My Top 5 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Toronto
Living in a big city with a dog can sometimes be tough but not Toronto! We are lucky that this city has a very pet-friendly attitude and lots of different options. As a dog owner myself I’m always on the look out for a great spot or open field for my favourite pup to run, play, and socialize.
Here are some of my favourite off-leash dog parks in the city:
- Trinity Bellwoods Dog Park: Located within the popular Trinity Bellwoods Park and right by some of Toronto hippest neighbourhoods, “The Dog Bowl” as it’s commonly called offers a mix of open space and shaded spots plus a big hill great for rolling balls down or in the Winter going tobogganing and having your pup chase you! One thing I really like about this park is when you’re done playing with your best friend, you can browse the great shops, cafes and bars. Considered some of the best in the city!
- Cherry Beach Off-Leash Dog Area: One of my top picks in the summer to cool off. This scenic park is located along East Lakeshore and features sandy shores and a designated off-leash zone where both you and your dog can enjoy a dip in the lake. When you’re done swimming, you can relax, catch a tan and enjoy the great views of the island straight ahead or people watch fellow beach enthusiasts and the many kite surfers practicing (good wind apparently). Parking can be a pain on the weekends so get there early.
- Sherwood Park Off-Leash Dog Area: Located in Midtown Toronto this 2km trail is great place for your dog to run and explore! Lots of incline and decline, lush trees, a couple creeks and always busy with commercial dog walkers this park will be sure to offer your pup a true adventure! Cali always comes back happy, dirty and most importantly tired :) Bring a towel for your dog and a pair of hiking shoes for you. With the hills it can be quite the workout for you too!
- High Park Off-Leash Dog Area: One of the biggest off leash parks and trails in the whole city, High Park is extremely popular and offers your dog the closet they can get to being in the wild while still safe and close to you. I usually like to start in the dog bowl and let Cali start her day with some socializing and sniffing. After saying hello to everyone we head out to the trails and get ready to explore. Just like Sherwood, the trails are fenced in but it’s not uncommon to see lots of dogs beyond the off leash limits running through the bushes. Be careful though, High Park has coyotes and other wildlife that may not be the most friendly to your little friend. With lots of incline and decline and an uneven path the trail can offer you and your dog a slid workout. One thing I really like about this trail is that is allows you to explore and see places you normally wouldn’t if you were just hanging with friends or family. High Park is in my opinion one of the most beautiful parks in Toronto and the trail will take you to some of the best and private spots to truly appreciate and learn why they call the park “The Gem of The City”.
- Kew Gardens Off-Leash Area: Another Beach and swimming option for you and your pup. Located in the heart of the Beaches neighbourhood and next to the famous Art Deco Water Treatment plant, this is a very picturesque location with stunning views of the CN Tower. Parking is a pain so get there early (especially on weekends) and make it a day. My wife and I like to browse the shops on Queen, enjoy the vibe of the always fun Beaches community, grab a snack and then find one of the permanently installed Muskoka chairs and relax.
And for an honourable mention - Berczy Park Dog Fountain. Not a park but c’mon, look at this and try not to smile! Rome may have Trevi Fountain but we might have something even better(but we have Berczy Park!). An ode to our furry best friends Berczy Park is located right downtown near St. Lawrence Market. The dog-themed fountain has statues of 27 dogs and one cat. Perfect for a photo op or just a nice place to sit down and appreciate true art. Didn’t I tell you Toronto loves their dogs?!?
