Calgary Dog Parks is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep this free resource running for Calgary's dog community.
St. Andrew's Heights Off Leash Area Overview
St. Andrew's Heights Off Leash Area (STA-001) is situated near 1620 24 Ave NW in the St. Andrew's Heights community of NW Calgary. Unlike many of Calgary's open-grassland off-leash sites, this one serves as a trailhead into a mix of open fields and forested terrain, giving it a more varied, natural feel.
The community itself sits on high ground near the University of Calgary and Foothills Medical Centre area, with downtown views and rolling terrain that make for a good cardio walk alongside the off-leash time.
Note on conflicting source data: some third-party directories list a St. Andrew's Heights-area dog park at a different address (820 25 Street NW) with a much larger stated size (28.9 acres). This appears to be either a separate site or a data error in that source. The address used here (near 1620 24 Ave NW) matches the description sourced closer to the City's own off-leash area material; the 820 25 St NW / 28.9-acre figure should be verified against an official City PDF before being treated as authoritative.
St. Andrew's Heights Off Leash Area Map
Quick Facts
- Location: Near 1620 24 Ave NW, St. Andrew's Heights, Calgary, AB (address under verification — see overview note)
- Type: Trailhead-style off-leash area with open fields and forested terrain, partial chain link fencing in sections; official City designation STA-001
- Parking: Street parking along 24th Ave NW and surrounding residential streets
- Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
Access Points & Parking
- Trailhead access near 24th Ave NW leading into the forested and open-field portions of the site
- Street parking only, along nearby residential blocks — no dedicated lot
- Terrain includes both open playfield-adjacent space and wooded sections, so expect varied footing
Wildlife Awareness
- Forested sections increase the chance of encountering deer, porcupines, and other wildlife compared to open-grass parks
- Coyotes are present in the broader river-valley-adjacent green space network near St. Andrew's Heights
- Watch for off-trail brush where visibility of approaching wildlife is more limited
Visitor Tips
- The forested trail sections make this a good pick if your dog enjoys scent-rich terrain over flat open grass
- Elevated location means good downtown views on clear days — a nice bonus for the walk
- Bring water; there's no reliable on-site fountain
- Sturdier footwear is worth it given the mixed open-field/forest terrain
Best Times to Visit
- Weekday Mornings: Quiet, good light through the forested sections
- Weekday Evenings: Busier with local residents and a nice window for the downtown view
- Weekends: Moderate traffic from the university-adjacent community
Safety Guidelines
- Keep dogs in sight in the forested sections where visibility is more limited than open grass parks
- Watch footing on the sloped, wooded terrain, especially after rain
- Clean up after your dog to help preserve the area's off-leash privileges
- Confirm current fencing status on-site before assuming full containment — sections are only partially fenced
Seasonal Information
Spring (March-May)
- Forested sections can stay muddy longer than open grass areas
Summer (June-August)
- Tree cover offers welcome shade compared to fully open NW sites
Fall (September-November)
- A strong season for the forested trail sections and downtown views
Winter (December-February)
- Sloped, wooded terrain can be icy — extra caution on trail 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.