Dog Friendly Collingwood: Things To Do in Collingwood With a Dog

Ever rolled into a town where every café has a water bowl and half the brunch crowd comes with tails? That’s dog-friendly Collingwood. This guide serves up everything you and your four-legged sidekick need: where to eat, wander, swim, sip coffee, and even score a pub meal (muddy paws welcome).

Oh, and if you’re hunting for a house sitting opportunities in Collingwood or need a Collingwood pet sitter, we also got it covered!

Best dog parks in Collingwood

Let’s be honest: every town claims to have a dog-friendly park, but most are just a patch of grass and a wish. In Collingwood, though, the hype is real. Here, off-leash dogs actually get space to sprint, sniff, and roll, and the regulars know every shortcut to the muddiest patch. If you want to see your dog living their absolute best life, start with these three pet-friendly areas.

Pawplar Park "Dog Town"

If your dog needs to run like they’ve got a rocket in their tail, this is the dog-friendly park in Collingwood. Pawplar Park’s huge fenced-in field is basically the city’s canine social club – off-leash, double-gated, with wide open grass and enough sniffing to keep even nose-obsessed pups busy for hours. Water stations are available for post-chase slobber fests, and regulars know the drill: it’s muddy in spring, bliss in summer, and absolutely wild after 4 pm.

Location: Poplar Sideroad & Portland Street, Collingwood, ON

Central Park Dog Park

Right in the heart of town, this dog-friendly area at Central Park is perfect for dogs who like a little order with their chaos. There’s a divided section for big and small dogs, so no one gets bowled over by a Lab on a mission. It’s not the biggest park, but there’s just enough room to chase a ball and show off your “sit” for treats. Pro tip: it’s busiest after school lets out, so watch out for kid-dog zoomie combos.
Location: 250 Hume St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 3N3, Canada

Dog-friendly restaurants in Collingwood

If you’re tired of eating outside by the bin just so your dog can join, Collingwood’s dining scene will feel like a revelation. Below, you’ll find the top tables where dogs are genuinely welcome, crumbs on the floor are never an issue, and “no dogs” signs are nowhere in sight.

Harbour Street Fish Bar

This pet-friendly restaurant is a Collingwood staple if you love seafood and don’t mind a bit of noise. Expect classic fish and chips, fried calamari, and live music most weekends – sometimes indoors, sometimes in the parking-lot-turned-beer garden when the weather is good. The vibe is loud, lively, and always full of regulars who let their dogs mingle.

Location: 10 Keith Ave #403, Collingwood, ON L9Y 0W5, Canada

Brunello at 27 on Fourth

A true dog-friendly restaurant in the heart of town, Brunello is known for homemade Italian food (think handmade gnocchi, daily risotto, and classic wood-fired pizzas). The team welcomes dogs at their front sidewalk tables and never seems to mind a little extra fur in the breeze. The food is top-notch, and your pup gets attention from every passerby.

Location: 27 Fourth St E, Collingwood, ON L9Y 1T2, Canada

Fun dog-friendly activities in Collingwood

Who says your dog can’t have a social calendar? Collingwood’s got more dog-friendly activities than most humans could keep up with – just pick one and let the tail-wagging begin.

Blue Mountains Brewery Tour

Bring your dog, bring your thirst, and follow the tour from Black Bellows to Northwinds and Side Launch. Dogs are leashed, bartenders hand out water bowls like it’s happy hour for hounds, and you’ll probably leave with a selfie of your dog and a brewmaster. Try a spent grain dog biscuit – they’re more popular with pups than some of the IPAs.

Cost: $107
Date and time: Saturdays, 1–4 PM (April–October)
Location: Multiple breweries, starting at Black Bellows Brewing Company Collingwood, ON

Collingwood Doggie Paddle

Let your dog hop into a canoe or onto a paddleboard and cruise the bay beside you! Local rental shops (like Little Ed’s) now offer pet-friendly SUP and canoe rentals, complete with life jackets for both of you. Most days, you’ll spot at least one retriever acting like the king of Georgian Bay.

Cost: $25–$40 per hour
Date and time: Daily, 9 AM–6 PM (June–September)
Location:15 Balsam St Unit 2, Collingwood, ON L9Y 5H6, Canada

Best dog-friendly walking trails in Collingwood

If your dog bolts for the leash at the word “walk,” you’re in the right town. Dog-friendly walks in Collingwood mean winding through woods, skirting the lake, and finding new smells at every turn, definitely more exciting than a basic loop around the block.

Georgian Trail

This is the ultimate dog walk: 34 kilometers of packed gravel running all the way from Collingwood to Meaford. You’ll follow old rail lines through maples, farm fields, and quiet stretches where your dog can see everything from squirrels to cyclists. There are loads of access points if you’re not up for the full trek, and shady benches if your pup needs a break mid-zoom.

Location: 3 Birch St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 2T8, Canada
Length: 34 km

Sunset Point Park Trail

This 2 km path hugs Georgian Bay – ideal for after-dinner strolls or lazy mornings. You’ll wander past playgrounds, food trucks, and Collingwood’s famous Inukshuk, with sprawling lawns ready for an impromptu game of fetch. Social dogs (and owners) will love the friendly waves and “good dog!” exchanges that happen all the way down the trail.

Location: Sunset Point Park, Collingwood, ON
Length: 2 km

The best dog-friendly cafes in Collingwood

Coffee just tastes better with a dog at your feet and crumbs mysteriously disappearing from your plate. Luckily, the following dog-friendly cafes in Collingwood are being run by folks who believe every good café should have a regular or two with floppy ears.

Jour Café

This place is a favorite for regulars craving flaky croissants, rich coffee, and a patio outside where dogs get more attention than anyone else. The café itself is compact and modern, with big windows that let in morning sun (and make perfect nap spots for dogs underfoot). It’s the kind of place where your dog is more likely to be recognized than you are, and if you linger, you’ll probably get a tip on which Collingwood trail is best that morning from another owner.

Location: 29 Keele St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia

STREAT Café

The garden here isn’t just a gimmick – it’s the best-kept secret for locals who want to work, snack, and hang out with their pup in peace. Your dog gets a biscuit under the table while you get house-roasted coffee and (if you’re smart) a second muffin.

Location: 66 Cromwell St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia

Annual dog events in Collingwood

Forget stiff dog shows and perfect haircuts. Here, the yearly events are muddy, chaotic, and all about pups stealing the spotlight. Bring your walking shoes, a pocket full of treats, and a sense of humour – these are the gatherings every local dog looks forward to (and so do their humans).

Puppy Pub Crawl

The Puppy Pub Crawl takes dogs and their humans on a leashed adventure through Collingwood’s most welcoming bars. Each stop is prepped with water bowls and a steady supply of treats. You’ll run into new faces (and sniff butts with old friends), grab a selfie at every door, and maybe even win a prize for the best dog-and-human duo.

Cost: $10 per human (dogs drink free)

Date and time: Last Saturday of June, 3–7 PM

Location: Beach St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207, Australia

Dog Day Afternoon

This one’s a full-blown park party. Vendor tents stacked with samples and swag, food trucks serving both ends of the leash, splash pools for dogs who can’t resist a soak, and more treats than any vet would approve. Agility courses are open to all skill levels, “best dressed” contests see everything from tiny bowties to superhero capes, and there’s always someone handing out free bandanas. It’s loud, it’s messy, and nobody cares if your pup tries to photobomb every group picture.

Cost: Free

Date and time: First Sunday of August, 11 AM–4 PM

Location: Central Park, 250 Hume St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 3N3, Canada

The best dog-friendly pubs in Collingwood

Thirsty after all those walks? In Collingwood, a dog-friendly pub means your pup gets greeted before you do, and the staff has a biscuit stash behind the bar. Here’s where to go when you want a proper pint, and your dog wants a fresh round of admirers.

Beaver & Bulldog Sports Pub

The dog-friendly pub of choice for local sports fans and social pups alike. Expect classic comfort food, plenty of TVs, and a crowd that always stops to say hello to the four-legged regulars. The crowd is a mix of regulars in Blue Jays jerseys, families sharing fish and chips, and – yes – a few dogs who’ve clearly been here enough times to expect the odd fry dropped their way.

Location: 195 First St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 1A6, Canada

Side Launch Brewing Company

Among the most popular dog-friendly pubs Collingwood can claim, Side Launch is a true local hangout. The brewery’s big indoor tables and laid-back vibe mean dogs fit right in, especially during community nights or live music events. If your pup is social, they’ll find lots of canine company here.

Location: 200 Mountain Rd Unit 1, Collingwood, ON L9Y 4V5, Canada

Dog-friendly wineries in Collingwood

Who says wine country is only for the two-legged? Around Collingwood, a day at the vineyard can mean chasing tennis balls between the vines and sniffing out the best picnic spot. These wineries roll out the welcome mat for dogs and their people – just bring a leash and an appetite for cheese boards.

Georgian Hills Vineyards

Just outside Collingwood in Clarksburg, this vineyard is the weekend go-to for wine lovers with dogs in tow. The pet-friendly outdoor patio tasting lawn is surrounded by rows of grapevines and dotted with Muskoka chairs, giving you and your dog room to settle in for a long, lazy afternoon. On sunny days, you’ll see groups spread out with picnic baskets and local cheese boards, while leashed dogs curl up beside the grapevines or do a circuit greeting other pups.

Location: 496350 Grey County Rd 2, Clarksburg, ON N0H 1J0, Canada

The Roost Wine Company

The Roost is all about a relaxed vibe – lots of lawn to stretch out on, and dogs are welcome wherever you settle in outside. Order a glass, share a wood-fired pizza, and let your dog mingle or nap as the breeze rolls by. Leashes are required, but otherwise, your dog is treated like part of the family, and the staff always notice a wagging tail and offer a hello.

Location: 415763 10 Line, Clarksburg, ON N0H 1J0, Canada

Dog-friendly beaches in Collingwood

If your idea of a perfect afternoon is a wet dog, a sandy tennis ball, and half the shoreline in your backseat, you’ll want to check out the dog-friendly beaches in Collingwood. These are the stretches where fetch turns into a swim, towels double as dog beds, and nobody blinks at muddy paw prints on the walk back to the car.

Wasaga Beach Area 3

Just a quick 15-minute drive from downtown Collingwood, Wasaga Beach Area 3 is the only official off-leash section where your dog can sprint, dig, and cannonball into the bay without a care. Local dog owners know to bring extra towels as the shallow water means pups splash nonstop, and every tree gets a sniff. The rinsing station near the entrance makes cleanup almost too easy (emphasis on almost).

Location: 11 22nd St N, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 2G8, Canada

Christie Beach

Located about 20 minutes west of Collingwood, Christie Beach in Thornbury is where Collingwood’s low-key dog parents head for a quieter swim. Here, the pebbly shore keeps crowds down, the water stays clear, and the west-end creek is the local dog hangout for those in the know. You can toss a ball, watch your dog sunbathe, and actually hear the waves over barking.

Location: Christie Beach, Thornbury, ON

Tips for pet parents

Living in Collingwood with a dog is about as easy as it gets, but these few local secrets will make life even smoother for you and your pup.

Know the leash laws and hidden rules

Collingwood’s parks and trails are dog heaven, but not everywhere is off-leash. Always check the signs at each park, and for the most up-to-date pet policies, hit the Town of Collingwood’s Animal Services page. You’ll avoid the “polite reminder” from a bylaw officer.

Pack for wild weather

From lake-effect snow to surprise summer storms, Collingwood weather keeps you guessing. Stash a towel and a raincoat in your car year-round, and don’t forget booties in winter for those salty sidewalks.

Find a reliable pet sitter

Going on holiday but can’t bring your dog along? Keep your pup happy at home with a pet sitter. In-home pet sitters stick to your dog’s routine, let them snooze in their own bed, and never skip a walk. To find caring sitters who’ll walk, feed, and even send you photos while you’re away, check below to learn more.

Finding a pet sitter

How it works

Tips for pet sitters

Landing a pet sit in Collingwood is your all-access pass to a town where dogs outnumber tourists, and every trail leads to something worth sniffing. Here’s how to make the most of your time (and keep both pets and pet parents happy).

Explore the local trails

Dogs here don’t settle for sidewalk strolls. Start your morning at Pawplar Park for a full-speed run, or take a leisurely walk along the Georgian Trail and watch the sun come up over the bay.

Make cafe breaks count

Don’t just settle for any coffee – hit Jour Café or STREAT Café, where you and your furry companion can relax outside, chat with locals, and enjoy a pastry while the dog people-watches.

Keep in touch with the pet parent

After a muddy adventure or lakeside romp, snap a quick photo and send an update. It keeps the owner in the loop and shows their dog is having a great time.

Experience Collingwood through house sitting

Pet sitting is a real taste of Collingwood living. You’re minutes from the water, close to trails, and living like a local. If you want to see how house sitting works or find your next gig, click below to learn more.

Finding a house sit