Dog-friendly vacations in Ontario
There are countless benefits to having a dog, but one of the few drawbacks is what to do when you go on vacation. Thanks to pet-friendly accommodations and dog-welcoming patios, wineries, breweries and parks you don’t have to leave your dog at home when you travel in Ontario.
From downtown Toronto to Ontario’s great outdoors, go exploring with your four-legged sidekick.
Outdoor-based vacation ideas
There’s a wide variety of places to stay in Ontario with nature at your doorstep, and your dog is welcome to join you at these accommodations.
Long Point Eco-Adventures, Norfolk County
One of Ontario’s most unique adventure parks welcomes well-behaved four-legged guests. Select pet-friendly glamping pods and suites are available to book and enjoy the dog-friendly patio.
Head to the designated off-leash dog beach area at the west end of the day-use beach in Long Point Provincial Park nearby. And enjoy a glass of premium wine or hard cider at Hounds of Erie, a dog-loving boutique winery located under 30 minutes drive west from Long Point.
Location: 1730 Front Road, St Williams
Elmhirst Resort near Peterborough
Located on the north shore of Rice Lake, Elmhirst Resort is a family-owned and operated retreat that has been welcoming guests for five generations. They know dogs are part of the family and offer several pet-friendly cottages.
Location: 1045 Settlers Line, Keene
Somewhere Inn Calabogie, Ottawa Valley
Designed to bring guests closer to nature, this pet-friendly reimagined motel in Southeastern Ontario is the perfect destination to visit with your dog. Your pup will be welcomed with a bandana and treats.
Nearby are several nature trails to explore.
Location: 5254 Calabogie Road, Calabogie
Penny’s Motel, Georgian Bay
All the uniquely styled rooms and suites at this remodelled, luxurious roadside motel are dog friendly. With extra touches and details like heated floors, fancy toiletries and whimsical décor, you won’t want to leave.
Take your pup to Beautiful Joe’s Dog Park in Meaford or Moreau Park in Thornbury for a leash-free run. The outdoor beer garden at Side Launch Brewing Company in Collingwood welcomes beer lovers and their dogs.
Red Bay Lodge, Bruce Peninsula
In addition to cozy accommodations, fun events, good food, beautiful sunsets and great stargazing opportunities, the cabins at Red Bay Lodge welcome dogs with no additional cost.
Location: 462 Huron Road, Wiarton
Viamede Resort, Kawarthas
Overlooking Kawartha’s Stoney Lake this cozy resort offers pet-friendly cottages and a lovely shaded off-leash play area. Staff can provide backup treats, doggy bags, leashes and food dishes.
Explore the nine-kilometre that runs through the property.
Location: 595 Mt Julian Viamede Road, Woodview
Trillium Resort, Muskoka
Trillium is an adult oriented resort and spa property tucked away in the heart of Muskoka and surrounded by forest, lake and nature. Book one of their pet-friendly cottages and explore the six kilometres of hiking trails.
Visit Ontario’s most dog-friendly golf course nearby. Your dog is welcome to walk the course with you as you play a round of golf at Muskoka Highlands Golf Course in Bracebridge.
Location: 848 Clearwater Lake Road, Port Sydney
Pine Grove Resort, Almaguin Highlands
Expansive forest and stunning views across Pickerel Lake surround this peaceful wilderness resort. You and your dog can enjoy hiking the trails, relaxing on the beach and playing in the “Dog Patch,” an onsite agility course.
Location: 463 Pine Grove Road, Port Loring
Ontario Provincial Parks
Camping is one of the best bonding experiences you can have with your dog. Many of Ontario’s provincial parks are pet-welcoming, offering designated dog-friendly campsites, trails, off-leash runs and beaches. There are also roofed accommodations, like yurts and cabins that allow dogs.
Great parks to visit with a dog include:
Restoule Provincial Park
Nestled between Restoule Lake and Stormy Lake, Restoule is approximately 70 kilometres south of North Bay. In addition to several scenic trails, there is a designated off-leash beach section for dogs to swim and play.
Location: 8818 ON-534, Restoule
Quetico Provincial Park
One of Ontario’s most treasured wilderness parks, Quetico provides an off-leash area and beach zone for dogs in Dawson Trail Campground. Or join Voyageur Wilderness on a guided excursion into the park. Their pet-friendly Voyageur Island Lodge makes the perfect homebase.
Location: ON-11, Atikokan
Mikisew Provincial Park
There is a large, fenced-in, off-leash space for dogs that extends down to the shores of Eagle Lake in Mikisew, just 30 kilometres northwest of Sundridge off Highway 11.
Location: 301 Park Road South, South River
Windy Lake Provincial Park
Situated northwest of Sudbury, there is a large off-leash beach at Windy Lake that’s great for dogs to meet and play
Location: Highway 144 Old Cartier Rd, Levack
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Home to a diverse ecosystem of woodland and wetland along the shore of Lake Huron, this parks also feature two off-leash zones for dogs.
Location: 1593 Bruce Road, Rural Road #1, Port Elgin
Ferris Provincial Park
In addition to great hiking trails, camping facilities and great views of the river, rapids and suspension bridge over Ranney Gorge, this park offers a new fenced-in, off-leash play area for dogs.
Location: 474 County Road 8, Campbellford
Note: Ontario parks are popular during the summer, so book daily visitor permits and camping reservations well in advance to avoid missing out.
Toronto trip ideas
Discover big-city fun with your four-legged friend in Canada’s most cosmopolitan city.
Note, dogs are permitted on Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) trains, buses and streetcars during weekends and off-peak hours.
Pet-friendly accommodations, parks and attractions include:
Kimpton Saint George Hotel
There are many reasons to choose this boutique hotel. It’s centrally located in the Bloor and Yorkville neighbourhood, impeccably stylish and super comfortable with a host of extra touches.
But for those travelling with a pet, the best thing about this hotel is the welcoming pet policy. Furry, feathered or even scaly members of your family are welcome. Doggy beds, water bowls and treats are available.
Location: 280 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Westin Harbour Castle
Another proudly dog-friendly accommodation, the Westin provides Westin Heavenly Dog Beds along with other amenities to make your pet’s stay comfortable.
Location: 1 Harbour Square, Toronto
The Toronto Islands
Head down to the Toronto Waterfront and catch a 20-minute ferry to the Toronto Islands, a string of interconnected islands.
Various walking paths, hiking trails, grassy areas, forested trails, scenic boardwalks and beaches dot the islands, making for a full day of fun for your four-legged companion.
High Park
The vast downtown park covers almost 400 acres (162 hectares) in Toronto’s west end between the Queensway and Bloor Street West. It’s beautiful in every season, with extensive trails, a large pond, manicured gardens and lawns and natural forested areas. There is a designated off-leash area to let your pup run.
Añejo Restaurant
Dog owners will be thrilled about the dog-friendly patio as well as half price tequila and classic tacos featured during happy hour at this upscale Mexican restaurant.
Location: 600 King Street West, Toronto
Black Lab Brewing
Located in Toronto’s east end, Black Lab Brewing is a friendly dog welcoming venue with a taproom, front patio and beer garden in the summer.
Location: 818 Eastern Avenue, Toronto
The Aviary Brewpub
Serving pub fare and award-winning beers by Longslice Brewery, the large pet-friendly patio is the perfect place to spend time with friends, including your four-legged friends.
Location: 484 A Front Street East, Toronto
Wine region getaways
Hounds of Erie Winery, Norfolk County
Enjoy a glass of premium wine or hard cider at Hounds of Erie, an inviting, dog-loving boutique winery located within a 30-minute drive west of Long Point.
Location: 377 7th Concession Road Enr, Clear Creek
Three Dog Winery, Prince Edward County
Named after three beautiful golden retrievers, the current four-legged resident is a friendly guy named Red Dog. Sip wine or artisanal sodas, enjoy cheese plates, charcuteries and wood-fired pizza with your dog at your side at this scenic winery.
Location: 1920 Fish Lake Road, Picton
Featherstone Estate Winery, Niagara Region
One of Ontario’s favourite eco-friendly vineyards is also dog-friendly!
Location: 3678 Victoria Avenue, Vineland
For the safety (and enjoyment) of your dog, yourself and those around you, make sure your dog is fully trained and well-behaved before travelling. And be sure to keep your pup on a leash and clean up after them.
Note: Additional fees and limits to the number or size of pets may apply.
Get tips and learn more about travelling with a pet in Ontario. Discover more dog-friendly vacation ideas and campgrounds in Northern Ontario.
Last updated: November 25, 2024