Dog-Friendly London Ontario: Restaurants, Beaches & Cafes

Dog-friendly London, Ontario is a welcoming destination for dog lovers, with plenty to explore with your pup. From parks and trails to dog-friendly restaurants, this guide highlights must-see spots, local tips, house-sitting insights, and how pet sitters in London, Ontario can enjoy the city like a local.

Dog-friendly restaurants in London, Ontario

With a growing food scene, there are many dog-friendly restaurants in London, Ontario that welcome well-behaved dogs, often providing water bowls and belly rubs. Take a look below for a few of the restaurants where dogs are welcome — and keep in mind that rules can change, so always call ahead.

Dawghouse Pub & Eatery

This lively neighbourhood pub is great for lunch or dinner, or a beer while you watch the big game. Plus, your furry companion can join you on their dog-friendly patio.

Location: 699 Wilkins St, London, ON N6C 5C8

Beertown

This well-loved pub has two locations in pet-friendly London, Ontario for you and your fur baby to sniff out. Think craft beer and a dog menu so your furry friend doesn’t miss out.

Locations:

109 Fanshawe Park Rd E, London, ON N5X 3W1
1105 Wellington Rd Unit 150, London, ON N6E 1V4

The Morrissey House

The Morrissey House welcomes dogs on their outdoor patio. Treat yourself and your furball to some classic comfort food and chill vibes at this historic tavern.

Location: 361 Dundas St, London, ON N6B 1V5

The Old South Village Pub

Cozy up on the heated patio with your four-legged friend at this local pub. With fresh, quality ingredients served up in a restored Victorian home, make sure you don’t miss a visit to The Old South Village Pub.

Location: 149 Wortley Rd, London, ON N6C 1H2

Milos’ Craft Beer Emporium

With 250 types of beer (including craft beer) and a local, friendly atmosphere, this will be a top spot for you and your tail-wagger. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio — just make sure Fido doesn’t steal one of those mouth-watering homemade sausages or hamburgers.

Location: 420 Talbot St, London, ON N6A 2S2

Top tip for visiting dog-friendly restaurants in London, ON

Many restaurants in London, ON allow leashed dogs on their outdoor patios, especially in the warmer months, but we recommend calling ahead to confirm their dog policies.

Dog-friendly cafes in London, Ontario

From small artisan cafés to relaxed coffee shops, there are many local dog-friendly cafes in London, ON.

Artisan Bakery

Artisan Bakery prides itself on bringing high-quality baked goods to the local community. Make sure to bring your four-legged friend with you as the staff are known to give out treats and welcome dogs in the outdoor seating area.

Location: 864 Dundas St, London, ON N5W 2Z8

Sidetrack: A Wortley Café

A favourite dog-friendly cafe in London, ON, Sidetrack offers dog treats and dog-friendly outdoor seating — along with delicious coffee and baked goods for humans, of course.

Location: 136 Wortley Rd, London, ON N6C 3P5

Variety Cafe

This charming, boutique café offers outdoor seating and a relaxed vibe for you and your pup.

Location: 466 Dufferin Ave, London, ON N6B 1Z7

Reset Social Cafe

A vibrant dog-friendly coffee shop in London, ON, Reset Social Cafe is a great place to meet new people, or kick back with coffee and a good book. You can bring your dog into their outdoor seating area.

Location: 503 Talbot St, London, ON N6A 2S5

Mother Pupper’s Barkery

Not quite a dog-friendly cafe… but a dog bakery that makes made-to-order pup cakes! If you want to give your dog an extra special treat, you can order from this family-owned establishment.

Location: Order online only

Top tip for visiting dog-friendly cafes in London, ON

If you’re house sitting in London, ON, check with the pet parent before giving their dog any treats. Make sure they’re comfortable with you accepting treats from cafés or offering food outside of the dog’s usual routine.

Dog-friendly beaches near London, Ontario

While there are no dog-friendly beaches in London, Ontario, there are stunning beaches in Southwestern Ontario that make great day trips for you and your dog from the city.

Pinery Provincial Park

An hour's drive from Downtown London, ON, you’ll find the long sandy shoreline of Pinery Provincial Park. Located on Lake Huron, there are two dog-friendly beaches where your leashed dog can enjoy some sun.

Location: 9526 Lakeshore Rd, Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0

Long Point Provincial Park

About an hour and a half away, this beach offers off-leash areas where your pooch can play fetch and splash around in the water.

Location: 350 Erie Blvd, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0

Rock Point Provincial Park

Rock Point Provincial Park is a perfect place for dog walks near London, ON. Located two hours from the city, this beach provides leashed dog-friendly spots and a quiet, peaceful environment.

Location: 215 Niece Rd, Dunnville, ON N1A 2X5

Port Burwell Provincial Park

An hour's drive from London, ON, this beautiful beach at Eastern Lake Erie offers dog-friendly sections for on-leash adventures.

Location: 9 Wilson Ln, Port Burwell, ON N0J 1T0

Turkey Point Provincial Park

This sandy beach with shallow water is just an hour and a half’s drive from London, ON, where there is a designated dog area.

Location: 194 Turkey Point Rd, Turkey Point, ON N0E 1T0

Top tip for visiting dog-friendly beaches near London, ON

In provincial parks and conservation areas, specific dog beach zones or areas may vary, so always check signage and park rules.

Dog parks in London, Ontario

There are a few locations in London, ON where canines can run free. Find fenced, off-leash dog parks below.

Pottersburg-FIDO Off-Leash Area

Pottersburg-FIDO Off-Leash Area is a popular spot for locals to bring their pooches. With a separate area for small dogs, picnic tables and fun trails, what’s not to love?

Location: Pottersburg Rd, London, ON N5W 1B1

Stoney Creek Off-Leash Dog Park

This well-maintained off-leash dog park at Stoney Creek Meadows is one of the largest off-leash parks in London, ON. Treat your furball to open play areas and a fun social time.

Location: 1343 Adelaide St N, London, ON N5X 1K1

Greenway Off-Leash Area

This brand new off-leash dog park boasts open areas and trails, as well as a separate area for small dogs.

Location: 109 Greenside Ave, London, ON N6J 2X5

Dog-friendly attractions in London, Ontario

There are plenty of dog-friendly things to do in London, ON with your furry adventure buddy, from parks to markets, to scenic spots. Check out some dog-friendly places in London, ON below.

Springbank Park

London’s largest park encompasses the Thames River and consists of 30km worth of trails for you and your furball to explore together. With leaves to crunch and other four-legged friends to meet, your dog will never be bored. Note that dogs must be kept on a leash.

Location: 1085 Commissioners Rd W, London, ON N6K 4Y6

Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Dogs are welcome at the Fanshawe Pioneer Village as long as they are kept on a leash. Explore 100 years' worth of London, ON and Middlesex County history with your furball and admire the grounds and outsides of the historic buildings.

Location: Spriet Family Visitor Centre, inside 1424 Clarke Rd, London, ON N5X 4A1

Fanshawe Lake Trails

These beautiful loop trails run around Fanshawe Lake as well as forests and meadows. Bring your leashed dog here for some outdoor fun.

Location: Fanshawe Conservation Area, ON

Covent Garden Market

This busy market is in the heart of pet-friendly London, ON. Open 6 days a week, you can't miss taking your furry friend here for a stroll and a sniff. Dogs are allowed in the market on a short leash.

Location: 130 King St, London, ON N6A 1C5

Thames River Pathways

Take your leashed dog on a serene walk along the Thames River. You can start at any point, and the whole path is 45 kilometres long.

Location: Along Thames River, London, ON

Springbank Park, ON

Tips for pet parents: Important things to know about London, Ontario

Know the leash laws. Most public parks and city spaces require dogs to remain on a leash, except in designated off-leash dog parks. London, ON has several fenced off-leash areas that are open year-round.
Let your dog lead the adventure (sometimes!). London, ON is packed with sniff-worthy trails, riverside paths, and parkland, so why not let your leashed furry companion choose the route now and then? Whether they’re dragging you toward a new trail in Springbank Park or insisting on a patio pit stop, following their nose can lead to the best discoveries.
Plan ahead for your vacation. When planning your vacation, remember your dog is happiest in a familiar home environment. Welcoming a pet sitter means your dog gets one-on-one love, routine walks, and no travel stress. To find out how connecting with in-home pet sitters works, click below.

Connecting with pet sitters in London, ON

How it works

Tips for pet sitters

Explore beyond walks. Take advantage of the city’s trails, riverside paths, dog-friendly cafes, and outdoor markets while caring for your new furry friend.
Connect with locals. Many London, ON dog owners frequent pet parks and cafés — this is a great way to meet the community and learn insider tips.
Find a place to stay in exchange for pet sitting. There’s no better way to explore London, ON than with a dog by your side. Morning walks along the Thames River, coffee stops at dog-friendly cafés, and staying in a local neighbourhood while pet sitting will make you feel less like a visitor and more like part of the neighbourhood pack. Find out more about how it works below.

House sitting in London, ON

How it works

More dog-friendly travel guides near London, Ontario

Thinking about house sitting near London, ON, visiting a nearby town with your canine companion, or welcoming a pet sitter soon? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.

Dog-friendly London, ON: FAQs

Do dogs need to be on a leash in public places in London, Ontario?

Yes, dogs must be on leash in public spaces unless in designated off-leash areas such as Pottersburg-FIDO off-leash area, Stoney Creek off-leash dog park, and Greenway off-leash area. And always double check the rules before letting your dog off-leash.

Are dogs allowed on public transit in London, Ontario?

Small dogs are generally allowed on local transit when in a pet carrier. Check with the transit provider for current rules.

Are there any dog-friendly events or festivals in London, Ontario?

Seasonal markets, outdoor fairs, and community dog walks are common in summer. Make sure to check local listings so you don’t miss out.

Where can I find off-leash dog parks in London, Ontario?

There are multiple fenced off-leash parks such as Pottersburg-FIDO, Stoney Creek, and Greenway Park.

Is London, Ontario a good city to explore with a dog year-round?

Yes, with parks, trails, and café patios in the summer, and beautiful winter walks, London, ON is a great spot all year round. London winters can be cold and windy, with temperatures often below freezing, so small breeds and short-haired dogs may need coats or booties.

What should I know about winter weather and dogs in London, Ontario?

Summers are great for beach trips and patios, but in winter, stick to local parks and trails, and provide cold-weather gear for your dog.

Is London, Ontario dog-friendly?

Yes, London, Ontario is a welcoming destination for dog lovers with many dog-friendly restaurants, cafes, parks, trails, and attractions throughout the city.

Are there dog-friendly restaurants in London, Ontario?

Popular dog-friendly restaurants include Dawghouse Pub & Eatery, Beertown, The Morrissey House, The Old South Village Pub, and Milos' Craft Beer Emporium, all of which welcome dogs on their outdoor patios. Always call ahead to check they’re still dog-friendly - as business owners can change, as well as local rules.

Are there dog-friendly beaches near London, Ontario?

While there are no dog-friendly beaches within London, ON’s city limits, nearby options include Pinery Provincial Park, Long Point Provincial Park, Rock Point Provincial Park, Port Burwell Provincial Park, and Turkey Point Provincial Park, all within a 1-2 hour drive.

What dog-friendly attractions can I visit in London, Ontario?

Dog-friendly attractions include Springbank Park, Fanshawe Pioneer Village, Fanshawe Lake Trails, Covent Garden Market, and Thames River Pathways, all of which welcome leashed dogs.