Park Overview
Karl Baker Off-Leash Dog Parks consist of two distinct locations in Northwest Calgary, each offering unique spaces for dogs and their owners to enjoy.
The first, located at 2648 Toronto Crescent NW in the Banff Trail community, is a cherished multi-use park known for its serene residential charm and community vibe.
The second, situated near 1620 24 Ave NW in St. Andrews Heights, serves as a trailhead with open fields and forested areas, providing a more natural off-leash experience.
Both parks feature well-maintained pathways and open green spaces, making them ideal for exercise, play, and socializing among dogs and their owners.
The Banff Trail location benefits from its proximity to the University of Calgary and SAIT, attracting a diverse crowd of students, faculty, and local residents.
The St. Andrews Heights trailhead, closer to Foothills Medical Centre and McMahon Stadium, offers a rugged terrain with mature trees and scenic views.
Together, these parks provide varied landscapes, gentle slopes, shaded areas, and flat fields, catering to different preferences while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
Park Map
Quick Facts
- Locations:
- - Banff Trail: 2648 Toronto Crescent NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3W1
- - St. Andrews Heights Trailhead: 1620 24 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2N 0L5
- Size:
- - Banff Trail: 2.8 hectares (6.9 acres)
- - St. Andrews Heights: Approximately 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres)
- Type: Multi-use community parks with off-leash areas
- Terrain:
- - Banff Trail: Mixed (flat fields, gentle slopes)
- - St. Andrews Heights: Mixed (open fields, forested areas)
- Surface: Grass, maintained pathways
- Parking:
- - Banff Trail: Street parking along Toronto Crescent NW
- - St. Andrews Heights: Street parking near 24 Ave NW
- Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
- Special Features:
- - Banff Trail: Mature trees, community pathways, residential setting
- - St. Andrews Heights: Forested trails, proximity to medical centre
Access Points & Parking
- Banff Trail Location:
- - Main Entrance: Toronto Crescent NW access point
- - North Access: Pathway connection to 24 Avenue NW
- - South Gate: Residential access from Toronto Crescent
- - East Entry: Neighborhood connection
- - West Gate: Community pathway access
- - Transit Access: Close to bus routes on Crowchild Trail
- St. Andrews Heights Trailhead:
- - Main Entrance: 1620 24 Ave NW trailhead access
- - South Access: Pathway near 29 St NW
- - East Entry: Connection to St. Andrews Heights residential area
- - West Gate: Proximity to Foothills Medical Centre pathways
- - Transit Access: Bus routes along 29 St NW and Crowchild Trail
Essential Gear for Karl Baker Off-Leash Dog Parks
Park Essentials
Must-have items for your visit:
Popular Walking Routes
- Banff Trail Location:
- - Park Perimeter (0.8 km): Full circuit of park boundary with neighborhood views
- - Green Space Loop (0.5 km): Central route through open areas
- - Community Trail (0.6 km): Connected pathway to surrounding streets
- - Shaded Path (0.4 km): Tree-lined walking route
- - Evening Stroll (0.7 km): Well-lit neighborhood circuit
- St. Andrews Heights Trailhead:
- - Forest Loop (0.9 km): Scenic trail through wooded areas
- - Open Field Circuit (0.6 km): Route around grassy expanse
- - Trailhead Path (0.7 km): Connection to nearby residential streets
Wildlife Awareness
- Urban rabbits frequent residential gardens at both locations
- Ground squirrels active in open areas, especially at St. Andrews Heights
- Local songbirds nest in mature trees across both parks
- Magpies common in the area, particularly near Banff Trail
- Evening bat activity around trees at both sites
- Occasional deer passing through early mornings, more likely at St. Andrews Heights
Visitor Tips
- Best shade under mature trees along pathways at both parks
- Bring your own water as no fountains are available at either location
- Banff Trail is quieter during university class hours
- St. Andrews Heights is less busy weekday mornings
- Both parks popular with locals after work
- Well-lit for evening visits at Banff Trail; St. Andrews Heights less so
- Residential areas - please respect quiet hours at both sites
Best Times to Visit
- Banff Trail:
- - Early Morning (6:00-8:00 AM): Peaceful, fresh start
- - Mid-Morning (9:00-11:00 AM): Active community time
- - Afternoon (2:00-4:00 PM): Family-friendly hours
- - Evening (7:00-9:00 PM): Quiet walking time
- St. Andrews Heights Trailhead:
- - Early Morning (6:00-8:00 AM): Quiet, wildlife sightings
- - Late Morning (10:00-12:00 PM): Mild activity, good visibility
- - Evening (6:00-8:00 PM): Calm and serene
Safety Guidelines
- Share space with sports activities at Banff Trail
- Keep away from playgrounds at Banff Trail
- Use designated paths at both locations
- Watch for cyclists, especially near Banff Trail pathways
- Mind evening visibility, particularly at St. Andrews Heights
- Respect quiet hours in residential areas surrounding both parks
Seasonal Information
Spring (March-May)
- Sports fields reopen at Banff Trail
- Morning frost possible at both locations
- Spring flowers bloom in residential areas
- Community events begin at Banff Trail
Summer (June-August)
- Evening activities peak at Banff Trail
- Shade important midday at both parks
- St. Andrews Heights trails busy with hikers
- Community festivals at Banff Trail
Fall (September-November)
- Perfect training weather at both locations
- Leaf-covered paths at St. Andrews Heights
- School sports active near Banff Trail
- Earlier sunset hours affect visibility
Winter (December-February)
- Cleared walking paths at Banff Trail
- Winter activities at both parks
- Morning frost views at St. Andrews Heights
- Quiet evening walks at both locations
Nearby Dog Parks
Nose Hill Dog Park
10 minutes drive from Banff Trail, extensive natural area
Varsity Estates Park
8 minutes drive from St. Andrews Heights, scenic community park
Bowmont Park
15 minutes drive from either location, river valley trails