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Riverbend Off Leash Area Overview
Riverbend Off Leash Area (RIV-001) sits near the Bow River in the Riverbend community of SE Calgary, bordering Ogden. The site takes its name from the community itself, whose name comes from its location near a bend in the river.
Riverbend is an established community that began development in 1982, with three distinct landscapes — floodplain, escarpment, and upland plain — giving the area a varied feel compared to flatter neighborhood off-leash sites. The off-leash area itself is unfenced, so it suits dogs with solid recall more than those still building it.
The community sits close to Glenmore Trail, Barlow Trail, and Deerfoot Trail, and has good access to Calgary's pathway system along the Bow River.
Riverbend Off Leash Area Map
Quick Facts
- Location: Near 100 Riverside Crescent SE, bounded by Riverside Cr SE, Riverbirch Rd SE, Riverbend Dr SE & Riverbrook Pl SE, Calgary, AB (Riverbend/Ogden border)
- Type: Unfenced off-leash area, official City designation RIV-001
- Parking: Street parking along the bordering residential streets
- Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
Access Points & Parking
- Main access from Riverside Crescent SE
- Street parking only, along the bordering residential streets — no dedicated lot confirmed
- Reasonably close to the Bow River pathway system given the community's riverside location
Wildlife Awareness
- Given the proximity to the Bow River floodplain, watch for waterfowl and other river-adjacent wildlife
- Coyotes are known to range through SE Calgary's river valley green spaces — supervise closely at dawn and dusk
Visitor Tips
- The area is unfenced, so recall training matters more here than at a fully enclosed park
- The escarpment terrain nearby offers some varied elevation if you want more than a flat walk
- Bring your own water and waste bags
Best Times to Visit
- Weekday Mornings: Quiet, good light along the river valley
- Weekday Evenings: Busiest window with local residents
- Weekends: Moderate traffic given the community's pathway connections
Safety Guidelines
- Keep dogs leashed until inside the designated boundary — the area is unfenced
- Watch footing near the escarpment sections, especially after rain
- Clean up after your dog to help preserve the community's off-leash privileges
Seasonal Information
Spring (March-May)
- Floodplain sections can stay wet longer than upland areas after snowmelt
Summer (June-August)
- Bring water on hot days — shade varies across the site's mixed terrain
Fall (September-November)
- Comfortable temperatures, good for exploring the escarpment sections
Winter (December-February)
- Escarpment terrain can be icy — take care on sloped sections
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.