Why not plan a date that will get everyone’s tails wagging? We’ve got some pet friendly date night ideas and locations to share with you!
Picture it – you’re sitting at a fancy restaurant, staring deeply into the eyes of your date across from you when, suddenly, all you can see are the sad puppy eyes of your pet awaiting your return home. If you’re a pet lover, you know the feeling of guilt when you go out and have to leave them behind.
It doesn’t have to be this way…
Take a look at the ideas below to enjoy a fun-filled pet friendly date night in Edmonton!
WANNA GO FOR A WALK?!
Of course, there’s no better place to spend time with your beloved pets (and your significant other!) than the great outdoors. Edmonton has over 40 areas where you can take your dog and enjoy some off-leash fun.
A nice walk or hike makes for an entertaining casual date and there are plenty of options. For example, Buena Vista Park – which runs along the North Saskatchewan River – gives you access to the water for the dogs that love to get wet! There’s a large field for playing fetch or frisbee and plenty of quiet walking trails.
Or check out Cpl. Jim Galloway Memorial in Spruce Grove. They have a special section designated for small dogs, and more than 8.6 acres of fenced off-leash park area to run around in. There are plenty of seating benches and gravel walking trails to explore.
For a full list of off-leash areas, take a look at the City of Edmonton website.
FURRY FITNESS
If you’re interested in working on your own fitness at the same time, you no longer have to choose between going to the gym or walking your dog – you can do both! Sit Stay Squat is a certified professional canine fitness trainer and offers online group classes, as well as in-home training. You and your partner could be pettin’ while sweatin’.
A NIGHT AWAY
Maybe you’re thinking about a luxurious getaway without travelling far? Check out these fabulous local hotels. Sawridge Inn and Fairmont Hotel Macdonald are just two pet-friendly options. The staff at Sawridge will greet your VIPs (Very Important Pets) with doggy bags and a treat for their stay; Hotel Macdonald will equip your room with a dog dish and bed, upon request.
For more ideas, check out these other pet-friendly hotels in Edmonton.
DOG-FRIENDLY DINING
You don’t have to set up a table in a dark alleyway to have a “Lady and the Tramp” style dinner date. There are plenty of restaurants in Edmonton that offer pet-friendly patios.
Head over to MEAT, just off Whyte Ave, and enjoy a fantastic meal while your dog joins you on the outdoor patio. Cask & Barrel on 104 Street welcomes you and your pooch at their outdoor tables, and will provide a water bowl for Fido too! El Cortez offers Mexican fare and your pet can join you at their outdoor tables. Keep in mind that they are by reservation only.
Taking it up a notch, Doggy Style Deli is a restaurant created just for dogs! Here, you can order your drooling date a full meal, including raw food options and homemade treats. To be clear, we are talking about your dog… your other drooling date will have to grab a bite elsewhere – this menu is not for humans.
Got a beer lover? There are some great brewing companies in the city that love pets too. SYC Brewing welcomes dogs in their taproom and The Growlery Beer Co. is happy to have your dog join you for a pint as long as they’re leashed. There’s also Longroof Brewing Co. where you can enjoy your craft beer with Spot on the outdoor back patio. Finally, Omen Brewing welcomes pooches on their outdoor patio as well.
Note: some of these breweries do offer snacks but some of them will allow you to bring your own food. Check their website for specific details.
CATS AND COFFEE
Okay, so while you shouldn’t bring your own pets to this delightful Whyte Ave cafe, you and your date can get your feline fix while enjoying a delicious cup at the Cat Cafe on Whyte. Relax in the cozy lounge and get some snuggles with adoptable rescue cats from the SAFE team, and the prices for the lounge visits are quite affordable. Plus, once a month they have Yoga With Cats, which is only $20 for a one-hour session, which includes a 30-minute before-and-after in the cat lounge. Oh, and kids are welcome here too!
Don’t forget to check out their shop for cute cat-themed mugs and more, as a memento of your visit.
DO SOME SHOPPING
Edmonton also has its fair share of pet-friendly shops and stores. @petfriendlyyeg on Instagram features tons of places you can go! Check out Majesty and Friends for all sorts of goodies like bath and body, babies and kids, home goods, and more. Daisy Chain Bookstore loves seeing your friendly pets in their book shop.
For you crafters out there – did you know that Micheals is pet friendly as well?! It’s a part of their corporate policy! There are some rules – you can’t take them to that painting class – but call ahead to your favourite location and find out. You and your partner can find a new craft to work on together while your puppy sniffs around with you.
Other chain stores you may not have thought of include:
- HomeSense Canada
- Winners
- Marshalls
- Home Depot
- Canadian Tire (at least, the one in South Edmonton Common)
Note: individual stores are able to set their own policy, so it’s always good to double-check before you head out.
These are just a few pet friendly date night ideas to get you started. When planning your next night out, get a little creative so your furry best friend can emBARK on the adventure with you. With plenty of ideas and locations in Edmonton, you won’t have to cut dates short to rush home to your beloved pets. Bring them along and they’re sure to sniff out a good time! You can also check out our article 9 of the Best Edmonton Restaurants for Date Night if you’re looking for an option for just the two of you!
Originally posted January 11, 2018; updated Mar 7, 2023
Author: Casey C.
I enjoy long walks on the beach...just kidding. Diehard Oilers Fan (#SorryNotSorry). Old Man Millennial.