[2024] Top 8 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Toronto 2023: Off & On Leash Places to Go - Pet Follower | Pet Guides, Health & Gear Articles by Pet Lovers & Veterinarians

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 for you to choose from, all scattered 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 within the Greater Toronto Area and are off-leash. Several other dog-friendly locations require your dog to be leashed at all times.

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Off-Leash Dog-Friendly Beaches in Toronto

1. Cherry Beach Off-Leash Dog Park

Includes 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 found directly 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 area from November 1 to March 31

3. Marie Curtis Beach

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

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-leash 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 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
💲 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

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 wetland 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
Not longer has the world’s largest public pool, but it’s still big and popular

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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