There’s no doubt about it; Toronto is the perfect city for pet lovers. Our furry friends are part of our family, and we will do anything to make them happy. Luckily, we live in a city that pulls out all the stops to make your four-legged companions feel welcome. Pet-friendly hotels, cafes and even public transit (during off-hours) are all places where you can enjoy your pet’s company.
And, of course, one of the best things about Toronto is the abundance of leash-free parks where dogs can run freely and explore nature with their humans. With over 65 parks, you’re sure to find a new place to bond with each other.
We love our pets so much that we even write about them in our blog! You can find a couple of our other furry posts below:
- Meet Ginger and Scooter – Our Doggies of the Month for April!
- How To Sell Your Home When You Have Pets
Here are just a few of our favourite off-leash parks in Toronto:
Trinity Bellwoods Dog Bowl
Want a place where your dog can run around and play in the grass under the shade of beautiful, mature trees? Look no further than Trinity Bellwoods Dog Bowl between Dundas Street West and Queen Street West. The area is not fully fenced, making it ideal for pups who are social and well-behaved. Bathrooms are available and there is a water feature so your dog can recharge on a hot day. On May 28, the park will host the annual Party 4 Paws Pet Fair which raises funds for animals in need. The year, the Olea Group is sponsoring the event, and we would love to meet you there!
Cherry Beach
You’ll find this spectacular leash-free zone right at the foot of Cherry Street on the north shore of the Outer Harbour. Cherry Beach is a beautiful park right by the water where your dog can run, jump, play and even take a swim when the weather is nice. Be forewarned: You may be travelling home with a soggy, furry mess after a day of rolling around in the sand. But when you see the look of sheer joy and adoration that lights up your pup’s eyes, it will all be worth it.
Come once, and both you and your dog will be hooked for life.
As an added bonus, you’ll get a fantastic view of the CN tower in addition to watching your dog loving life.
To top it all off, an abundance of available parking makes Cherry Beach a rare find in Toronto.
Greenwood Dog Park
Greenwood Park is known for its drop-in programs for swimming and skating. But did you know there is also a new off-leash park for your dog? You’ll find the park at 150 Greenwood Drive near Dundas Street East. A wide range of activities means the whole family has something to enjoy no matter what time of year!
If swimming or skating isn’t your thing, you can always kick the ball around on the soccer field or have a picnic under the shady trees. The dog park has a pea granite floor, so there’s less chance of nose, ear and throat infections as your pooch plays and socializes with other dogs. However, on scorching hot days, your pup’s paws will likely appreciate one of the other parks with cooler grass to step on. Maybe you can even try one with a doggie beach where your four-legged friend can cool off with a swim!
Do you want to know more about our communities by the waterfront? You can see all of our guides right here.
Coronation Park
Coronation Park lies along the Martin Goodman Trail just east of Ontario Place. Here, the off-leash park is only one small part of the afternoon. The whole family (including its furriest members) can enjoy fun in the sun for hours.
Let your dog run free and happy as you spend some time tossing a ball on the baseball diamond. There’s a playground and splash pad nearby, so little ones can also run, play and laugh with delight as they splash around. When your dog is all out of jitters, why not take in the beauty of nature with a leisurely stroll down the waterfront trail?
When it’s time for refreshments, put your feet up and enjoy a picnic lunch under the shady trees. There’s even a doggie fountain, so no one has to go home thirsty!
Humber Bay Park West
You’ll encounter all kinds of people at Humber Bay Park West, especially as the weather warms up in the spring. Bird watchers peer through their binoculars, hoping for a glimpse of a rare bird or fowl. Hikers jog, walk and skate along the paved, accessible trails.
And, of course, there’s a beautiful fenced-in area for dogs to romp around leash-free. Your pup will love to roll, play and bark at the ducks floating by the waterside.
What a fantastic way to spend an afternoon! Top things off by enjoying the spectacular view of the CN Tower in the background. The park is located in Etobicoke at 2225 Lakeshore Blvd West, and parking is available.
Kew Gardens Off Leash Park
Day or night, your energetic dog will love running free at the Kew Gardens off leash park, which is open 24 hours a day. Calm dogs will have plenty of green space to wander through, as well as an abundance of mature trees to sniff and explore. If either of you gets too hot, take a dip in the water to cool off. Afterward, you can stroll along the boardwalk to take in the view of the Toronto skyline. Where can you find this outdoor paradise for your canine companion? It’s right by the Kew Royal Botanical Gardens at 2075 Queen Street East. If your timing is right, you’ll find plenty of street parking.
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