5 Dog Parks in Toronto and Where to Live for Easy Access

How do dog owners in Toronto enjoy summer in the city? They bring their dogs to one of Toronto’s great dog parks!

If you’re a condo owner and also a pet owner, your experience living with an animal is considerably different than someone living in the suburbs. The main difference - you don’t have a lawn. That’s why Toronto’s dog parks are so important, and there’s no better time than summer to spend a morning or afternoon hanging out with other dog owners, watching the furry, four-legged loved ones chase each other for an endless amount of fun.

Here are five great dog parks in Toronto (and some new condos going up in the areas):

1) Allan Gardens

Located at Jarvis Street and Carlton Street, Allan Gardens is mostly known for being one of Toronto’s oldest parks and its conservatory of beautiful plant life, but on the north end of the park, there is an off-leash area for dogs! This dog park is popular because the Carlton Streetcar can drop you off right at the park.

Nearby condos:

Dundas Square Gardens by Easton’s Group of Hotels - Preconstruction

Alter by Tridel - Preconstruction

365 Church Condos by Menkes - Preconstruction

2) Bickford Park

Bickford Park. Photo by kaeko, from the Torontoist Flickr Pool.

Spanning nearly three hectares, Bickford Park is a great option for dog owners in the Bloor and Ossington or Bloor and Bathurst areas. NOTE: There is no fence for this dog park, just steep hills preventing the dogs from straying. So, do not take your dog off leash unless you’re confident that they are not strong enough to power their way up the hills! A recent petition by locals has been created to have a fence installed.

Nearby condos:

B.streets by Lindvest - Construction

The Jaedon Mews by Urbanquest Inc. - Preconstruction

Lanehouse on Bartlett by Curated Properties - Preconstruction

3) High Park

via highparktoronto.com

This is probably one of Toronto’s most popular parks, especially among dog owners. Not only is there a fenced off-leash area, but there are many trails! You’re technically not allowed to have your dog off-leash in the trails, and could be fined if caught...but we’re not going to say we’ve never seen it done. Another NOTE: The fenced area is not completely fenced, so be careful if you have a runner! Also High Park is huge; the dog park is located between Grenadier Restaurant and High Park Zoo. Make sure you find a map so you don't get lost!

Nearby condos (even people who live on the other side of the city visit High Park):

The High Park Condos by North Drive - Preconstruction

HighPark Condominiums by The Daniels Corporation - Construction

Howard Park by Triumph Developments - Construction

4) South Stanley Park

Via libertyvillagecondo.com

Located along King Street West and Wellington, between Walnut Avenue and Stanley Terrace, South Stanley Park features a spacious off-leash area for dogs to run around. And don’t worry about your best friend running out into King Street traffic, the area is completely fenced in!

Nearby condos:

90 Niagara by Fieldgate Homes - Preconstruction

Edition Richmond by Curated Properties - Construction

Minto775 King West by Minto - Completed

5) Kew Gardens

Via juliekinnear.com

Located right on the lake, with Queen Street East running along the north end, Kew Gardens is ideal for dog owners living east of Woodbine Avenue. The nice part about the off-leash area is that the south side is bordered by the lake. Truthfully, this is a beautiful park and a day trip to The Beaches neighbourhood is definitely a good way to spend a sunny Saturday.

Or you could just live in the area:

Lakehouse Beach Residences by Reserve Properties - Preconstruction

Two Hundred Condos by The Riedel Group - Preconstruction

Kew Beach Living by Worsley Urban Partners - Completed