Calgary 
The RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre near Innisfail offers visitors a chance to see police dogs in training.
Credit: RCMP Depot Division
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police serve, of course, a hugely important role in Alberta. Some of their work helping us would be impossible without some of their highly trained helpers. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police train, employ, handle, and care for a fleet of police dogs, specifically German shepherds. These dogs are serving members of the RCMP, and each dog uses its technical training to assist officers on calls.
The RCMP-trained police dogs are put into many different types of duty. They are called on for their search and rescue skills, narcotics detection, and explosives detection. They are also trained to serve and protect fellow police officers.
The Police Dog Service Training Centre is located in Innisfail and welcomes the public each summer to help everyone learn more about the dogs’ important role in the RCMP.
Visiting the RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre
The Training Centre is on the east side of the QEII, south of Innisfail. Arrive a little before the 2 pm demonstrations begin to enjoy a peaceful walk around the grounds, where they have space for picnics, too. The demonstrations are held outside on a large obstacle course. You’ll be kept at a distance from the dogs, in a sheltered bandstand, while their handlers help them show off their new skills as police dogs. This is a unique chance to see and hear everything about these dogs’ incredible skills!
Visiting Innisfail
Both the Police Dog Training Centre and Innisfail are a quick turn of the main QEII. Before or after your visit to the Centre, it will be convenient enough to continue exploring north into Innisfail. The town has a couple of additional unique attractions, places to stay, and places to eat, and it is close to the Red Deer River.
- Discovery Wildlife Park is a local zoo offering a way to see more animal demonstrations in your day. There is also a large playground and picnic space, plus the whole zoo to walk through.
- The Innisfail Historical Village will shift your focus from animals to history. Explore the living history museum, the authentic buildings, and Central Alberta’s stories.
- If you’d rather escape to a more natural area, the Training Centre can get you close to Red Lodge Provincial Park. The area has camping, river swimming, fishing, and a picnic area.
Plan your Trip – The Police Dog Service Training Centre:
What: The Police Dog Service Training Centre in Innisfail is open to the public each summer. Visitors can enjoy dog demonstrations to see what the police dogs are capable of while learning more about the dogs’ role in the RCMP.
Best time to go: Demonstrations are held each Wednesday, Victoria Day to Labour Day weekend, 2 to 2:45 pm
Location and how to get there: southwest of Innisfail, Alberta. Take Exit 365 off the Queen Elizabeth II highway (Hwy #2) at Innisfail.
Cost: free
For more information
Police Dog Service Training Centre
Thank you for shedding light on the incredible work of the RCMP and their diligent police dogs! It’s truly remarkable to see how these German Shepherds are trained and dedicated to their roles in law enforcement. The Training Centre sounds like a fantastic place to visit and witness these amazing demonstrations. It’s a great blend of education and entertainment. The added details about exploring Innisfail and its attractions make this a perfect day trip suggestion. I’ll definitely consider visiting soon. Kudos to the RCMP and their furry partners in keeping us safe! 🐾👮♂️🇨🇦