Dog-friendly Toronto: Things to do in Toronto with a dog

Planning a day out or a weekend away with your dog? In dog-friendly Toronto, it couldn’t be easier. Whether you're a seasoned local or searching for house sitting opportunities in Toronto, this guide sniffs out the best dog-friendly places in Toronto, offering no ruff days here.

Plus, we’ll show you how to find a trusted Toronto pet sitter if you're a local needing to leave town.

Best dog parks in Toronto

These dog parks go beyond your everyday green spaces – from sandy areas to wooded paths, the city's off-leash parks offer diverse terrains for endless adventures, playful meet-ups, and unforgettable outdoor moments with your furry friend.

Cherry Beach 

Cherry Beach Off-Leash Dog Park offers a spacious environment where dogs can roam freely and swim in Lake Ontario. The park features shaded seating areas, a double-gated entrance for safety, and is wheelchair accessible. While there are no separate areas for different dog sizes, the park is known for its cleanliness and ample space, making it a popular hangout for dogs to run and socialize.

Location:  1 Cherry St, Toronto, ON

High Park off-leash area

High Park’s designated dog zone, "Dog Hill," spans 8.5 acres with wooded trails and wide-open fields. It’s partially enclosed with rustic fencing and offers water access and seating for visitors. Although not a provincial park, High Park gives dogs lots of space to roam, making it one of Toronto’s favorite weekend escapes.

Location: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON

Sunnybrook Park

Once the country estate of Joseph Kilgour in the late 1800s, Sunnybrook Park was donated to the city by his wife Alice in 1928. Today, it’s home to a fenced off-leash area with separate spaces for small and large dogs, and it allows commercial dog walkers. The original barns still stand and are now used as a public riding school. The park also features trails, sports fields, and a forested area that's known for its birdlife and wildlife. Trails can be muddy after rain, so it’s worth packing a towel.

Location: 1132 Leslie St, Toronto, ON

Dog-friendly restaurants in Toronto

Toronto’s dining scene makes walking through dog-friendly areas even more enjoyable. Many places offer sidewalk seating for you and your pup, serving everything from weekend brunches to casual pub meals.

Hunters Landing 

Hunters Landing provides outdoor seating along Fort York Blvd, where you can dine with your dog. Their menu features popular items like the Landing Burger, which is made with Canadian beef chuck and their signature Landing sauce. On weekends, they serve brunch offerings such as the Landing Breakfast, which includes eggs, braised potatoes, and house-cured bacon. The relaxed atmosphere and attentive staff make it a welcoming place for you and your pup.

Location: 82 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON

The Goodman Pub & Kitchen

Located right on the waterfront, the Goodman offers gorgeous views of Lake Ontario from its dog-friendly garden spaces, where pets can join their owners for dinner.

Location: 207 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON

Eulalie's Corner Store

Eulalie's Corner Store is one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Toronto. This casual gastropub features outdoor lounges where dogs can relax beside their owners. The menu includes burgers, wings, wraps, salads, and nachos. Note: the kitchen is currently closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Location: 1438 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1Z8, Canada

Fun dog-friendly activities in Toronto

Toronto dogs know how to have a good time! Whether your furry friend loves leisurely outings or loves to be part of exciting city events, these dog-friendly activities in Toronto promise a paw-some day out.

Toronto Harbour Tours

Toronto Harbour Tours offers a pet-friendly cruise where leashed dogs are welcome aboard to join the fun. The boat features a shaded roof with open sides to allow fresh air to circulate, keeping the space cool even on warm days. The staff are lovely, and the ride includes interesting facts and great photo opportunities, making it a delightful outing with your pup.

Cost: Adults: CA$33.19 | Seniors & Youth: CA$28.76 | Children: CA$22.12 | Infants: Free

Date and time: Daily departures (seasonal), typically hourly between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM in summer

Location: 145 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON M5J 2H4

Cassels Avenue Playground

Cassels Avenue Playground offers a mix of family fun and dog-friendly space in Toronto. This open neighborhood park features a splash pad, shaded sandbox, picnic gazebos, swings, and grassy hills that kids and dogs both enjoy. While not a full-time dog park, there are designated off-leash hours in the evenings, though the area isn’t fenced. It’s a popular spot for energetic pups to run free while families relax nearby. During winter, the hill becomes a local tobogganing favorite.

Cost: Free

Date and time: Off-leash hours are typically before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m.

Location:69 Cassels Ave, Toronto, ON M4E 1Y3, Canada

Best dog-friendly walking trails in Toronto

Toronto’s walking trails are a paradise for adventurous pups and nature-loving owners. You’ll find pathways lined with lush greenery, urban views, and the occasional wildlife sighting, ideal for dogs that love to sniff and explore. Some of the most popular dog-friendly trails in Toronto are tucked into ravines and waterfront zones, giving you a great mix of city and nature.

Kay Gardner Beltline trail

This tucked-away trail runs along a former railway line, offering a peaceful escape through Toronto’s ravines and green spaces. Stretching over 9 km, it weaves past parks, quiet backyards, and Mount Pleasant Cemetery – excellent for weekend walks with your pup.

Location: Kay Gardner Beltline Trail, Toronto

Length: 9 km

Don Valley Brick Works Park

Don Valley Brick Works Park is a beautiful place to walk your dog in Toronto. With its natural charm, wildlife sightings like turtles and ducks, and lush surroundings, it’s a favorite among local dog owners looking for a calm, beautiful escape.

Location: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8, Canada

Length: 3 km

Martin Goodman trail

The Martin Goodman Waterfront Trail is one of the best dog-friendly trails in Toronto. This 24.6-km route runs along the city’s lakeshore and is open year-round. With separate lanes for walkers and cyclists, it's a safe path for outings with your leashed dog.

Location: Martin Goodman Trail, Toronto

Length: 24.6 km (segment lengths vary)

The best dog-friendly cafes in Toronto

Toronto knows how to cater to canine coffee connoisseurs. These charming destinations are part of the growing scene of dog-friendly cafes in Toronto, offering comfy decks, great coffee, and a relaxed community vibe where you and your pup can unwind together.

Cafe 23

Tucked away on Queen Street West, Cafe 23 is a cozy, dog-friendly coffee shop known for its welcoming atmosphere. Leashed dogs are allowed inside and on the serene garden seating, offering a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle. The café provides water bowls and offers pup cups and treats for canine companions.

Location: 728 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1E8, Canada

Bevy Café 

This creative café blends coffee culture with urban art and skateboarding vibes. Located in Regent Park, Bevy Café is the best dog-friendly cafe in Toronto. It welcomes leashed pups both indoors and on the terrace. With rotating art, community events, and a bright, airy space, it’s a must-visit for coffee lovers and their dogs.

Location:  738 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2C3, Canada

The Roasted Nut Café & Eatery

The Roasted Nut Café & Eatery is a health-forward café offering a variety of coffee options alongside roasted nut snacks, granola, and plant-based lattes. Outdoor seating makes it easy to stop by with your dog, and pups are treated to free peanut butter pup cups and water on request. As one of the notable dog-friendly coffee shops in Toronto, it’s a practical choice for dog owners looking to have fun with quality drinks on Queen Street.

Location: 768 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1E9, Canada

Annual dog events in Toronto

These annual events are a big part of the city’s welcoming Toronto dog lover community. From costume contests to agility demonstrations, they offer fun ways for social pups and their humans to connect and get a kick out of the festivities.

Canadian Pet Expo

The Canadian Pet Expo is a pet-friendly event that welcomes dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. Held in Toronto, it's designed for the whole family, including your pets. The expo features two onsite dog rest stations, same-day re-entry, and clean-up support for unexpected accidents. It’s a safe, fun space to explore pet products, meet other animal lovers, and relish interactive exhibits.

Cost: Ticket prices vary by event; typically $15–$25 for adults

Date and time: Held multiple times a year (Spring, Fall, Holiday editions)

Location: International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, ON

Woofstock

Woofstock is North America’s largest dog festival, annually in Toronto’s Beaches neighborhood at Woodbine Park. This two-day outdoor event brings together thousands of dogs and their owners for a lively celebration featuring pet fashion shows, talent contests, and interactive games. With hundreds of vendors on-site, visitors can browse an extensive range of dog toys, gourmet treats, accessories, and services. 

Cost: Free entry; some activities may have a fee

Date and time: Usually held over a weekend in spring or early summer

Location:  Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1G7

The best dog-friendly pubs in Toronto

Toronto’s pubs warmly welcome pups and their humans, creating a relaxed space for both. Part of the growing trend of dog-friendly pubs in Toronto, these areas offer warm outdoor sitting areas, craft drinks, hearty food, and a social vibe perfect for shared outings.

LOCAL Public Eatery

In Toronto's Liberty Village, LOCAL Public Eatery stands out among popular dog-friendly pubs. It features a lively atmosphere and a diverse menu with hand-pressed burgers, poke bowls, and seasonal fare. The spacious sidewalk seating is dog-friendly and has heaters for cooler days, so guests and their pups can dine comfortably year-round.

Location: 100, 171 E Liberty St Unit 100, Toronto, ON M6K 3P6, Canada

The Flatiron: A Firkin Pub

Located in the historic Gooderham Building, The Flatiron offers a dog-friendly garden space where you can dine with your pup. Dogs are allowed at outdoor tables, and water bowls are often provided. While the pub sits along a busy street, which may be loud for some dogs, it’s a convenient place for grabbing classic pub food and drinks. The seating area is spacious enough for large dogs, and staff have been known to accommodate pups during good weather.

Location: 49 Wellington St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C9, Canada

The Keating Channel Pub & Grill

This dog-friendly pub features a shaded outdoor patio with picnic benches where dogs can sit comfortably beside their owners. Water bowls are provided, making it a convenient stop during a walk or waterfront visit. The menu includes classic pub fare like burgers and wings, pasta, and stir-fry dishes.

Location: 2 Villiers St, Toronto, ON M5A 1B1, Canada

Dog-friendly wineries in Toronto

Just a short drive from Toronto, these wineries offer picturesque landscapes, exceptional wines, and warm welcomes to visitors and their canine companions.

Shale Ridge Estate Winery & Cidery

Shale Ridge is a year-round dog-friendly winery and cidery located near Grand Bend. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio, where you can savour wine or cider tastings with your pup. Staff provide water and treats for all dogs, and you can even ask for a free dog bandana to take home as a keepsake. Just be sure your dog always stays on a leash and under your supervision.

Location: 9090 Widder Rd, Thedford, ON N0M 2N0, Canada

Featherstone Estate Winery

Featherstone Estate Winery welcomes well-behaved, quiet, neutered dogs on a leash. Dogs can join you inside the Wine Shop when it’s not too busy and are also allowed on the Farmhouse Veranda, where you can soak up a glass of wine and a Nosh Box. If you're exploring dog-friendly things to do in Toronto, this charming winery offers a peaceful escape just outside the city.

Location: 3678 Victoria Ave, Vineland, ON L0R 2C0, Canada

Marynissen Estates Winery

Marynissen Estates Winery is known for its pet-friendly patio and thoughtful touches for four-legged guests, including a dog treat tasting flight. Visitors have enjoyed events like the Chocolate and Cheese Festival and the Discovery Pass program, which offer wine and snack pairings. The winery also features unique tasting options like sangria flights and Vidal sparkling.

Location: 1208 Concession 1 Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada

Dog-friendly beaches in Toronto

Within a short drive, some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Toronto offer sandy shores, refreshing waters, and scenic views, perfect for memorable outings with your pup.

Woodbine Beach

At Woodbine Beach, leashed dogs can indulge in a relaxing stroll along the nearby Martin Goodman Trail, a paved path that hugs the shoreline. While off-leash play isn’t allowed on the sand, the surrounding green space and broad boardwalk provide plenty of room to explore. As one of the more accessible dog-friendly beaches in Toronto, it also features shaded areas, water fountains, and a steady flow of activity, making it a great place to walk, rest, and socialize.

Location:  1675 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto, ON M4L 3W6, Canada

Kew-Balmy Beach

Kew-Balmy Beach, situated in Toronto's Beaches neighborhood, offers a dog-friendly environment with an off-leash area along the shoreline. This designated zone extends from the foot of Silver Birch Avenue to Nursewood Road and is unfenced, allowing dogs to enjoy the sand and water freely. The beach is recognized for its clean water and environmental standards, holding a Blue Flag certification. 

Location:  Toronto, ON M4E 2S8, Canada

Cherry Beach

Cherry Beach has a designated off-leash dog area on the west end of the beach. The space includes direct access to Lake Ontario, allowing dogs to swim freely. The area is unfenced and part of a mixed-use waterfront shared with windsurfing and paddleboarding communities. Dog owners regularly visit the beach year-round, and it is known for its high volume of canine activity, including social gatherings of dogs and their handlers.

Location: 1 Cherry St, Toronto, ON M5A 0B7, Canada

Tips for pet parents

Living in a city as lively as dog-friendly Toronto? Here are practical tips to help you make the most of urban life with your furry friend and keep them cared for while you’re away.

Be ready for sudden weather shifts

Toronto’s weather can change fast. Always check the forecast before heading out. In winter, small or short-haired dogs need a coat and boots. In summer, avoid midday walks as hot sidewalks can burn paws quickly.

Use Toronto’s open green spaces 

High Park’s off-leash area offers vast open space and wooded trails. Cherry Beach gives dogs a safe shoreline to swim. Both are popular picks if you're looking for dog-friendly things to do in Toronto that visitors and locals love. Always check posted leash rules; Toronto’s park map highlights where and when off-leash access is allowed.

Look for pet-friendly stays with extras

If you're visiting or relocating, there are many dog-friendly places in Toronto, from hotels to short-term rentals. Some offer fenced yards, pet bowls, and even pet-sitting services. Always double-check pet fees and restrictions before booking.

Book an in-home sitter while you're away

When travel plans don’t include your dog, welcoming a caring in-home pet sitter in Toronto is the easiest way to keep them happy. Staying in their own space reduces your pup’s stress, and a sitter can also manage basic home care like watering plants or collecting mail.

Tips for pet sitters

Are you looking to explore Toronto while pet-sitting? Follow these valuable tips to enjoy your pet sitting adventure.

Pack smart for every outing

Always carry waste bags, a water bottle, and a towel. Sudden weather changes and muddy places are common on dog-friendly hikes in Toronto, so being prepared keeps walks smooth and stress-free.

Visit a local off-leash park

Toronto has over 60 designated off-leash areas. Try Cedarvale Park for wide open space and a mix of grass and trails, or head to Allan Gardens, where the fenced dog park offers a quiet corner in the city's heart. Use park visits to observe the dog’s behavior around other pets and people. This helps you adjust walks based on the dog's comfort level.

Explore the dog’s favorite routes

If you're pet sitting in Toronto, ask the owner about the dog’s regular walking route and favorite destinations. Familiar paths not only keep dogs relaxed but also introduce you to more hidden dog-friendly places in Toronto that aren’t on every tourist map.

Explore Toronto through house sitting

Ready to begin your pet sitting adventure? To discover Toronto through a local’s eyes and care for an adorable pet while doing so, click below to find out more.