Like dogs? Us too. We have 6 dogs on the BREL team (Brella, Finn, Marshy, Rizzo, Ginger and Sebastian – see pics below), so finding dog-friendly neighbourhoods is one of our favourite things to do. Here’s our list of go-to neighbourhoods for you and your pup!
Marshy remembering his adventures at Sorauren park.
Roncesvalles
Roncesvalles has arguably one of Toronto’s best dog communities, and it’s not uncommon to recognize your neighbours as ‘Clarence’s Mom’ or ‘Bailey’s Dad’. Most of the dog owners congregate at Sorauren Park, where the off-leash dog area is complimented by tennis courts, a soccer field, baseball diamond and a weekly Farmer’s Market. Also nearby: High Park and Grenadier Pond. [Related Roncesvalles Neighbourhood Guide]
Sebastian chilling in High Park
High Park
With almost 400 acres of parkland, High Park is doggie heaven. As Toronto’s largest public park, there are trails, a mostly fenced-in off-leash area and Grenadier Pond for swimming. There’s a zoo too, perfect for sniffing llamas through a fence. Bonus: our top spot for veterinary services, Dundas West Vets is nearby too. [Related: High Park Neighbourhood Guide]
Trinity Bellwoods
Home of the ‘dog bowl’, Trinity Bellwoods Park is a favourite with dogs and their owners alike. With plenty of off-leash dog space, a close-knit dog community and Queen West Animal Hospital and doggie treat stores across the street, your pup will be spoiled rotten.
Ginger ready for sailing.
Harbourfront/Queens Quay
It’s not just condo-dwellers who love living near Lake Ontario….dogs love it too! It doesn’t get easier to access Toronto’s waterfront than here, where the Martin Goodman Trail stretches 56 kilometres. Run, walk, bike or swim with your pup….you’ll be in good company. There’s pee-mail to check at every corner! [Related: Harbourfront Neighbourhood Guide]
Riverdale
If your doghouse is in Riverdale, you’re in luck! The hub of the community, Riverdale Park is dog-central. Riverdale Park West has leash-free areas year-round, while the East part of the park allows leash-free-fun mornings and evenings during non-summer months. Looking for new smells beyond Riverdale Park? Check out Yelp’s list of Top 10 Dog Parks in Riverdale. [Related: Riverdale Neighbourhood Guide]
Finn at Paws Playground…
Leslieville
Calling all stylish pooches! Whether you want to sport the latest fashions, indulge in home-baked bones or want to try Toronto’s only doggie takeout restaurant (Tom & Sawyer), Leslievile is where the cool pups hang out. There’s even a Dogs of Leslieville group on the Leslieviller to discuss everything dog-related and plan doggie dates and meetups. Leslieville is also home to Paws Playground, our top pick for doggie daycare and overnight care in Toronto.
Rizzo dreaming about Stanley Park.
Liberty Village
By some estimates, there are up to 2,000 dogs living in Liberty Village, with an estimated 50% of residents owning at least one dog. 50%! Like their owners, they almost exclusively live in condos, which means nearby opportunities for outdoor adventure and fun are a must. Liberty Village has everything your dog might desire: pet food stores, puppy spas, doggie daycare, nearby veterinarians and some of the most organized dog walking services in the city. With limited park space, there’s a dog run in Liberty Village and designated off-leash areas at nearby Stanley Park in King West and Coronation Park just off of Lakeshore Blvd West. [Related: Liberty Village Neighbourhood Guide]
Brella post-romp along the Humber River
Lambton/Babypoint
Life along the Humber River provides urban fur babies with the opportunity to bring out their inner country dog. Opportunities abound to spot wildlife (deer, coyote, rabbits and more), watch the salmon run in the fall and romp in the many nearby parks and trails.
[Related: Lambton/Baby Point Neighbourhood Guides]
Did we miss your ‘hood? Tell us why your neighbourhood is perfect for people and their pooches!
