Dog-friendly travel tips and vacation ideas in Ontario

Pet-friendly destinations

Toronto

From stylish hotels to dog-welcoming events and off-leash parks, visiting Toronto with your pet can be a memorable urban getaway.

Pet-friendly hotels

Pamper your pooch with the VIP Pet Program’s luxurious pet amenities at Hotel X or stay at the boutique Kimpton Saint George, where your dog will receive treats, dog beds and a doggy bathroom. The Westin Harbour Castle welcomes dogs at no extra charge, and 1 Hotel Toronto has a dog-friendly concierge team happy to tell you about the city’s best dog parks, pet shops and grooming salons.

Pet-friendly patios

Enjoy half-price tequila and classic tacos on Anejo Restaurant’s dog-friendly patio. Campechano also welcomes dogs on the outdoor patio and is conveniently located close to the dog-friendly St. Andrew’s Playground.

Black Lab Brewing in Toronto’s East End is a dog-welcoming venue with a taproom, front patio and beer garden in the summer. Take a quick bus ride up Jones Avenue to Sarang Kitchen, which offers Korean fried chicken for you and a “Paw Menu” with Bark-B-Q, a Puppuccino, a Sarang Barkday Cake and more for your dog. Leashed dogs are welcome on the TTC, Toronto’s transit system, during off-peak periods, before 6:30 a.m., between 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and after 7:00 p.m.

Off-leash parks and pet-themed events

The annual summer Woofstock at Woodbine Park is North America’s largest festival for dogs. From large festivals to small celebrations, Doggie Fest Toronto hosts a variety of events, workshops and activities for dogs and dog lovers throughout the year.

Let your dog run free in off-leash areas like St. Andrew’s Playground in downtown Toronto, Cherry Beach by Lake Ontario or High Park in the city’s west end.

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

Scenic trails, charming towns and cozy accommodations in this region are perfect for your next getaway with the pup.

Places to stay

Explore the walking trails at Horseshoe Resort in Barrie. Canine guests at the Blue Mountain Inn receive a comfy dog bed, dog bowls and treats. The uniquely styled rooms at Penny’s Motel in Thornbury are dog-friendly. Or relax in pet-friendly wood cabins at Red Bay Lodge in South Bruce Peninsula.

If you are heading up the Bruce Peninsula, stay at the Coach House Inn, the only pet-friendly accommodation in Tobermory.

Pet-friendly patios

The Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery in Barrie offers treats and a water fountain for dogs. Choose from beef bowls, beef liver chews and more from the Pup ’n Patio doggy menu at Copper Blues Bar & Grill in The Blue Mountains. Mudtown Station in Owen Sound is pet-friendly and close to the harbour, making it the perfect place to visit after a picturesque walk by the water.

Off-leash parks

Go for a run in one of the off-leash recreation areas in Barrie or dog parks in South Bruce Peninsula. Beautiful Joe Leash-Free Dog Park in Meaford features separate zones for small and large dogs, as well as a poop bag dispenser. Beach Area 3 in Wasaga Beach features a designated dog beach.

Ottawa

Vibrant neighbourhoods and pet-friendly events make Ottawa a fun city to explore with your dog.

Pet-friendly hotels

Les Suites Hotel in downtown Ottawa offers pet-friendly areas to meet and play with other dogs. Le Germain Hotel treats pets with the same superior comfort and service as you.

Pet-themed events

Browse vendors at the ByWard Barket, a free pet-focused event in the fall, with a selection of items ranging from gourmet treats to stylish accessories.

The Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run is an annual fundraising event run by the Ottawa Humane Society in late September. It features various races and the K9 Fun Zone, a pet pavilion marketplace with vendors, and a Puppy PAWcasso tent where you can create a beautiful masterpiece with your dog’s pawprint.

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

Find pup-approved activities, including lakeside trails and cozy cottages in this scenic, forested region.

Places to stay with your dog

Somewhere Inn in Calabogie offers a bandana and dog bowls, plus access to the scenic K&P trail. Soak in lakefront views at the dog-friendly Bobs Lake Cottages.

Blending rustic charm with modern amenities, Pinestone Resort & Conference Centre ensures a comfortable stay for you and your furry friend and Minden House Cottages offers multiple dog-friendly cottages throughout the Haliburton Highlands.

Dog-friendly attractions and parks

View the sculptures in the Haliburton Sculpture Forest. Stop by Haliburton Highlands Brewing for premium ales on the dog-friendly outdoor patio or play in the off-leash zone. Take your dog off-leash at Head Lake Rotary Park in Haliburton or the PAWS Dog Park in Minden (booking in advance is required).

Muskoka

Experience Muskoka’s iconic lakes and cottage culture with your best friend.

Pet-friendly inns and resorts

Book a pet-friendly room at Bracebridge Inn, conveniently located close to downtown shops and restaurants. In Huntsville, Deerhurst Resort permits up to two pets in select suites with prior notice. Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Muskoka.

Dog-welcoming attractions and patios

Enjoy a round of golf at the Muskoka Highlands, which allows your pet to join you on the green. In Bracebridge, Muskoka Brewery provides a designated spot next to the patio for pets. Moose Delaney’s Sports Bar and Grill in Huntsville also provides space for dogs on their outdoor patio. On select days from March to December, Dog Days at Huntsville Botanical Garden offers a special dog admission so that you can explore the gardens with your canine companion.

Prince Edward County

Artisanal, picturesque and welcoming, “The County” is also home to a host of pet-friendly experiences.

Dog-friendly accommodations

The trendy Drake Motor Inn in Wellington offers select dog-friendly rooms with dog beds and crates. In Bloomfield, The Eddie Hotel & Farm allows dogs in the spacious ground-floor king suite and The Inn at Huff Estates provides deluxe rooms for guests travelling with pets. Alternatively, pets are welcome to stay with you in the Royal Annex suites, adjacent to the main building at The Royal Hotel in Picton.

Dog-friendly wineries, patios and attractions

Enjoy regionally-inspired wine at Three Dog Winery in Picton or refreshing cider at The County Cider Company in Waupoos, both of which welcome dogs. For a hearty meal, head to the Vic Social in Picton and ask to be seated on the dog-friendly outdoor patio.

A must-visit stop, The Sniffery in Bloomfield offers an immersive sensory experience with interesting sights and smells for your pup. Private sessions take place in an enclosed outdoor play space, featuring artisanal, small-batch doggie treats made with local, county ingredients.

Southwestern Ontario

This diverse region combines small-town hospitality with big flavours and fun experiences for dogs and their owners.

Where to stay with your pet

Book the pet-friendly rooms at The Park Hotel London or The Grove Hotel in Kingsville. Soak in waterfront views at the Willow Barrel Retreat in Erieau, which offers dedicated units like the Fox Den Suite and Burke Cottage for guests with pets.

The Castle Hotel in Windsor allows up to two dogs in their Executive Queen Room or Junior Suite, with feeding bowls, dog beds and treats for your furry friends. Bring your dog to the bar for a drink and enjoy dining al fresco on the outdoor terrace.

Dog-friendly parks and patios

The off-leash fenced dog park in Windsor’s Optimist Memorial Park is the perfect place to let your dog run. Grab a burger at the dog-friendly WhamBurg and a cold brew at Sandwich Brewing Co.

Cool off with a sweet treat at Haven’s Creamery, one of several dog-friendly spots in London. Southeast of the city, Hounds of Erie Winery is a dog-loving boutique winery.

Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario offers welcoming cities and stunning wilderness, making it an ideal destination for adventurous pet owners. Get more tips on pet-friendly travel in Northern Ontario and Northeastern Ontario.

Pet-friendly accommodations

Clarion Hotel in Sudbury is located near Ramsey Lake and offers multiple pet-friendly rooms. For a small fee, your furry friend can stay with you at Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre in Thunder Bay.

Take the Chi-Cheemaun ferry with your furry friend from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island and stay at Ten Mile Point Resort, which provides stunning views of Lake Huron and the La Cloche mountains. Well-behaved pets are welcome in their modern, Scandinavian-style cabins.

Pet-friendly parks and attractions

Let your dog roam at one of Thunder Bay’s off-leash dog parks like Centennial Park and Hillyard Lands. Browse local makers and farmers’ products at the pet-friendly Sudbury Market. Many of the shops and restaurants in the Gore Bay City Centre on Manitoulin Island are pet-friendly.

Dog-welcoming camp sites and conservation areas

Ontario Parks

Camping and hiking in Ontario’s provincial parks is a great way to bond with your dog.

Several Ontario provincial parks welcome pets in designated campsites, trails, off-leash runs and beaches. Select parks also offer roofed accommodations, such as yurts and cabins, that allow dogs.

Great provincial parks to visit with your dog include Restoule Provincial Park near Sudbury, Quetico Provincial Park west of Thunder Bay, Ferris Provincial Park in Northumberland and Rondeau Provincial Park east of Windsor.

Always keep your dog on a leash, except in designated off-leash zones.

Parks Canada

Ontario is home to several stunning National Parks, with exciting recreational opportunities for you and your pet.

The picturesque islands and waterways of Thousand Islands National Park provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. Dogs are welcome on several trails, so you can explore the diverse ecosystems together. The Rideau Canal National Historic Site permits leashed dogs on the scenic pathways.

Conservation areas

Explore protected forests, wetlands and recreational lands in Ontario’s Conservation Areas with your canine companion. Most conservation authorities require dogs to be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and sensitive habitats.

Dog-welcoming conservation areas include:

• Hersey Lake Conservation Area, situated north of Timmins, offers dog-friendly hiking trails and a designated dog beach where pets can splash and play.
• Ken Reid Conservation Area, located near Lindsay, features a diverse mix of boardwalks, meadows and wooded paths, all of which are open to leashed dogs.
• Scanlon Creek Conservation Area in Bradford is a quiet, natural setting with well-maintained trails that wind through forests and open fields, making it an ideal spot for walking your dog.
• Rock Glen Conservation Area, about an hour-long drive west of London, impresses both people and pets with its waterfall views and fossil-filled ravines.

Safety tips and pet etiquette

Ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your pet. For safety and consideration of others, keep your dog on a leash in public spaces unless otherwise designated, and always pick up after your pet.

Ontario’s summers are perfect for pet-friendly road trips. The Ontario Humane Society provides a great checklist of all the safety considerations for travelling with your pup. Before heading out, check that your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date and consider tick medication, in case of run-ins with other critters while out on your adventure. Also, prepare a doggy first aid kit with all the essentials for your pet in case of injury.

Emergency vet info

Emergencies can happen while you’re travelling. Know where to go when your dog needs help.

Most veterinarian clinics operate within traditional business hours. However, several emergency vet hospitals throughout the province provide urgent pet care after hours, such as 24/7 Emergency Care in Barrie and the Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Toronto. As you plan your trip, check to see what vet services are located in the areas you plan to visit.

Crossing the border with your pet

Travelling between countries with your pet requires documentation and preparation. Always check current regulations before your trip.

If you’re entering Canada with a pet, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) requires proof of rabies vaccination for dogs over three months old. The CBSA may ask to inspect your documentation at the border. Use this resource to determine the necessary documents before travelling with your pet to Canada.

Other trip planning resources

Planning a trip with your pet is easier with online tools that highlight dog-welcoming activities and pet-friendly accommodations in Ontario.

The Pet-Friendly Canada Directory provides a searchable list of nationwide accommodations, complete with photos, pet policies, descriptions of each lodging and pet travel tips.

Bring Fido helps you locate dog-friendly hotels, restaurants and activities across the province.

Plan your next vacation with your favourite four-legged friend thanks to the wide variety of dog-friendly destinations and experiences in Ontario.