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North Haven Off Leash Area Overview
North Haven Off Leash Area sits within the North Haven community in Calgary's inner-north NW quadrant, bordering the Nose Hill Park area. The site is an official City of Calgary off-leash designation (NHV-001), offering an open, natural setting rather than a purpose-built dog park.
What sets this location apart is its proximity to Nose Hill Park's grasslands — the terrain here is similarly open and unmanicured, with rolling grass and pathway connections that make it popular with dog owners who prefer a quieter, less-developed off-leash experience over a fenced, amenity-heavy park.
The North Haven community itself is a well-established residential area, and this off-leash site functions primarily as a neighborhood resource for local dog owners rather than a citywide destination.
North Haven Off Leash Area Map
Quick Facts
- Location: 5039 Norris Rd NW, Calgary, AB (North Haven community)
- Type: Unfenced natural off-leash area, official City designation NHV-001
- Parking: Street parking on Norris Rd NW and surrounding residential streets
- Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
Access Points & Parking
- Main access from Norris Rd NW, adjacent to the off-leash boundary
- Street parking is available along residential streets bordering the site — there is no dedicated lot
- Pathway connections link the area toward the broader North Haven and Nose Hill green space network
Wildlife Awareness
- Coyotes are regularly active in the Nose Hill-adjacent grasslands nearby — keep dogs in sight, especially at dawn and dusk
- Ground squirrels and rabbits are common in the open grass and may prompt chasing behavior
- Watch for porcupines in shrubbier fringe areas, particularly in fall
Visitor Tips
- This is an unfenced area — recall training matters more here than at fenced parks
- Bring your own water; there are no on-site water fountains
- Pack out waste — there are limited or no waste bins directly on-site
- Good option if you want an open, natural feel without the crowds of Nose Hill Park itself
Best Times to Visit
- Weekday Mornings: Quiet, with the most consistent light for visibility across the open grass
- Weekday Evenings: Popular with residents after work; moderate activity
- Weekends: Can see more neighborhood family and dog traffic
Safety Guidelines
- Keep dogs leashed until fully inside the designated off-leash boundary
- Since the area is unfenced, stay alert near street edges bordering Norris Rd NW
- Clean up after your dog — the community's off-leash privileges depend on responsible use
- Supervise closely during dawn/dusk hours given local coyote activity
Seasonal Information
Spring (March-May)
- Grass can be muddy after snowmelt — expect soft ground in low spots
- Good season for spotting early ground-squirrel activity
Summer (June-August)
- Open exposure means little shade — bring water and watch for heat on hot days
- Busiest season for neighborhood dog walkers
Fall (September-November)
- Cooler temperatures make this a comfortable time for longer visits
- Watch for porcupines as they become more active
Winter (December-February)
- Open, wind-exposed terrain — dress for wind chill
- Snow cover can obscure uneven ground; watch footing
Nearby Dog Parks
Calgary Dog Parks Directory
Explore more off-leash areas across the city
We keep this guide current with the latest Calgary Parks bylaws and on-the-ground conditions. Rules and seasonal access can change — always check posted signage on site.