Off Leash At The Beach

June 5, 2019

 

With summertime right around the corner, everyone is heading to the beach for some sun, surf, and sand, especially dog lovers. Along the Waterfront Trail you’ll find a number of beaches with off-leash parks where your dogs can cool off in the water and get down to some serious digging.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular off-leash beach parks in the Toronto area. 

 

Cherry Beach Clarke Beach Park
275 Unwin Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N2

 

  • Dog Off Leash Area
  • 7 Bike Trails
  • 2 Picnic Sites
  • Washroom Facility

 

You can find this doggie beach at the bottom of Cherry Street on the north shore of the Outer Harbour. Head for the west side of the beach at Unwin Avenue & Regatta Road to find the off-leash area. It is a very popular place, especially on the weekends, and perfect for some canine fun and socialization. You can also leash up your dog and hit the Martin Goodman Trail and take in some of the sights, scents, and sounds. Parking is free. 

 

Kew Gardens
2075 Queen St E, Toronto, Ontario M4L 1J1

 

  • Dog Off Leash Area
  • Ball Diamond
  • Ball Hockey Pad
  • 2 Bowling Green
  • Change Room Facility
  • 4 Drinking Fountains
  • Outdoor Dry Pad
  • Playground
  • Wading Pool
  • 2 Washroom Facilities

 

Lots to do at this 6.5 hectare park. For the off-leash dog park, look for the Kew Williams House (or Gardener’s Cottage) at the bottom of Lee Avenue. Walk past the beautiful flower beds and head south to Beaches Park along the Lake Ontario shoreline to find the off-leash dog park. When Sparky is done playing with his doggie friends, leash him up and enjoy strolling along the boardwalk. 

 

Coronation Park
711 Lakeshore Blvd W, Ontario M5V 3T7

 

  • Dog Off Leash Area
  • 3 Ball Diamonds
  • 7 Bike Trails
  • 2 Drinking Fountains
  • Picnic Shelter
  • 2 Picnic Sites
  • Washroom Facility

 

Further east along the Martin Goodman Trail just east of Ontario Place, you’ll find another off-leash dog park in Coronation Park. Sit in the shade of the beautiful and majestic Royal Oak tree commemorating King George VI. Stroll through the surrounding oaks and rich maple grove planted in memory of our Canadian War Veterans and enjoy the cool breeze off the lake. A peaceful place to sit and reflect. 

 

Humber Bay Park West
2225 Lakeshore Blvd W, Etobicoke, Ontario M8V 3X7

 

  • Dog Off Leash Area
  • 6 Bike Trails
  • Washroom Facility

 

A birdwatchers’ favourite, Humber Bay Park West branches out from the shoreline into Lake Ontario, curving back around for a circuit of great views and plenty of shorebirds and waterfowl. Let Rover loose in the off-leash park before venturing out along the shoreline.

 

So many trails and off-leash parks to enjoy with your dogs this summer. Pack a lunch and a refillable water bottle and make a day of it down on the beach. Before heading out, always check for water levels and flooding advisories, as well as high pollution days on the water. All of these beaches are flagged as blue, which means they are suitable for swimming. 

 

by Natalie Secretan

 

Photo by: Bennilover ~ Nose to Nose