
Exploring Toronto with your dog? We’ve got you covered with some great local spots, along with some helpful tips to make sure everyone has a positive experience.
Dog Park Etiquette
Before heading out, here are some Dog Park Etiquette Tips to keep in mind:
- Not every dog wants to meet other dogs, and that’s okay! If your dog is off-leash and an on-leash dog approaches, it’s best to leash your dog to give both pets space.
- Always clean up after your dog and keep an eye on them to ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable.
Popular Dog-Friendly Trails and Paths in Toronto
Toronto is home to some beautiful, dog-friendly trails where you and your pup can explore nature together. Here are a few favorites:
- High Park: With extensive trails and an off-leash area, this iconic park is a Toronto favorite.
- Evergreen Brick Works: A unique spot with trails that connect to the Don Valley, great for a nature-filled escape in the city.
- Crothers Woods: Known for scenic wooded trails, it’s a fantastic spot for an adventure with your dog.
- Sherwood Park Trail: A quieter, shaded trail in midtown with off-leash areas perfect for exploring.
For more ideas, check out local resources like BlogTO’s Guide to Dog-Friendly Trails or Toronto's Underrated Dog Parks.
COMMUNITY FAVORITES - FENCED PARKS
We asked around, and these fenced-in parks came up as community favorites:
- Trinity Bellwoods Park: A bustling park with a well-loved off-leash area.
- Cherry Beach Off-Leash Dog Park: Ideal for dogs who love the water, with a sandy beach and a large off-leash area.
- Woburn Dog Park: Located in Scarborough, a popular spot with lots of space for dogs to play.
- Cedarvale Park: This off-leash area in midtown is a hit for dogs who love to run and explore.
For a complete list of Toronto’s off-leash parks, check out the City of Toronto’s Dog Park Directory.
MORE SPOTS LOVED BY OUR COMMUNITY
Toronto and the GTA offer even more scenic spots that locals love:
- The Beaches Boardwalk: Perfect for a waterfront stroll.
- Tommy Thompson Park: A bit of a hidden gem with lake views and natural scenery.
- Bluffer’s Park: A beautiful park in Scarborough with impressive views and lots of space.
- Humber Bay Park: A great option for a waterside walk with views of downtown Toronto.
THE SCENT DEN AT WHOLESOME CANINE
wholesomecanine.ca
For a more private indoor experience, consider visiting The Scent Den at Wholesome Canine. As Toronto's first and only indoor sensory zone for dogs, The Scent Den offers a safe and comfortable environment where your dog can engage in a true sensory experience. The space is thoughtfully designed with a variety of elements to stimulate all five senses—taste, touch, sight, smell, and hearing—providing mental enrichment and encouraging natural behaviors like sniffing and exploring. This can help lower your dog's pulse rate and foster a sense of calm and confidence. It's an excellent option for all dogs, especially those who are nervous, anxious, elderly, recovering from surgery, or sensitive to extreme temperatures.
Remember to stop by Critter & Co. Pet Outpost for the Best Downtown Toronto Dog Food, on your way to the dog park and check us out @critterpetoutpost on Instagram!
Feature image credit: Photo by Elina Volkova