Dog-Friendly Kingston, ON: What To See & Do With A Dog

Living in Kingston with a canine companion, or visiting as a pet sitter while house sitting in Kingston? This guide to dog-friendly Kingston is made for you! With all the best dog-friendly restaurants, pubs, parks, and more, read on to find all the insider intel you need for your pet-friendly Kingston itinerary.

Dog-friendly restaurants in Kingston

While local law states that furry friends can’t enter dining areas (unless they’re service dogs), the city makes up for it with a good selection of dog-friendly patios made for dining with a dog. Here are some of the best places to eat with a pooch pal:

Chez Piggy Restaurant & Bar

Once a limestone stable, this Kingston institution feels like it was destined to be dog-friendly. “The Pig” is a hot ticket, so reservations are wise, especially if you want a spot on the popular pet-friendly patio. Expect globally inspired dishes and super friendly staff to top it all off.

Location: 68 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 1A5

Black Dog Tavern

A staple in downtown Kingston for over 20 years, the Black Dog Tavern serves French classics and wine in a charming setting. Out back, the heated dog-friendly patio is complete with blankets for colder nights.

Location: 69 Brock St, Kingston, ON K7L 1R8

Red House

This stylish tavern serves soups, salads, sharing platters, and mains to suit any appetite. Furry friends will be welcomed with a bowl of water on the heated patio.

Location: 369 King St E, Kingston, ON K7K 2Y1

Atomica Kitchen/Cocktails

This upbeat restaurant is right in the heart of downtown. It serves a mix of global dishes with a modern twist, as well as stone-baked pizzas and plant-based options. Pups are welcome outside where water bowls are on hand – just be sure to keep them on a leash.

Location: 71 Brock St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Z9

Wooden Heads Gourmet Pizza

Right across from the Confederation Basin Marina, Wooden Heads is a go-to for wood-fired pizzas and Mediterranean-inspired plates. Pooch pals are more than welcome to join on the terrace outside.

Location: 192 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y8

The Caesar Company

Sit down to soups, salads, handhelds, tacos, and more in the dog-friendly outdoor area of this casual restaurant. True to its name, the star of the show is the Caesar, Canada’s iconic cocktail made with vodka, Clamato juice (tomato and clam broth), tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce – and here, you can customize your own!

Location: 177 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 1A9

Dog-friendly cafes in Kingston

While many of the dog-friendly restaurants in Kingston also serve breakfast and brunch faves, here are a couple of spots that specialize in cafe culture.

Pan Chancho Bakery & Cafe

This popular European-style bakery has a lovely dog-friendly patio, which is open for a leisurely breakfast or a light lunch from 8 am to 5 pm. Try their freshly baked scones, eggs benny, and the signature chutney sauce.

Location: 44 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 1A4

Northside espresso & kitchen

Bringing a slice of Melbourne to downtown Kingston, Northside serves hearty breakfast plates, fresh salads, and good quality coffee. Their spacious patio welcomes furry friends and is heated, so you and your pup can linger comfortably over coffee year-round.

Location: 198 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 1B2

Dog-friendly pubs in Kingston

If a cold pint and good company sounds like the perfect way to end the day, these dog-friendly pubs in Kingston will be right up your street.

The Merchant Tap House

This pub’s about as dog-friendly as things get! Along with water bowls, they’ve got a dedicated dog menu with treats like pup patties, bacon bites, and “bon a-pet” snacks. While furry friends snuggle up next to you on one of the biggest patios in town, you can enjoy mouthwatering appetizers, burgers, and salads.

Location: 6 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 1A2

The Kingston Brewing Company

Ontario’s oldest and most legendary brew pub has plenty of space for pups on its patio. As well as brewing their own beer, cider, and soda on site, they serve classic pub fare like burgers and sandwiches.

Location: 34 Clarence St, Kingston, ON K7L 1W9

The Waterfront River Pub and Terrace

Set right on the water, this historic 1857 building was once a brewery and now makes the most of its scenic setting. The dog-friendly outdoor seating comes with water bowls for pups, while the menu leans into Canadian classics with plenty of drink options to match.

Location: 22 Water St W, Napanee, ON K7R 1V4

Daft Brewing

Quirky, creative, and proudly unpretentious, Daft Brewing stands out with its colourful murals, custom-painted tables, and laid-back vibe. The sprawling dog-friendly patio is perfect for sampling their specialty sour beers, and pizza is also on the menu!

Location: 768 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 4E4

Lemoine Point Conservation Area, Kingston

Dog parks in Kingston

Kingston is a green city with more than 200 parks and open spaces to explore on-leash, plus five dedicated off-leash areas where pups can really stretch their legs. Here are some of the best places to explore with your four-legged friend.

Grass Creek Park

This 95-acre park has a huge off-leash dog park with plenty of space for zoomies. Just outside the fenced area, a sandy patch by the water has become an unofficial dog beach – perfect for a paddle.

Location: 2991 Kingston 2, Kingston, ON K7L 4V1

Memorial Centre Off-leash Dog Park

This large, flat field gives pups space to run free in a safe, gated environment. There are benches for pet parents and two double-gated entries for extra peace of mind. The only downside is that there’s no shade, so it’s best on cooler days.

Location: Alfred St, Kingston, ON K7K 1R7

Gore Road Dog Park

Recently upgraded, this community-focused dog park is fully fenced and even has a separate section for smaller pups. Seating is provided along the edges, but you’ll want to bring your own poop bags.

Location: 80 Gore Rd, Kingston, ON K7K 6X6

Rotary Park Dog Park

This is one of the biggest dog parks in Kingston, with a large, fully fenced area plus woodland trails for pups to explore. There’s a good amount of shade, but it can get mucky under the trees after rain.

Location: Kingston, ON K7M 8X7

Meadowbrook Park

Tucked at the back of the park, this off-leash area is well-kept and has a friendly group of regulars. A small wooded path runs along the side, allowing for some safe off-leash trail practice away from the crowd.

Location: Kingston, ON K7M 8A3

Lake Ontario Park

Popular with families, this waterfront park has sandy beaches, big open lawns, and plenty of space for a picnic. Pooch pals need to stay leashed here, but they’re welcome to dip their paws in the lake or join for a beachside stroll.

Location: 920 King St W, Kingston, ON K7M 8H3

City Park

Right in the heart of Kingston, City Park is a popular place for on-leash walks. It’s both scenic and practical with a mixture of shady paths and open lawns, and historic monuments are dotted throughout.

Location: 79 Barrie St, Kingston, ON K7L 3J8

Lemoine Point Conservation Area

Just on the outskirts of Kingston, you’ll find over 11 kilometres of forest and wetland trails. Lemoine Point is a peaceful place to reconnect with nature – but be sure to check for ticks after your adventure.

Location: 1440 Coverdale Dr, Kingston, ON K7M 8X7

Big Sandy Bay, Wolfe Island

Other dog-friendly places in Kingston

There’s more to dog-friendly Kingston than what meets the eye. From local markets to scenic day trips, here are a few more things to do with dogs in Kingston, Ontario.

Shop for goodies at Memorial Centre Farmers Market

This lively Sunday market is always full of four-legged furries. Stalls brim with local produce, craft ales, and even freshly baked goodies for dogs! Regulars know each other – and their dogs – by name. Best of all, it’s right next to the Memorial Centre Off-Leash Dog Park, so you can combine shopping with a run around.

Date & time: Sundays, 9 am - 2 pm

Location: 303 York St, Kingston, ON K7K 4M4

Browse the Kingston Public Market

Held in Springer Market Square since the early 1800s, Kingston’s Public Market is one of the oldest in Ontario. It’s dog-friendly and packed with fresh produce, flowers, and artisanal goods. Arrive early for the best selection.

Date & time: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 9 am - 4 pm

Location: 216 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Z1

Go on the Original Haunted Walk of Kingston

For something a little different, take your well-behaved pup on one of Kingston’s famously spooky walking tours. Talented storytellers lead you through Sydenham Ward’s historic streets, sharing tales of haunted hotels, hidden burial grounds, and ghostly happenings. Dogs are welcome on both The Original Haunted Walk and the Ghosts of Queen’s University & Hidden Kingston tours.

Date & time: Daily at 8/8:30 pm

Cost: Adults $29.99, youth $21.99

Location: 200 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y9

Marvel at the exterior of Fort Henry

Furry friends can’t go inside this 19th-century military fort, but it’s still worth a visit to marvel at the impressive exterior.

Location: 1 Fort Henry Dr, Kingston, ON K7K 5G8

Take a dog day out to Wolfe Island

A quick (and free) ferry ride from downtown Kingston, Wolfe Island is the perfect doggy day trip. Once on the island, wander through the quiet village of Marysville or head to Big Sandy Bay, where leashed pups can enjoy a walk along the shoreline (entry is $20 for non-resident adults, but dogs join free).

Location: Ferry lands in Marysville, Ontario K0H 2Y0

View of Kingston over the water

Tips for pet parents in Kingston

Book dog-friendly patios in advance. Many of Kingston’s dog-friendly patios (like Chez Piggy or Wooden Heads) fill up quickly in peak season. Call ahead or book a table to avoid disappointment.
Dog park etiquette matters. Bring your own dog poop bags and keep an eye on your pup at all times when visiting Kingston’s dog parks.
Plan your pet care before you travel. Exploring dog-friendly Kingston is one thing, but what happens when you need to head out of town? Instead of relying on kennels or cutting trips short, Kingston pet parents can connect with verified in-home pet sitters through TrustedHousesitters. Find out more in the link below.

Pet sitters in Kingston

How it works

Tips for pet sitters in Kingston

Check event schedules. Places like The Caesar Company and some Kingston pubs often host live music or busy events on weekends. If your pup’s nervous around crowds or loud noises, plan visits for quieter weekdays.
Watch for ticks. Trails at Lemoine Point Conservation Area and other wooded spots are beautiful, but can have ticks in warmer months. Bring tick repellent and do a post-walk check.
Explore Kingston as a house sitter. With house and pet sitting, you can experience the best of pet-friendly Kingston while caring for adorable furry companions along the way. Click the link below to learn how to start your house sitting journey.

House sitting in Kingston