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Summer is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities with your dog, and doing them at the beach is even better! Toronto has many beaches along the Waterfront, from Mississauga to the Scarborough Bluffs. Technically, all beaches in Toronto are dog-friendly, but only a few have off-leash areas.
The first three beaches listed here are off-leash in the Greater Toronto Area. Several other dog-friendly locations require your dog to be leashed at all times.
Off-Leash Dog-Friendly Beaches in Toronto
1. Cherry Beach Off-Leash Dog Park
| ️ Address: | 1 Cherry St., Toronto, ON M5A 0B7 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | Yes |
- Features a large off-leash area year-round
- Plenty of available parking
- Easily accessible by a TTC bus during the summer
- Seven bike trails
- Receives Blue Flag Beach certification frequently (high standards in water quality)
- Popular with kite surfers
2. Kew-Balmy Beach
| ️ Address: | Toronto, ON M4L 1B8 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | Yes |
Large off-leash area runs from Silver Birch Ave. to Nursewood Rd.
- Off-leash area on the beach
- Many facilities, including bike trails, fitness equipment, and bowling greens
- Frequently receives the Blue Flag Beach certification
- Unleashed dogs allowed outside of designated areas from November 1 to March 31
3. Marie Curtis Beach
| ️ Address: | Marie Curtis Park East Beach, Toronto |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | Yes, in a designated dog park |
- Beautiful spot for catching the sunrise, bird watching, and fishing
- Large park leads up to the beach with many trails
- Off-leash area
- Picnic areas, playground, and wading pool
- Low-key and quiet spot
On-Leash Dog-Friendly Beaches in Toronto
4. Woodbine Beach
| ️ Address: | 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E., Toronto, M4L 3W6 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | Yes, from November 1 to March 31 |
- Woodbine Beach is the largest of all of Toronto’s beaches (15.2 hectares)
- It has received the Blue Flag Beach certification every year since 2005
- Popular beach that includes lifeguards, bathing stations, and picnic sites
- Dogs must be on leashes during the summer; they can be off-leash from November 1 to March 31
- The Ashbridges Bay and Martin Goodman trails go through this area
5. Ward’s Island Beach
| ️ Address: | Ward’s Island Beach, Toronto |
| Open Times: | 6:30 AM. to 11:45 PM |
| Cost: | $9.00 return trip for one adult on ferry |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- Toronto has a ferry service to Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, and Ward Island
- Hanlan’s Point has an “optional clothing” beach, but no dogs are allowed
- Ward’s Island has beautiful walking trails and a lovely beach and is excellent for birdwatching
- Many bike trails to choose from
- All three islands are connected, so you can easily walk from one side to the other
6. Bluffers Park & Beach
| ️ Address: | 1 Brimley Rd. S, Scarborough M1M 3W3 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- Many gorgeous walking trails and scenic views
- The swimming areas don’t allow dogs at all during the summer
- From November 1 to March 31, dogs are allowed on the beach on a leash
- You’ll need to pay for parking during the summer months, up to $6
- Washrooms, picnic sites, and outdoor showers are available
7. Rouge Beach Park
| ️ Address: | Toronto, ON |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- The beach is a part of the Rouge National Urban Park
- Swimming is discouraged until lifeguard services are restored
- Dogs are allowed but always on a leash
- The largest wetlands and marshes in Toronto are located in the park
- Limited parking and washroom facilities are available
8. Sunnyside Beach
| ️ Address: | Toronto, ON |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | Not the beach, but there is a nearby off-leash park |
- Dogs must remain leashed on the beach
- Sir Casimir Gzowski Park, close to the beach, has an off-leash park
- Features a boardwalk and trails for walking and biking
- Playgrounds and picnic areas for the family
- No longer has the world’s largest public pool, but it’s still big and popular
Conclusion
There are plenty of beaches in the city of Toronto to choose from. The farther away from the city’s core, the quieter it will likely be. Wintertime is also a safe bet.
Be sure to check with the city’s bylaws on their rules around dogs on beaches before you go to one. Laws change constantly, and you won’t want to be hit with a hefty fine, even if your dog is on a leash.
There are many off-leash areas close to a few of these beaches if that’s what you’re looking for. Either way, a day at the beach with your best friend, on or off leash, is bound to be a lovely
Featured Image Credit: Marina Hobbs, Pixabay
