Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Top 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ontario: Off-Leash & On-Leash Places to Go

Siberian husky dog running on ocean's beach on sunny day

Going to the beach is an enjoyable activity for a beautiful summer’s day, and it can be made even better with your dog! If you live in Ontario or are planning a vacation there, here’s a list of beaches that not only allow dogs but also have dog-dedicated areas. They are scattered across this large province, from Lake Erie and Lake Ontario to Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.

Many of these beaches are in provincial parks, so you can also enjoy a good hike through nature during your day at the beach with your best friend.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

The 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ontario, Canada

Dog-Friendly Beaches by Lake Erie

1. Long Point Provincial Park

️ Address: 350 Erie Blvd, Rowan, ON N0E 1M0
Open Times: 24 hours, May to October
Cost: Day fees vary
Off-Leash allowed?: Yes, in designated dog beaches

  • There are two designated off-leash dog beaches
  • One of the biggest waterfowl and bird migration areas in North America
  • Over 1.5 km of beach
  • Great spot for hiking and bird watching
  • Plenty of picnic tables and parking


2. Port Burwell

️ Address: Port Burwell, ON N0J 1T0
Open Times: 8 am to 9 pm May to October
Cost: Day fees vary
Off-Leash allowed?: Yes, in a designated area for dogs

  • Designated off-leash dog beach on the east side of the main beach
  • Additional on-leash pet exercise area
  • Has plenty of space and offers group camping and a play area for children
  • 5 km of sandy beach
  • Great spot for birders, particularly during migration


3. Rock Point Provincial Park

️Address: Haldimand, ON N0A 1K0
Open Times: 9 am to 9 pm, May to October
Cost: Day fees vary
Off-Leash allowed?: Yes, in a designated beach area

  • The western side of the beach is a designated dog area
  • The beach is 1 km long
  • Hiking trail is about 2 km
  • Limestone shelf along the beach has 350-million-year-old fossils in a coral reef
  • Monarch butterfly migration can be observed in the fall


4. Selkirk Provincial Park

️Address: 151 Wheeler’s Sideroad, Selkirk, ON N0A 1P0
Open Times: 24 hours, May to October
Cost: Day fees vary
Off-Leash allowed?: Yes, in a designated area

  • There is a dog beach and pet exercise areas
  • Walking trail, including a boardwalk across a marsh wetland
  • Quiet campground with grassy campsites
  • Large picnic area
  • Shallow water by the shore makes for a safe swim for your dog


5. Turkey Point Provincial Park

️Address: 194 Turkey Point Rd, Turkey Point, ON N0E 1T0
Open Times: 8 am to 10 pm, May to October
Cost: Day fees vary
Off-Leash allowed?: Only in the water

  • Large sandy beach for dogs, but they need to be on a leash when out of the water
  • Three hiking trails
  • Treed campsites that include group camping
  • Beach has buoys and is shallow, so it’s great for kids
  • Plenty of activities, such as fishing and kiteboarding


Dog-Friendly Beaches by Lake Ontario

6. Cherry/Clarke Beach Park

️Address: 1 Cherry St., Toronto, ON M5A 0B7
Open Times: 5 am to 11 pm
Cost: Free
Off-Leash allowed?: Yes, in designated areas

  • Access to a large off-leash area all year
  • Plenty of available parking and accessible by TTC bus throughout the summer
  • Achieves Blue Flag Beach certification frequently (high standards in water quality)
  • Seven bike trails to try out
  • Popular with kite surfers


7. Kew-Balmy Beach

️Address: Toronto, ON M4L 1B8
Open Times: 9 am to 8 pm
Cost: Free
Off-Leash allowed?: Yes, in designated areas

  • Off-leash area on the beach
  • Large off-leash area from Silver Birch Ave. to Nursewood Rd.
  • Frequently receives the Blue Flag Beach certification
  • Facilities include bike trails, fitness equipment, and bowling greens
  • Unleashed dogs allowed outside of designated area from Nov. 1 to Mar. 31


Dog-Friendly Beaches by Lake Huron

8. Inverhuron Beach

️Address: Bruce County Rd 15, Kincardine, ON N0G 2T0
Open Times: 24 hours, May to October
Cost: Day fees vary
Off-Leash allowed?: Yes, in designated areas

  • Features a dog beach and pet exercise area
  • Known for beautiful sunsets and sand dunes
  • Hardwood forest and wetland make for stunning hiking
  • Wide variety of rare plants and wildlife
  • Quieter beach than some others and kept clean


9. Pinery Dog Beach

️Address: 26 Sideroad, Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Day fees vary
Off-Leash allowed?: No

  • 10 km of sandy beach
  • Two dog beaches, but dogs must remain leashed
  • Sunsets here have been rated among the best in the world
  • 14-km bike trail, 10 walking trails, and 38-km ski trails
  • Popular spot, which means it’s busy


10. Point Farm Beach

️Address: Goderich, ON N7A 3X9
Open Times: 8 am to 10 pm, May to October
Cost: Day fees vary
Off-Leash allowed?: No

  • One dog beach but dogs must remain leashed
  • Family friendly with playgrounds, playing fields, and 6 km of hiking trails
  • Park is on a bluff and features beautiful scenery and sunsets
  • Camping with tents, RVs, and trailers
  • Nearby town of Goderich is considered the prettiest town in Canada


Dog-Friendly Beaches by Georgian Bay

11. Craigleith Provincial Park

️Address: The Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 0T6
Open Times: 8 am to 4 pm, April to October
Cost: Day fees vary
Off-Leash allowed?: No

  • Features two dog beaches
  • Flat shale forms the shoreline, which contains 450-million-year-old fossils
  • Camping with tents and RVs
  • Not a sandy beach
  • Small park, so tents might be fairly close together


12. Killbear Provincial Park

️Address: 35 Eddie Ramsay Parkway, Nobel ON P0G 1G0
Open Times: 9 am to 10 pm, May to October
Cost: Day fees vary
Off-Leash allowed?: Yes, in a designated area

  • Has two dog beaches and two pet exercise areas
  • Some areas are off leash, but most require your dog to be leashed
  • Iconic views of windswept pine trees
  • 6-km trail for hiking and biking
  • Combination of rocky and sandy shores


13. Penetanguishene Rotary Park

️Address: Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1N1
Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash allowed?: Yes, in a designated dog park

  • Small park and sandy beach found downtown in the town of Penetanguishene
  • Dog park and swimming area are off-leash
  • Great spot for the family with a splash pad and skate park
  • Features a trail through an art and flower garden
  • Plenty of parking and picnic tables


14. Wasaga Beach

️Address: 11 22nd St N, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 2V9
Open Times: 8 am to 10 pm, April to October and December to March
Cost: Day fees vary
Off-Leash allowed?: No

  • One section of the beach is for leashed dogs
  • 14-km beach is the world’s longest freshwater beach
  • Famous for incredible sunsets
  • The park has 6.8 hectares, with nesting shorebirds and wildlife
  • Popular and busy beach

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

Before you leap into your car with your dog by your side, double-check what the rules at your destination are concerning dogs. Rules sometimes change, and what was an off-leash beach yesterday could be a leash-only beach today.

It’s important to keep your dog in the dog areas and follow the rules. If you are caught by a park warden breaking any rules, you’ll probably get hit with a big fine. It is always best to be safe than sorry.

But as long as you treat the parks and beaches with a healthy dose of respect, you can enjoy your outing with your best friend. It’s bound to be spectacular at any one of these beaches!


Featured Image Credit: Valeriia Miller, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

laurelbox Pet Memorial Gift Review 2025: Healing Hearts After Pet Loss

From the moment you brought your furry friend home, your life was never the same. Suddenly, you had a four-legged best friend who...

National Pug Day 2025: What It Is & How It’s Celebrated

We love to celebrate our dogs every day of the year, but some breeds have their own yearly holiday where you can celebrate...

Can Dogs Eat Raw Salmon? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Advice

Salmon is packed full of healthy nutrients and is considered by some to be one of the healthiest protein sources since it provides...

Top 10 Off-Leash Parks in & Near Richmond, VA (2025 Update)

Do you want to get your dog out there so they can get to know the community a little bit better? If so,...

More related

9 Best Tile Floor Cleaners for Dog Urine in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dogs can have accidents from time to time. While it might seem simple to wipe up dog pee from tile floors, you want...

How Much Do Huskies Shed? Breed Coats Characteristics

We love our dogs, but that doesn’t mean that cleaning up after them isn’t a hassle. If you are looking for a low-shedding...

Australian Kelpie Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Traits & History

The Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized dog that has become more popular in recent years due to their unconditional loyalty and high intelligence....

It’s Not Fair: Why Size Really Does Matter

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred....

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Purple Sweet Potatoes? Vet-Verified Facts & Alternatives

Purple sweet potatoes are a delicious treat for us, and when we’re chowing down on them, it’s common for our pups to start begging for some. So, Can dogs eat purple sweet potatoes or should this be avoided? The truth...

Can Dogs Eat Purple Sweet Potatoes

What Can Be Mixed With Dry Dog Food? 25 Vet-Approved Suggestions

If you’re like most dog owners, you want what’s best for your furry friend, including a healthy diet with plenty of nutrients and protein. But, should your pup eat only the same dry food day in and day out? Absolutely...

dachshund dog eating from elevated bowl

7 Best Dog Foods for Weimaraners 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

The sleek, silvery Weimaraner makes a beautiful, fun addition to the home. Due to their high intelligence and never-ending energy, you will have a playmate whenever you want one and even after you’re worn out. In between games, your Weim...

Weimaraner eating dog food

Can Dogs Eat Licorice? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

Our pets can eat all sorts of goodies that we can prepare from the comfort of our own kitchens. However, when it comes to sweets, it isn’t always the best idea to share with our four-legged friends. Licorice is not...

twizzlers licorice candies

How Much Food Does a Great Dane Need? With Feeding Chart

Great Danes are one of the biggest dogs in the world, and it’s no surprise when you meet one face to face. If you decide to add one of these gentle giants to your family, one of the first things...

great dane dog outdoor

Retriever Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons and Recalls

Review Summary Introduction There are many smaller dog food brands that get overlooked and are rarely discussed, and Retriever dog food is one of those. Their recipes are produced in the United States and have been around for a good...

Dogster_Retriever Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Macadamia nuts are a common ingredient in nut mixes and desserts. They’re a tasty, creamy nut that is a source of multiple vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and antioxidants. So, you might be tempted to share your macadamia...

Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts

Bone Meal in Dog Food: Is It Healthy for Your Dog?

If you’ve ever spent any time reading the ingredients list on dog food labels, then you might have noticed one particular ingredient cropping up occasionally: bone meal. So what is bone meal, and is it good for dogs? The short...

belgian malinois food bowl eating patient