Keep dogs on leash

Banff National Park

To protect this special place, we always keep our pets on leash, knowing that wildlife’s survival may depend on it.

Keeping our pets on leash and under physical control at all times is the law, for both their safety and to care for the wildlife that live here. Off-leash dogs can trigger aggressive behaviour from wildlife such as grizzly bears and elk, or harm smaller animals.

Transcript

An aerial shot of mountains in Banff National Park.

Banff National Park: this place is special. 

It’s alive, wild, and interconnected.

It’s thriving… yet fragile.

To protect this special place, we always keep our dogs on leash.

For their safety, our own, and to care for wildlife that live here.

Your actions matter.

When you leave Banff National Park...

On screen animation that reads "Dogs on leash".

Leave it wild.

Hashtag Wildlife Rules. Protect this special place, Banff National Park appears on screen.

Website URL: www.parkscanada.gc.ca/wildliferules

  Be a responsible dog owner. In Banff National Park it is your responsibility to:

Ensure it is on a leash and under physical control at all times. It is the law.
Pick up and dispose of your dog's waste in a garbage bin.
Dogs are not allowed on some trails – check parkscanada.gc.ca/banfftrails to find dog friendly trails in Banff National Park.
Do not leave pet food out. Store food dishes – empty or full. Never leave food dishes out at night.
Consider leaving your dog at home if you plan to camp, hike, or go into the backcountry.

Are you a Town of Banff resident?

Pet owners must keep their dogs on leash at all times, except when in the Banff Off-Leash Dog Park or in fenced, private property.

Helpful links:

Your actions matter! When you leave Banff National Park… leave it wild.


It is illegal to feed, entice or disturb any wildlife in a national park. Violators will be charged, be required to appear in court, and could pay fines up to $25 000.

Please report bear, cougar, wolf and coyote sightings and encounters to Banff Dispatch: 403-762-1470

Important links
Current wildlife warnings and closures

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