Dog parks in Toronto

The G. Ross Lord Park has more than four kilometers of trails, three soccer fields, two cricket pitches, and much more to enjoy. Within the park, you’ll also find an off-leash dog park. It is one of the smaller dog parks in the area but is still large enough to hold dozens of dogs at once — something it does regularly. If you’re looking for a spot for your dog to socialize with others, this is a strong local option.

Riverdale Park is a beloved park within Toronto, with recreational fields for soccer, baseball, and ultimate Frisbee, as well as a swimming pool, tennis courts, a running track, and large swaths of land where you can relax and enjoy nature. The dog park is very large, providing plenty of space for bigger, energetic dogs to run, and the lawns are well-maintained for easier running and playing.

The Earl Bales Park is spread across 127 acres and is one of the most varied parks in the area. You’ll find playgrounds, a unique sensory garden, an outdoor amphitheater, fire pits, and a ski and snowboard centre. Also, The Canadian Society for Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Site, the most extensive Holocaust memorial in Canada, is just inside one of the park entrances. While the off-leash area does not have a dedicated area for small dogs, it is fully fenced and offers walking trails within it.

Craigleigh Gardens is a rather unique dog park because it’s actually not fenced in. It’s a large area, marked specifically for off-leash dog play, but there is no fence. That means if you have a well-trained dog, Craigleigh Gardens can be a great spot for your dog to explore and run around off-leash. However, you should avoid this park if your dog is not especially responsive to recall.

Sunnybrook Park is a large park that was originally a 154-hectare estate owned by Joseph Kilgour in the late 1800s. When it was donated to the city in 1928 to be used as a park, it quickly became one of the more beloved areas of the city, with a variety of special features and options available. One of those options is the off-leash area, which has separate areas for large and small dogs weighing less than 20 pounds or 9.1 kilograms. The rest of the park is also dog-friendly as long as you put your dog on a leash.

It’s a good idea to know what dog parks are available locally if you want several different options for socialization and running around. Toronto has multiple dog parks throughout the city. While Toronto doesn’t require a fee to be paid for a dog park license, it is a good idea to make sure your dog is healthy before you bring them to a dog park. You also need to make sure they’ll play well with other dogs. For help with any questions you may have, book a virtual vet appointment with Vetster to get a veterinarian’s assistance with your dog.