Hiking Toronto for Dog Lovers

Highland Creek runs through Colonel Danforth Park, and there are many trails to explore where you may see a variety of birds, and perhaps some wildlife. Off-Leash Dog Park This post documents a short trail that starts at the Colonel Danforth Off-Leash Dog Park . There is a parking lot beside the fenced-in dog park. Although the area is large, the ground is covered in pea-gravel, which is hard for a person to walk through, and the dogs seemed unimpressed.  The beauty of the park lies outside of the fenced-in area. Mature trees and a shallow creek attract birds and wildlife.  Short Route You'll see a lot during this 2 km hike. We did this hike during a heatwave with the threat of a thunderstorm, so it was the perfect length for us. After visiting the dog park, follow the paved trail next to the covered picnic area. Use a side trail to visit the riverbank. The water is shallow, and there is a rocky beach to walk on. Feel a cool breeze and give your dog a chance to take a drink. T...

Sherwood Park is located in mid-town Toronto between Bayview Ave and Mount Pleasant Road, north of Eglinton Ave. The city built Toronto's best off-leashed dog playground in the ravine. Dogs can run free through the forest and access Burke Brook. Despite the large number of dogs who visit the park, it is very clean and frequented by non-dog owners jogging or walking through the fenced-in area.    Parking There is a free parking lot at  160 Sherwood Ave  as well as street-parking on Blythwood Road.   Suggested Route It's a pretty straightforward trail. To explore every path, turn left whenever there is a choice to be made. The trail through the dog park is 2 km in length. The path is paved or decked, so it is clean and usually wide-enough to keep your distance from other people.  The off-leash area is fenced, so your dog is unable to go on roads or private property. It's hilly, so there is plenty of variety for you and your dog. Parts of the forest are f...

Bluffer's Beach is a great place to take your dog when it gets hot. Many people visit this beach on Lake Ontario to cool down and to take in the sight of the dramatic cliffs. Our blog  Bluffer's Park  gives details on a few hikes you can take along the shores at beach level. When visiting Bluffer's Beach, you may want to go to the top of the cliffs for great views of the lake and park. Unfortunately, no trail takes you from Bluffer's Park to the top of the cliff.  This blog gives details for a hike in Scarborough Crescent Park, which is located on the top of the Scarborough Bluffs. Although you can reach this park by walking up the steep Brimley Road hill, this blog gives details for a hiking loop starting at Crescent Park. There is a fence along the cliff edge so you can walk along without fear of falling off. Signs indicate the danger as well. The fence is easy to breach, so make sure you keep your dog on a leash. In addition to hiking trails and views, Crescent Park ...