Unofficial Guide to the Westmount Summit Woods
Residents of Westmount are trying to force the municipality to ban off-leash hours all year long! Sign the petition to stop it.
About the Woods
In Montreal, one of the most treasured benefits of dog ownership is the ability to bring our furry companions for a morning or afternoon stroll in the Summit Woods—a natural habitat in Westmount near Mount Royal where dogs, during certain times of the year and hours of the day, can roam free (off-leash).
What to know
- 50+ acre green space
- Dog-friendly (off-leash hours restricted)
- Visitors must have a Westmount dog permit ($50/year)
- Street parking available on Summit Circle (please respect parking signage)
- Parking lot off Belvedere
Off-Leash Schedule
The Summit Woods are home to birds and other wildlife, off-leash hours vary during spring nesting season (April 16 - June 15) and the summer season. During the winter months, dogs are allowed off-leash at all times of day.
| Time of year | Off-leash hours |
| Nov. 1 - April 15 | All times |
| April 16 - June 15 | No times |
| June 16 to Oct. 31 | 5AM-10AM/5PM-11:59PM |
Getting a Westmount Dog Permit
If you plan on visiting the Summit Woods, you need to first register your dog by purchasing a permit. Permits cost $30 per year for residents and $50 per year for non-residents.
You can register for a dog permit either online or in person. In order to obtain a permit, your dog must be up to date on their vaccines. You will need to submit their vaccine history as documentation.
To register online, visit emili.pet and create an account. Add your pets information, their vaccination information and proceed to payment.
To obtain your dog permit in person, visit the Permits Office at 21 Stanton Street, 2nd Floor, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. You will need to bring a filled out application form and a signed proof of vaccination.
Responsibilities
If you visit the summit, it is your responsibility to be respectful of residents and other visitors by cleaning up after your dog, reprimanding over-barking and encouraging others to follow similar practices. Ensure your dog is on leash at all times when outside park boundaries.
Note that you can be fined up to $300 dollars for failing to adhere to permitting and leash restrictions.
The Summit is one of a handful of locations where we do group walks. Join the dog walking group to attend our meet-ups throughout the summer!