Category Archives: Pets

Pet-Friendly Accommodations in the Canadian Rockies, Canmore

Posted by Administrator April 17, 2009 Pets

Canmore, Alberta

by John McKiernan
Staff Writer

If you’re planning to travel to Canmore and the Canadian Rockies with a pet, you’ll want to have some ideas of where you can stay with it. When traveling with a pet, it’s best to imagine it as a mini version of you.

Like you, your pet has to swap its comfortable home for rented accommodations. It has to have identification and its own set of toiletries. And your pet, especially if it is a dog, will want to do all the activities that you are doing in and around the Canadian Rockies.

The only difference is your pet never has to pay. The fact is, the Canadian Rockies is not Disney World, it is literally “the great outdoors.” There is no better place to bring a pet than here. Many hotels will accept a pet with a forewarning phone call, but here are some Canmore accommodations that are especially pet friendly.

Mystic Springs Chalets & Hot Pools
Just a short walk from downtown Canmore, the Mystic Springs is the definition of luxury. If your dog really is your best friend, he will appreciate you all the more after this stay. Outdoor year-round hot springs, massages and some great scenery are all part of the experience here. All small pets are welcome at the managers discretion and for a nominal fee.

Blackstone Mountain Lodge
This is Canmore’s newest resort, bursting with luxury and options for relaxation. Their pet policy is quite liberal too. Dogs and cats under 40 lbs are allowed. There is a fee of $20 per pet, per night (up to $100 per stay). In order to best accommodate you and your pet, make sure to indicate when you make your reservation that you require a “Pet-Friendly” room.

Creekside Country Inn
This is another new accommodation Bed & Breakfast with 12 rooms in a lovely quiet zone. Right in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, it is located at the entrance of the ominously named Cougar Canyon. All pets are welcome here, though extra fees may apply.

Fire Mountain hot property for your pets.

Fire Mountain Lodge

If your pet likes walks, as most pets do, this is a great option. There are some excellent walking trails nearby. Two and three-bedroom units with full kitchens, TV, DVD, XBox, and stereo are all included. Pets must be under 40 lbs. There is a $20 per pet, per night charge, up to $100 per stay. Maximum of two pets.

The Lodges at Canmore
This is a very laid back place where you can get away from all of life’s little problems. The situation is similar for your pet. After a long year of digging up bones and sniffing the backsides of other dogs, a rest is needed. Small well-behaved pets are welcome. If your pet hasn’t been hitting the Atkins diet and you are unsure if they count as small, just give the hotel a call and they will do their best to accommodate you. There is a dog sitting service and the charge is $20 a day per pet.

Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge
Welcoming, Clean and Customer Service-Oriented, the Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge offers a variety of accommodation options from standard rooms to studio and apartment condominiums with fully-equipped kitchens and gas fireplaces. Reasonable rates. All rooms have fridges, free wireless internet access and great mountain views.

Enjoy amenities such as a jacuzzi, sauna, laundry room, playground and BBQ to enhance your comfort and stay. Weekly rates available. Convenient location in Canmore and 5km from Banff Nat’l Park. 15 years recipient of the Alberta Housekeeping Award.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations in Calgary

Posted by Administrator April 17, 2009 Pets

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Calgary, Alberta

by John McKiernan
Staff Writer

If you’re planning to travel to Calgary and the Canadian Rockies with a pet, you’ll want to have some ideas of where you can stay with it. When traveling with a pet, it’s best to imagine it as a mini version of you.

The only difference is your pet never has to pay. The fact is, the Canadian Rockies is not Disney World, it is literally “the great outdoors.” There is no better place to bring a pet than here. Many hotels will accept a pet with a forewarning phone call, but here are some Calgary accommodations that are especially pet friendly.

The Bow River Cottage
This is a quaint little cottage in the city, on beautiful Bow Crescent – one of Calgary’s most stunning streets. Right across the street is the gorgeous river. There are few better places to bring a dog for a walk.

Howard Johnson Express Inn
This is only steps away from world class shopping and restaurants as well as some of the world’s best attractions and the Calgary Stampede Grounds. Only dogs are allowed (with humans, of course), and they must be attended to at all times. There is a $10 per night pet fee.

Super 8 Motel Calgary Shawnessy
This less expensive option is a good choice if you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city a bit. Located in the southernmost part of Calgary, and close to many shops including, Petland. There is a minimum $15 per day charge, up to a maximum of $75 per day. Cats and dogs up to 70 lbs are allowed, so elephants must be left at home. Pets must not be left in the room alone.

Causeway Bay Calgary Hotel
Pet rooms available, no extra charge applies. Pets need to be leashed to and from their room. Pets should not be left unattended in the rooms. Guests must agree to and sign the Pet Agreement Form. Rooms offer all the usual amenities: cable TV, fridge, microwave, clock radio, air conditioning, hair dryer. Complimentary morning coffee is a definite plus. Close to everything you might need.

You and your pet will be extra cozy at the Delta.

Delta Calgary South
All pets are welcome in either smoking or non-smoking guest rooms, depending on if your dog likes the occasional cigar or not. Cats and dogs less than 50 lbs are allowed (that’s right, no tigers), with a maximum of 2 pets per room. Pets must be leashed at all times in public areas as well as around the exterior of the hotel. A charge of $35 per stay per room will be added to cover the costs of additional cleaning measures that ensure the room is “allergy-free” for next guests. The best part for your pet is that there is a special welcome bag for cats and dogs.

Holiday Inn Calgary Macleod Trail South
Located close to the most convenient public transport in Calgary, this Holiday Inn is a great option for pets. There are designated first and second floor rooms in the hotel just for pets, but make sure to inform the hotel before you book. The charge is $20 extra per night per pet. Your pet must be kept on a leash. Pets are not allowed in any food and beverage outlets, or the pool area of the hotel. This exclusion does not apply to guide dogs.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations in Banff

Posted by Administrator April 17, 2009 Pets

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Banff, Alberta

by John McKiernan
Staff Writer

If you’re planning to travel to Banff and the Canadian Rockies with a pet, you’ll want to have some ideas of where you can stay with it. When traveling with a pet, it’s best to imagine it as a mini version of you.

The only difference is your pet never has to pay. The fact is, the Canadian Rockies is not Disney World, it is literally “the great outdoors.” There is no better place to bring a pet than here. Many hotels will accept a pet with a forewarning phone call, but here are some Banff accommodations that are especially pet friendly.

The Juniper Hotel

Nestled at the base of Mount Norquay in Banff, the Juniper has recently had a major make over and now exceeds its excellent reputation. Pets are welcome, but must be leashed while on property. They must also be accustomed to traveling and being away from home, so as not to disrupt the stay of other guests.

Castle Mountain Chalets

Located right in the heart of Banff National Park, this stunning location is a great place to get away with the pets. Furry friends are welcomed with a special welcome treat and clean up bag upon arrival. Not all rooms are pet friendly, so call in advance. There is a charge of $25 per day per pet.

Hillside Bungalows

At Hillside, there are two cozy, self sufficient cabins only minutes away from the town centre. There are no restrictions on pets or size and the pet fee is just $10 per day. Pets are not allowed to be left unattended here.

Hidden Ridge Resort

As the name might unsubtly suggest, Hidden Ridge Resort is quite hidden away and secluded. It offers awesome views of Banff. You can take a stroll along one of the many hiking trails that start just outside your door. Each pet is provided with a pet bed, bowls, and special treats on arrival to the hotel. Not a bad set up for the furry flukesters.

Your pet can't enjoy the hot tub, but it'll be glad to be here.

Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets

At Douglas Fir, they know how hard it is to leave a loved one behind, but there are a limited number of pet-friendly condos available, so call ahead. There is special treatment for both dogs and their spoiling owners with a welcome package. Small to medium sized dogs are accepted (less than 40 pounds) and there should be no more than 2 dogs per condo.

Best Western Siding 29 Lodge

Located handily just off Banff Avenue, Best Western is welcoming to pets with no extra charge. The pets must never be left unattended in rooms though.

Canadian Rockies’ Pet Travel Checklist

Posted by Administrator April 17, 2009 Pets

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Banff, Alberta

by John McKiernan
Staff Writer

If you have never traveled to the Canadian Rockies with your pet before, you might be fooled into thinking that it will just be a walk in the park (excuse the atrocious pun). Banff and its surrounding towns are generally quite friendly and you can observe our accommodation section to choose the right hotels.

Just to make life that little bit easier for you, we have compiled a checklist to help you pack all the necessary items for the furry ones before you head off.

Medications: You wouldn’t forget Granny’s meds (hopefully) so why forget the dogs? Also make sure your pet is in good condition to travel. As far as we are concerned, dog burying services aren’t too common up here.

Kennel or carrier: It’s the safest way for your pet to travel and many places insist that dogs are kenneled.

Food and Water bowls: The easiest things to remember are often forgotten.

Food: Keeping your dog on the same diet can help make the transition to a new location even smoother.

Can Opener: Don’t assume there will be one where you are going.

Stain Remover: Dog’s are like children. You can trust them with stains as far as you can throw them (not far). You can save yourself serious cash in fines if you are prepared to clean any messes yourself.

Extra Towels: See above note about stain remover. Also, you never know when your dog will go for an unexpected swim, or will need a bath after rolling in some unidentifiable substance.

Collars and Leashes: Absolutely necessary in most places. Bring spares just in case.

Identification: Bring all documentation and tags and make sure all contact information is completely up to date.

Recent Photo: Grab a snapshot of your pet just in case he gets lost. It will make the search mission easier.

Research local laws: Particularly for those travelling with controversial animals (pitbulls, cobras, alligators, etc.) You don’t want to turn back after driving all those hours!

Visiting the Canadian Rockies with Pets: Border Crossings

Posted by Administrator April 15, 2009 Pets

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Banff, Alberta

by John McKiernan
Staff Writer

If you’re crossing borders to vacation in Banff or anywhere the Canadian Rockies, and you’re bringing a pet, you’ll want to have some basic information about border crossing with pets.

Your dog may not have to get a snap shot and fork out for a passport to get between countries but there are still regulations that need to be followed for it to cross borders. This applies not just for dogs but also for cats, birds, reptiles, horses and all other animals. Here are a few points to get you organized for the trip.

Even Those Eyes Need the Right Documentation.

You will most likely need a pet health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian.
Give yourself time before traveling to ensure you have all the correct documents for human and animals alike. Sometimes they can take a while to process.
As with any traveling situation, there can always be confusion. The best idea is to directly contact the appropriate authority in whichever country you are traveling from and to. The links are provided below.
In Canada: The National Animal Health Program is responsible for establishing import requirements for pets coming into Canada.

In the United States:The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for the import of pets and other animals.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations in Edmonton, Canadian Rockies

Posted by Administrator April 15, 2009 Pets

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Edmonton, Alberta

by John McKiernan
Staff Writer

If you’re planning to travel to Edmonton and the Canadian Rockies with a pet, you’ll want to have some ideas of where you can stay with them. When traveling with a pet, it’s best to imagine it as a mini version of you.

The only difference is your pet never has to pay. The fact is, the Canadian Rockies is not Disney World, it is literally ‘the great outdoors.’ There is no better place to bring a pet than here. Many hotels will accept a pet with a forewarning phone call but here are some of accommodations that are especially pet friendly.

Below are a few from Edmonton:

The Comfort Inn is cozy for pets and people.

Comfort Inn Edmonton West

Family and pet friendly, affordable, with more than 100 rooms to choose from and only 1km from the world famous West Edmonton Mall. If your pet isn’t allowed to go shopping, he will at least be relaxing in the comforts of the hotel.

Alberta Place Suite Hotel

Within walking distance to shopping, entertainment and business centres. Rooms with complete kitchen options are available. The best part is the dedicated pet floors, available at an additional charge. For the humans, there is also an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and fitness facility, though it probably wouldn’t welcome swimming dogs!

The Travelodge Edmonton West

220 rooms, swimming pool with slide, restaurant on site and fairly priced. Pet friendly with designated rooms, but make sure to give a warning phone call first, otherwise there will be a charge of $50.

The Sawridge Inn welcomes pets and their humans.

The Sawridge Inn, Edmonton South

At the Sawridge Inn, there are 15 rooms dedicated for pets, so there are plenty of options. Again, the humans in your traveling party will enjoy a comfortable room with all the standard amenities.

Best Western Cedar Park Inn

Pets are welcome to stay at the Best Western, and there are no size restrictions, so it may be the best place to bring Irish Wolfhounds and other large breeds. The pets must be penned when not attended, and you must leave a cell number in case you need to be contacted. For the humans, the Best Western has a swimming pool, handicapped facilities, guest room with terraces, high speed internet and children free stays for children under 17.

Questions to Ask When You Travel the Canadian Rockies With Pets

Posted by Administrator April 15, 2009 Pets

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Banff, Alberta

by John McKiernan
Staff Writer

When planning a vacation with pets to Banff or any towns in the Canadian Rockies, such as Banff, Golden, or Canmore, it helps to have a little information before you hit the road.

The term “pet-friendly” is sometimes used lightly when it comes to accommodations and activities for pets. Although more and more accommodations are allowing pets, it is still not a dog’s life everywhere. The best thing to do is to be very thorough when you are on the phone organizing the trip.

This way, you’ll avoid unwelcome surprises when you hit the road, and are ready to be in vacation mode. With this in mind, we have set up a few example questions that you can ask to ensure everything goes nice and smoothly!

A little planning can go a long way to make your pets happy.

Are there additional fees? As you can see from our pet-friendly accommodation section, most hotels charge an extra fee for pets. The fee usually varies between $10 and $30, so make sure to take this into your calculations.

What types, size, and maximum number of pets are accepted? This varies in every situation. There are usually restrictions on how many pets you are allowed have at one time. Sometimes only small dogs are allowed.

Are there resident pets? Sometimes there are, especially in backcountry areas. Smaller accommodations such as Bed & Breakfasts or cottage resorts often have resident pets that sometimes mingle with guests. Be careful to make sure every your pet can mingle happily with its new housemates.

What other rules or restrictions apply to pets? There are many exceptions that could apply. For example, some hotels insist that the dog must be leashed at all times. Rarely are dogs allowed in public swimming areas. Usually it is requested that they are not left alone in the room.

What type of rooms are available to pet owners? Typically, there are rooms set aside for pet owners. Often these rooms are as close as possible to ground level with easy access to the outdoors.

What other services are available for pets? These days, a doggy welcome basket is not so uncommon in pet-friendly accommodations. Water bowls, waste bags and the other necessary amenities are also becoming more popular.

Canadian Rockies Activities for Pets, Jasper

Posted by Administrator April 14, 2009 Dogs in the Canadian Rockies, Pets

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Jasper Activities with Pets – A Dogs Life

Jasper, Alberta

It’s a tough world for dogs visiting the Canadian Rockies in Jasper. The only place in Jasper National Park where dogs are allowed to be “off leash” is the municipal dog park in the town of Jasper, which is located on Pyramid Lake Road beside the Jasper Aquatic Centre and across from the Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives. Here are some other other options to keep your dog happy.

dog-cocker-spaniel-dark-glossy-coat-2-dbw

There are ways to keep you pooch happy in Jasper.

The Jasper Veterinary Clinic is located in the Stan Wright Industrial Park, across the tracks from town. Their phone number is 780-852-5551.

There are no kennels in Jasper.

In Jasper National Park – Dogs and Wildlife

Dogs are required to be on a leash at all times within the park, for both their own protection and to protect the park’s wildlife. Outside the park, the “stoop and scoop” laws are stringently followed so make sure to clean up after your dog.

Predators – Bears, Cougars, Wolves, Coyotes

Lions, Tigers and Bears, oh my! Wildlife can pose a hazard to dogs, and vice versa. Dogs can make a nice snack for a grizzly bear, wolf, coyote or cougar. It is even more dangerous for animals than humans because when a dog running at large encounters a predator, the predator may react either defensively (to protect itself) or aggressively (to kill/eat the dog). The dog may also run back to his owners for safety, bringing the predator back with him!

You don't want your dog bringing one of these guys back to camp.

In fact, an incident like this happened in the summer of 2006 when a dog was trailed back to the camp by an angry black bear. The result was almost fatal, but the dog’s owners got away with only scratches and a bite on the thigh. In another incident a bighorn sheep headbutted a dog, who was acting in a threatening manner, off a cliff.

Although dogs and coyotes often seem to play together, sometimes things can take a far less cute turn. Coyotes have been known to lure the dog away from its owners to kill it.

These rules are there for a good reason and park wardens have the authority to shoot a dog on sight if it is running loose and harassing wildlife.

Likewise, you don't want your dog hurting one of these guys.

Porcupines

Like evil Leprechauns, porcupines are small and nasty. Many a dog and his owner have discovered the hard way just how useful the little critters natural defence system is. (The porcupine that is, not the leprechaun)

For Information on Accomodations that are pet friendly.

Pets and Accomodations in Jasper

Posted by Administrator April 14, 2009 Dogs in the Canadian Rockies, Pets

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Jasper, Alberta

Accommodations that Accept Pets

The old saying goes that dog is mans best friend. Well, if you were to leave your best friend at home alone while you enjoyed the beauties the Canadian Rockies and Jasper, how would he feel? Guilt tripped enough?!

Bringing pets to the Rockies is becoming more acceptable, but sometimes accommodations won’t permit the animal to stay with you. The following fourteen properties in Jasper are those that accept pets. However, as rules are constantly changing, make sure to confirm this before booking.

jnp0336_mountathabasca_jaspernationalpark

Unfortunately, your dog can't play here.

Bear Hill Lodge – 100 Bonhomme, Jasper
Open: Apr.-Oct.

Chateau Jasper – 96 Geikie Street, Jasper

Coast Pyramid Lake Resort – P.O. Box 388, Jasper
Open: Apr. 24 – Oct. 26

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – #1 Old Lodge Road, Jasper

Lobstick Lodge – 94 Geikie Street, Jasper

Maligne Lodge – 914 Connaught Drive, Jasper

Marmot Lodge – 86 Connaught Drive, Jasper

But it can stay here.

Patricia Lake Bungalows – Pyramid Lake Road, Jasper
Open: May. 1-Oct. 15

Pocahontas Cabins – Jasper

Corner Highway 16 and Miette Hot Springs

Sunwapta Falls Resort – Jasper

Open: May 8-Oct 13

Tekarra Lodge – Jasper
Open: May 15 – Oct 5

The Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre

82 Connaught Drive, Jasper

Tonquin Inn – 100 Juniper Street, Jasper

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Banff, Alberta

Banff, Alberta

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Banff, Alberta

Jasper Activities with Pets – A Dogs Life

Jasper, Alberta