When exploring the province, please be a responsible pet owner and respect the rules of each of these destinations when visiting with your dog.

1. Pet-Friendly Outdoor Fun in Winnipeg

If your ideal day out includes your dog trotting happily beside you, Winnipeg’s got you both covered. The city is packed with parks, green spaces and scenic trails where leashed pups are welcome, no need to leave your furry travel buddy behind!

Start your day with a riverside stroll at The Forks, where leashed dogs can explore the expansive green spaces and paved paths. Sniff your way down The Riverwalk, where you'll uncover stories from the city's past and take in a water-level view of downtown. Want to level up the outing? Hop aboard a Winnipeg Waterways boat tour — pets welcome. In winter, lace up your skates and hit the Nestaweya River Trail with your furry sidekick, the warming huts along the way are full of surprises.

For longer wanders, Winnipeg offers some true urban escapes. Assiniboine Forest is a local gem with over 700 acres of natural habitat, including boardwalk trails and a peaceful pond that’s perfect for a mid-walk break. Over in the south end, Bois-des-Esprits weaves through aspen groves and along the Seine River, with wide trails, wooden boardwalks and the chance to spot carved forest spirits hiding in the trees.

Don’t overlook spots like Kings Park, with its mix of open fields and forested trails, or Little Mountain Park, where prairie meets woodland, both great for leashed walks with room to roam. Wherever you go, just remember to bring bags, water and plenty of treats!

2. Vacationing

If you hate leaving your dog behind when you go on holiday, consider renting out a cabin or oTENTik right here in Manitoba! Live the lake life at Falcon Trails Resort, where 3 of the rustic and gorgeous cabins offer dog-friendly accommodation, or go glamping in both the winter and summer in one of the oTENTiks that welcome dogs for an adventure in Riding Mountain National Park - #709, 727, 729, 730 and 731. Check out our blog on pet-friendly accommodations to find more places to stay with your furry friend.

3. Swimming

You'll have to wait until the summer months to see your dog frolic through the waves at Winnipeg Beach, with a dog-friendly beach just south of the water tower! And that's not the only place in Manitoba that your pup can take a dip and cool off.

Provincial Park Locations

• Asessippi: The “Point” can be accessed on the northwest side of the Shell Mouth Dam. Fllow the gravel road approximately 500 metres north to a small parking lot. A natural sand bar makes this an ideal pet-friendly swim area.
• Clearwater Lake: Hugo Bay boat launch on the north side of launch
• Hecla-Grindstone: Sunset Beach (Hecla)
• Grass River - Gyles Lake: Gyles Lake, west of designated swim area
• Manipogo: Past the Main Beach, west of designated swim area
• Paint Lake: Across from the main Paint Lake Marina on the north side of the far parking lot
• Rainbow Beach: Past the Main Beach, east of the designated swimming area
• Spruce Woods: Kiche Manitou Lake next to the footbridge along the southeast shoreline
• Turtle Mountain - Max Lake: Far west end of the main beach, just east of the boat launch area
• Wekusko Falls: Northeast shore of Wekusko Lake on the north side of the boat launch
• Winnipeg Beach: South Beach, access south of the Water Tower

4. Hiking and Skijoring

Pack a picnic lunch (with some treats and of course plenty of water for your dog) and hit the trails for a day in the great outdoors. There are a number of off-leash dog parks in cities like Winnipeg and Brandon but your dog may enjoy the change of scenery during an on-leash hike. Of course there are endless trails to explore and pets are allowed on most walking trails (look for signage!), but here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• La Barriere Park, Winnipeg
• Pine Point Trail, Whiteshell Provincial Park
• Hogsback Trail, Spruce Woods Provincial Park
• Turtle's Back Trail, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park

While dogs aren’t allowed on most cross-country ski trails, there are still plenty of ways to hit the snow together. Skijoring and kicksledding are welcome on select trails at Birds Hill, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell Provincial Parks, and you’ll find designated dog sledding routes at Birds Hill too. Just remember — pups must be harnessed and under control at all times.

• Oak Trail and Maple Trail, Beaudry, to walk or run dogs while skiing
• Group Use 1 Road, Birds Hill, kick-sledding and skijoring
• Spruce Trail, Birds Hill, dogsledding, kick-sledding and skijoring
• Epinette, Seton and Yellow Quill Trails, Spruce Woods kick-sledding and skijoring
• Adam Lake Trail System, Turtle Mountain, kick-sledding and skijoring
• Forester's Footsteps and High Lake (Falcon Ridge) Trails, Whiteshell, kick-sledding and skijoring

5. Patio Season - Pet Edition

Manitoba’s restaurant scene isn’t just for foodies — it’s for four-legged guests too. From Winnipeg to Wasagaming, you’ll find plenty of patios that roll out the welcome mat (and the water bowls) for your furry companion.

In Winnipeg, local favourites like One Great City Brewing Co., Feté Ice Cream & Coffee, The Common at The Forks and The Beer Can offer pet-friendly patio seating, perfect for sipping while your pup soaks up the people-watching. Over in The Exchange District, look for cafés with sidewalk setups where leashed dogs can lounge while you grab a bite.

If you’re heading to Riding Mountain National Park, Wasagaming’s summer scene is tail-waggingly good. Stop by Whitehouse Bakery & Restaurant for cinnamon buns and dog-friendly patio vibes, or grab a cold drink at Lakehouse while your pet rests in the shade.

Some Manitoba spots go the extra mile for their four-legged guests, offering treats right on the menu. Places like Sub Zero Ice Cream, Dug and Betty's and Feté Ice Cream serve pup cups and pup cones for the ultimate special treat.

Many breweries and distilleries across the province welcome dogs on their patios. Just check in advance, as policies can vary by location and weather.

Original blog by Breanne Sewards.