway to explore, the trail weaves along both sides of the river, under bridges, through parks and natural areas in and around Saskatoon. Open year-round, this trail has sections both within the city and on the outskirts, featuring several different places to access the route. On a warm summer day there are also many spots and beaches where you and your pup can cool down in the river.
2. Treebeard Trail
Length: 1.2 km
Off-Leash? No
Take your dog back in time through the Treebeard Trail. A moderately difficult hiking trail within the trees in Prince Albert National Park, some of the white spruce in this area are known to have been around since as far back as 1823. The name of the trail stems from all the usnea fungus, commonly nicknamed “Tree beard,” that droops from the branches above your head as you hike.
3. Narrows Peninsula Trail
Length: 3 km
Off-Leash? No
If you feel like escaping the city with your furry best friend, treat them to the Narrows Peninsula Trail. A combination of boardwalks and dirt trails take you through the trees and along the shorelines of Waskesiu Lake. This is another moderately difficult hiking trail that awaits you and your pup just a two-and-a-half hour drive away from the heart of Saskatoon.
4. Amyot Lake Trail
Length: 15.5 km
Off-Leash? No
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike to wear out your active dog, check out the Amyot Lake Trail. This difficult trail is sure to tire out even the most energetic doggo. This trail features the occasional horseback rider. However, if you hear the sound of hooves thudding nearby, it may be more than a horse. A little over 30 years ago, the plain bison was re-introduced into this area.
5. Chief Whitecap Park Trail
Length: 7 km roundtrip
Off-Leash? Yes
There’s no need to go far to venture your furry friend. Take your pup on a hike straight from within the heart of Saskatoon. Starting from the Circle South Bridge and ending in Chief Whitecap Park, this trail follows along the Saskatchewan river, featuring a total of seven kilometres. Chief Whitecap Park is off-leash, so at the end of your hike your dog can run free and make some new friends.
6. Loop Trail
Length: up to 5 km
Off-Leash? No
Thirty minutes away from downtown Saskatoon awaits the Loop Trail in Blackstrap Provincial Park. This multi-use trail is broken into two different loops, one being just over three kilometres and the other just under two kilometres, with the option to combine them both if you and your pup are looking to stretch your legs. Keep your dog on-leash, as mountain bikers rip through the pathways.
7. Big Spruce
Length: 4.3 km
Off-Leash? No
Originally a series of Cross country ski trails maintained by the Eb’s Nordic Ski Club in Saskatoon, these pathways melt into beautiful scenic summer trails that are waiting for you and your pup to enjoy. There are a series of trails to choose from, Big Spruce being one of the longest. These trails are quite level with only minor occasional uphills, perfect for dogs of all sizes.
8. Cacti Trail
Length: 5 km
Off-Leash? No
Treat your dog to wide open spaces and panoramic views that stretch for miles with the Cacti Trail in Douglas Provincial Park. Along with views, this trail also features several sand dunes and a large lake that you and your furry friend can explore. If you’re looking to extend your walk, there is also the option to take a longer loop trail that is 6.5 kilometres.
9. Sunset Trail Loop
Length: 3 km
Off-Leash? No
If you’re looking to escape in the wilderness but don’t feel like going far, explore the Sunset Trail Loop in Douglas Provincial Park. This park gives visitors the sensation of being far away from civilization, while in reality it is only an hour and a half from Saskatoon. Walk along the tall birch grove trees or through Saskatchewan’s prairie landscape. There is also a lake with a nice beach about halfway through the trail that is a perfect place to stop and take in the surrounding views.
10. Loop Trail
Length: 5 km
Off-Leash? No
A quick 30-minute-drive away from the city in Blackstrap Provincial park, a lakeside loop trail awaits. With stunning views of the waters for the entire length of the trail, this path is best enjoyed in the summertime. Plus with the option to jump into the water to cool off this is the perfect trail for your dog, as long as you don’t mind the wet dog smell for the ride home.
11. Jorgen’s Trail
Length: 13 km
Off-Leash? No
For those looking for a longer trek, give your dog the chance to stretch all four legs at Duck Lake. Originally also a series of cross country trails, these pathways melt and become a long woodsy hike in the Boreal forest. This trail is a great contrast to the regular open prairies that Saskatoonians know and love.
12. Ravine Trail Wilderness Loop
Length: 18 km
Off-Leash? No
A popular choice for locals and nature lovers alike, the Ravine Trail features beautiful pathways through the Boreal forest and over a suspension bridge on the Red River. If 18 kilometres sounds a bit long, there is an option to take the shorter River Trail. Although, shorter also means more popular, so if you wish to escape the crowds with your furry friend then take on the challenge and escape into the Ravine Trail.
13. Friendship Park
Length: Varies
Off-Leash? No
Give your pup the chance to make some new friends at the accurately named Friendship Park in downtown Saskatoon. This park sees a lot of activity, as many locals are walking, biking, picnicking or simply enjoying the green space, so make sure to keep your dog on a leash before they sneak into someones picnic basket and treat themselves to a snack.
14. Gabriel Dumont Park
Length: Varies
Off-Leash? No
Along the east bank of the South Saskatchewan River lies Gabriel Dumount Park. Full of First Nations history, visitors can enjoy the sculptures, statues and monuments that can be found throughout the park. There are two choices of how to explore this park as well. Either stay on the maintained side which features paved pathways, flower gardens and picnic tables, or go to the other half that has been left to grow wild.
15. Cosmopolitan Park
Length: Varies
Off-Leash? Yes
Let your puppy run free along the riverside. Right in the heart of the city, this area is known for its songbirds. In the spring and fall months you’ll find many local birdwatchers walking their dogs along the paved upper trail or the lower dirt trail. Keep an eye out for the Pioneer Memorial Cairn, which sits near the Broadway Bridge.
16.Sutherland Beach
Length: Varies
Off-Leash? Yes
Cool off on a hot summer day at the sandy Sutherland Beach along the South Saskatchewan River. With many woodsy paths to explore around the area, this is another area that offers something different than Saskatchewan’s classic grasslands. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as many deer and even the occasional beaver frequent the area.
17. Cranberry Flats Conservation Area
Length: 3 km
Off-Leash? No
Treat your pup to some fresh air and wide open space in Cranberry Flats Conservation Area. The majority of the area is open prairie land with lots of sandy beaches to relax and soak up the sun on.
18. Gift of Green Nature Trail
Length: 1.5 km
Off-Leash? No
The Gift of Green Nature Trail in Pike Lake provincial park is a very popular trail for locals. Ideal for dogs and hikers of all levels, this is an easy and short walk just 30 minutes southwest of Saskatoon. Pike Lake is too shallow for any motorized boats, so the entire area hosts a very quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
19. Saskatoon East Bank Trails
Length: 12 km
Off-Leash? Partly
This trail is another great option for those looking for a more strenuous hike but don’t want to leave the city limits. The East Bank trails follow along the South Saskatchewan River, offering stunning views of the water for majority of the trail. The best place to start this trail when taking your pup is in the Sutherland Dog Park, so they can run free for a bit before you head out on your trek.
20. Nicolle Flats Trails
Length: 1 – 8 km trails
Off-Leash? No
See a bit of everything Saskatchewan has to offer. Featuring classic prairie grasslands, thick forests and rolling green hills, the variety in landscape makes this trail especially great. Observation decks are also featured along this trail, which are perfect spots to stop and admire any wildlife roaming the area.
Have you explored these dog-friendly trails around Saskatoon?
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