Dog-friendly spaces and activities in Toronto
One thing’s for sure: Torontonians love their dogs. With an array of leash-free parks and the dog-friendly TTC, us urbanites can explore the entire city with our four-legged companions. But if you want to do more than just walk, we know where you can go. Here are some of the best dog-friendly activities in the city. [Image credit: iStock.com/vgajic]
Purina PawsWay
245 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2K9Located in the Queen’s Quay, PawsWay is a hub of canine activity. The centre hosts events and offers tons of services, and you can even rent out space if you want to throw a dog-friendly event. Best of all, inside is Williams Fresh Café, one of the few restaurants in the city where you can bring your dog inside with you. The mouth-watering turkey and swiss focaccia will have both you and your dog drooling.
Centreville Amusement Park
Toronto Island, Toronto, ONFancy a day on the island? Hop on the ferry with Fido and the fam and be prepared for a day of fur-volity at the Centreville Amusement Park. While you can’t bring your dog on the rides, the park is great place to walk around, have fun, and include your pup in a family outing that’s sure to offer plenty of excitement and exercise.
Tall Ship Kajama
235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8Always dreamt of sailing the high seas with your furry first mate? Tall Ship Kajama has the next best thing. Operating off the Quay between May and October, they offer hour-and-a-half sailing cruises on Lake Ontario for less than $30 – and you can bring your dog! You’ll have the option of sitting back and seeing the sights with a beer in your hand and nachos on the table, or jumping in and becoming part of the crew.
Dog Paddling Adventures
35B-10520 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3C7DPA hosts events all over the GTA and beyond, for all degrees of outdoor junkies and their canine sidekicks. From a day-long paddling adventure in a Voyageur canoe, exploring the islands off the harbourfront, to 4-day-long portages in Algonquin Park and Killarney, where you’ll camp, hike, swim, and canoe with a group of fellow dog-lovers. The trips can be a bit pricey, but there’s no better way to bond with your pooch than a 4-day-long walk. Followed by a 4-day-long nap.
Renaissance Toronto Hotel
3-1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON M5V 1J4Want to take your dog to a Jays’ game? While dogs aren’t allowed in the Rogers Centre, they are allowed in the adjoining Renaissance Hotel, which offers 70 field-view rooms. So if you’re torn between watching the game from the stands and chilling with your pawsome friend, splurge and reserve an Executive Field View suite. You’ll watch the game through floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the entire field, plus a raised platform for an even better vantage point. Plus, you’re allowed up to five guests – so feel free to share the view and the cost.
Bayview Village Mall
2901 Bayview Ave, North York, ON M2K 1E6Need a new outfit, but only Fluffy can tell you what looks best? Well-behaved dogs are welcome in all the stores at the Bayview Mall (excluding the dining areas). The mall has designated bathroom areas for your companion, offers complimentary treats, and the concierge will even take a photo for the Model Citizens page of their website. So, as long as Fluffy doesn’t have a meltdown over the price of this season’s Manolo Blahniks (great chew toys, you know) you’re free to shop to your pup’s content.
