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

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.

The 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ontario, Canada

Dog-Friendly Beaches by Lake Erie

1. Long Point Provincial Park

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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!

• See also: 5 Beautiful Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Panama City, Florida

Featured Image Credit: Valeriia Miller, Shutterstock