Hiking Toronto for Dog Lovers

North of the 401 at Yonge Street A dog park, river, forest, ski hill, and a golf course crammed into one great hike! Winter might be the best season to visit this park. I visited twice during the winter of 2020 and have met incredible people and dogs. Where else can you go downhill skiing in Toronto? You may not be able to play golf in the winter, but you can spend hours walking the course, which is next to the Don River. Recommended route The route I recommend is around 4 km. Like most parks in the city, there are many entry points. I don't live walking distance to the park, so I will give directions from the parking lot on Don River Blvd. Dog Park Start your visit at the off-leash dog park. This is one of the better dog parks I've seen as it is large and has a run in the forest for dogs to chase each other.  Ski Hill After you leave the fenced-in dog area, follow the forest path to the right. You'll go past the Earl Bales Ski and Sno...

The Taylor Creek Park from Dawes Road This is a long, flat trail that runs from Dawes Road to Don Mills Road.  The park connects many neighbourhoods and parks, so it is often busy. If you're someone who lives within walking distance, you're sure to know much more about this park than I ever will. Beauty Regardless of the season, the scenic river and surrounding trees make this park quite beautiful. Parking For those of us who live further away, there are parking lots at both ends of the trail, making it very convenient for visits with your dog. Cyclists Along the path, you'll see signs for cyclists, so you'll quickly realize that this is a "bike highway," and you're likely to encounter cyclists traveling at high speeds. In parks like this, I highly recommend that you keep your dog on a leash. Unpaved trail If you walk on the side of the river where the paths are unpaved, you'll think you're on the "d...

A Winter Wonderland Did you know that golf courses allow local residents onto the property during the winter? Many golf courses prefer that you come only when the ground is frozen and covered in snow to minimize damage to the property. This is a dog lovers' dream. Wide-open spaces next to forests and rivers are the ideal setting for a good hike with your best friend. You'll meet many local dogs and their parents. I've met people on the course who are walking their dogs while they are waiting for their kids to finish tennis lessons. Map of Donalda  I live near the Donalda Golf Course, so I can walk from my home via Laurentide Drive and Barnwood Court as shown in the map. Parking  I've shown several other entry points depending on where you're coming from. If you are driving, you can find parking in the Donalda Parking lot by the Club House (12 Bushbury Dr, North York, ON M3A 2Z7). There is also parking at the Church of Our Saviour and Thr...