Top 6 Dog Parks in Toronto

This list of Toronto's top six dog parks is the quickest way to find the park of you (and your dog's) dreams.

Tired of taking your dog to the same old park every day and seeing the same old sights? Is your local dog park less than inspiring? Inconveniently located for your busy lifestyle? Boring? Poorly landscaped? Find your next weekend park destination or your new go-to spot with our list of the top 6 dog parks in Toronto.

1. Trinity Bellwoods Dog Bowl

A staple for west-end dog owners, the Trinity Bellwoods Dog Bowl is a great option for social pups that love to play. The Dog Bowl is at the base of a hill, which helps to keep the dogs contained – but expect an audience, as park-goers tend to sit on every available inch of grass during the summer, including the top of the dog bowl. If friendly onlookers don’t bother you, then this park could be what you and your dog have been looking for. Packed with activity and located between Dundas West and Queen West, there’s always something to do in the park or nearby (check out Type Books or grab an almond croissant from Nadège Patisserie, both near the park’s Queen Street entrance).

2. Stanley Off Leash Dog Park

Located on King Street West close to the downtown core, this is a smaller and quieter option than the bustling Trinity. For those living a busy downtown lifestyle with a dog that likes to run, this park is an ideal and conveniently located space to let your dog get some after-work exercise in before dinner. There’s even a doggie daycare directly across the street and another one a few blocks west. This park is close to King West, so be sure your dog won’t be spooked by nearby traffic sounds. There’s also a baseball diamond inside the park and it’s steps from many bars and restaurants.

3. High Park

High Park makes a beautiful background for a long, leisurely stroll (or a brisk jog if that’s your thing) with your doggie companion. The park is big and has plenty of paths and trails for you and your dog to explore (on-leash) and a fenced in off-leash area if your dog loves to run and play. It’s prime location inside one of Toronto’s nicest parks easily earns it a spot on the list and makes it a top contender for your new fave. Take a walk down nearby Roncesvalles Avenue after your park visit (always an excellent dog-watching street!) and enjoy some authentic Polish food.

4. Cherry Beach Park

The main attraction of Cherry Park Beach is, duh, that it’s a beach! Who wouldn’t want to catch some sun with their four legged friend? If your dog enjoys swimming (and you don’t mind dealing with sandy paws) then this could be your new spot. Cherry Beach Park has enough to make a whole day of it in the summer (and to keep you moving and warm in the winter) with trails, the previously mentioned beach, and an off-leash area. This park really has it all but be aware that the wind off the lake can get too cold for comfort during the winter months.

5. Sunnybrook Park

Are you a fan of wildlife and lush landscapes? Look no further than Sunnybrook Park! It’s listed as a top spot for bird watching in Toronto (bring your binoculars) and you might even see a snapping turtle or a Great Blue Heron, both of which are known to be spotted at the park. There are trails, sports-fields, and an off-leash area – if you’re bringing the whole family the kids will have plenty to keep them busy. Bonus: there’s an old stable on the property that is still used today as a public riding school.

6.Cedarvale Park

If you’re looking to feel like you’re in the country while still in the city, bring your pooch to this gorgeous park. There’s a fenced-in off-leash area (like High Park) and a large ravine runs through the park, which stretches from Eglinton to St. Clair West, offering plenty to explore. If you’re a local, you’re probably already enjoying the rugged scenery of Cedarvale Park, and if you’re not, pack up your pooch, a picnic, and some friends and expand your knowledge of Toronto’s green spaces.

Photos: 1. Maclean’s  2. Toronto Pix 3. BlogTO  4. City of Toronto 5. 10 Best  6. Julie Kinnear

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