What Makes a Neighbourhood Good for Dogs
I get asked about dog-friendly neighbourhoods more than you'd think. It comes up in almost every conversation with buyers who have pets — and honestly, it's a question that deserves a real answer. Not every neighbourhood in east Regina is equally good for dog owners. Some have kilometres of trails right outside your door. Others have tiny yards and no green space within walking distance. The difference matters when you're out there twice a day, every day, rain or shine or minus 30.
I've walked through all of these neighbourhoods with clients. I've seen which ones have the wide-open spaces that dogs love and which ones look good on paper but don't quite work for daily life with a pet. Here's what I'd tell you if we were sitting down together.
Before I get into specific areas, it's worth thinking about what actually matters when you're a dog owner looking for a home.
Yard size is the obvious one. If you've got a large or high-energy dog, a postage-stamp backyard isn't going to cut it. But yard size alone doesn't tell the whole story. Trail access matters — can you step out your front door and walk for 30 minutes without looping the same block three times? Green space matters. Proximity to off-leash areas matters. Even the street layout plays a role. Cul-de-sacs with no through traffic are safer for dogs than neighbourhoods built on a grid with cars cutting through.
Then there's the practical stuff: how close is the nearest vet clinic? Are there pet supply stores nearby? What do the fences look like — do most homes have fully fenced yards, or are you looking at chain-link half-fences that won't contain a determined retriever?
I'll be honest with you — there's no single perfect neighbourhood for every dog owner. A retired couple with a calm lab has different needs than a young family with a border collie that needs to run. So I'm going to give you the real picture for each area and let you figure out what fits.
Riverbend — The Trail Walking Capital
If your idea of a good morning is a long walk with your dog, Riverbend is going to be high on your list.
The 3.9-kilometre paved loop trail around the man-made lake is the heart of this neighbourhood. It gets heavy use from dog walkers — morning and evening, you'll see dozens of people out with their dogs on this trail. In the winter, the paths get packed down by foot traffic and you'll still see dog walkers out there in their parkas and boots. It's one of those spots where dog owners start recognizing each other and their dogs, which creates a nice little community within the community.
Here's the honest part, though. Riverbend is heavily condo-oriented. A lot of the housing here is condominiums and townhomes, which means smaller living spaces and shared outdoor areas instead of private yards. Some condo buildings have pet restrictions — size limits, breed restrictions, or limits on the number of pets. That's something you'd need to check building by building before you buy. If you've got a small to medium dog and the trail access is your priority, Riverbend works well. If you need a big fenced backyard, you'll want to look elsewhere.
The Creeks — Nature on Your Doorstep
The Creeks backs onto the McKell Wascana Conservation Reserve — 171 acres of protected native prairie and wetland. For dog owners who want real nature, not just a manicured park strip, that's a significant draw. The trails along Chuka Creek wind through actual grassland and cattail marsh. It's the kind of walking that feels like you've left the city, except you haven't.
The neighbourhood itself is designed almost entirely with cul-de-sacs and no through traffic. That matters when you've got a dog that likes to wander to the end of the driveway. The lots in The Creeks are wide, usually 14 to 18 metres, and backyards are generous. Many homes here have fully fenced yards with enough space for a dog to actually run around. The price point is high — this is a luxury neighbourhood with a median above $900,000 — but if your budget allows for it and you want trail access plus private yard space, it's hard to beat.
I'll be honest with you, though. The Creeks is not close to much in terms of commercial services. You're driving to get to a vet clinic or pet supply store. It's a trade-off: you get the nature and the space, but you're in the car for errands.
Greens on Gardiner — Built With Green Space in Mind
Greens on Gardiner was master-planned with over 40 acres of parks and green space woven through the development. The walking paths are lit, which makes a real difference in the winter months when you're doing the 5 p.m. walk in the dark. The path system connects through the whole community, so you can do a proper loop without retracing your steps.
Lot sizes here are mixed. Some of the newer builds have smaller footprints, which means smaller yards. But many homes do have fenced backyards with enough room for a medium-sized dog to move around. The Acre 21 commercial area is right there for pet supply access, which is convenient.
The one thing I'd mention is that Greens on Gardiner is still developing. Some areas are fully built out with mature landscaping, and others are still construction zones. Construction noise and activity can stress some dogs out — worth knowing.
Eastbrook — Wetlands and Wide Open Space
Eastbrook was developed in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, and it shows. There are naturalized wetlands running through the neighbourhood and 24 acres of dedicated parkland. The walkways are designed to feel less like sidewalks and more like nature paths, with open space on both sides. For dogs who need room to sniff and explore, this layout works really well.
The lots in Eastbrook tend to be decent-sized for a newer development, and most homes have fenced backyards. The streets are relatively quiet — it's a residential pocket without much cut-through traffic.
I'll be honest — Eastbrook doesn't have the dramatic trail system that Riverbend or The Creeks offer. The walks here are pleasant but shorter. But for everyday dog ownership — the backyard, the quick walk around the block, the weekend trip to the park — it handles it well.
Woodland Grove — Big Lots and Mature Trees
Woodland Grove is one of the more established neighbourhoods on the east side, and that maturity works in its favour for dog owners. The trees are full-grown, providing shade in the summer that newer developments just can't match. The lots are among the largest in east Regina, and many homes back onto green space or park areas.
The street layout relies on cul-de-sacs and crescents, which keeps traffic slow and local. The mature landscaping and bigger properties mean most fences here are well-established too — you're not looking at builder-grade chain-link that's going to need replacing.
The trade-off is that Woodland Grove doesn't have a dedicated trail system. You're walking neighbourhood streets and sidewalks rather than a paved loop or nature path. But the tree canopy and quiet streets make it pleasant walking.
Spruce Meadows — Affordable With Decent Yards
If you're a dog owner on a tighter budget, Spruce Meadows deserves a look. It's one of the more affordable east Regina neighbourhoods, and the yards here are decent. Not massive, but workable for most dogs. The streets are laid out in quiet crescents that don't attract through traffic.
The Sandra Schmirler Leisure Centre area is nearby for longer walks — there's a man-made lake with paved paths behind the building that works well for dog walking. Take your time with this one. Spruce Meadows won't wow you with dramatic green space, but for practical, day-to-day dog ownership — a yard, quiet streets, and affordability — it gets the job done.
Wood Meadows — 1980s Builds With Room to Breathe
Wood Meadows was built in the 1980s, and one of the best things about that era of construction is the lot sizes. These are genuinely bigger lots than what you'll find in most newer developments. The yards are substantial, the mature trees provide shade and privacy, and there's a settled, lived-in feel.
For dog owners, that extra yard space is a real advantage. You can actually have a proper fenced backyard where a dog can run and play without feeling boxed in. Victoria Square is nearby for pet supply shopping. If your main priority is yard size and you don't want to pay Creeks-level prices, Wood Meadows is worth considering.
Parkridge — Backyards and Community Feel
Parkridge is the kind of neighbourhood where people actually know their neighbours. That matters for dog owners, because it means the people around you are more likely to keep an eye out for a loose dog, less likely to complain about barking, and more inclined to stop and chat while you're out walking.
The backyards in Parkridge are generous. The mature landscaping means fences are established, privacy is decent, and there's enough room for a dog to be a dog. I've seen this with clients who move from newer developments into Parkridge — they're surprised by how much more space they get for their money.
Regina's Dog Bylaws — The Stuff You Need to Know
Wherever you end up, you'll need to understand Regina's pet bylaws. Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas unless you're in a designated off-leash park. The city does enforce this, and fines start at $100. You're required to clean up after your dog — carry bags, always. The east end is a bit underserved for designated off-leash areas, which is something to be aware of. Many dog owners on the east side use the trail systems and park spaces for on-leash walking.
All dogs in Regina need to be licensed. It's $35 per year for a spayed or neutered dog. If you're buying a home and planning to fence your yard for a dog, check the lot survey and any restrictive covenants. Some newer developments have rules about fence heights, materials, or placement.
Vet Clinics and Pet Services
East Regina has decent access to veterinary care. There are clinics along Victoria Avenue, near the Woodland Grove and Eastbrook areas, and along Arcola Avenue. You won't have trouble getting to a vet from any of these communities — most are within a 10-minute drive.
Pet supply stores are concentrated around Victoria Square (convenient for Wood Meadows, Woodland Grove, and Eastbrook), Acre 21 (right in Greens on Gardiner), and along Victoria Avenue East.
So Which Neighbourhood Is Best?
If trail access is your top priority, Riverbend's 3.9 km lake loop or The Creeks' connection to McKell Wascana Reserve are the two best options. If you want a big private yard, Wood Meadows, Parkridge, and Woodland Grove give you the most space for your money. If you want a bit of everything — trails, green space, and commercial access — Greens on Gardiner hits a good balance. If budget is the main concern, Spruce Meadows gives you workable yards and quiet streets at a lower price point.
Take your time with this decision. Walk the neighbourhoods yourself — with your dog, if possible. If you'd like to talk through what's available, I'm happy to help. No pressure, no timeline — just honest information. You can reach me at 306-581-1212 whenever you're ready.
