Moving can be stressful, especially for our furry companions. If you have pets, especially dogs, it’s essential to keep them in mind as you hunt for your new home. A condo with thin walls may not be ideal, especially if your dog is vocal and likes to bark. In a perfect world, you’ll find plenty of space for your pooch to run and play, inside and out.
Fortunately, Toronto is a city devoted to welcoming our four-legged friends.
There are many pet-friendly spaces, and you and your dog will be proud to call Toronto home. For example, we have more than 65 leash-free areas for your dog to roam free and explore.
And you’ve heard of cat cafes? It turns out, some cafes and restaurants are also happy to welcome your canine companion.
During off-peak hours and weekends, you can even take your pet with you to ride the buses and subway as long as they are leashed or crated.
Let’s take a look at some of the most dog-friendly neighbourhoods in the West End.
High Park
For pups with boundless energy, High Park will be a common destination. With 8.5 acres designated as a leash-free area, your dog can run, play and socialize all afternoon. There are natural and paved trails for you both to enjoy and explore.
When you need some refreshments, you can head over to the Grenadier Cafe overlooking the park. You can sit on the patio with your furry friend as you sip a beverage and unwind from a hard day’s play.
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Roncesvalles
It’s hard to beat High Park in terms of being pet-friendly, but Roncevalles is rising to the challenge. A huge leash-free area at Sorauren Park is surrounded by a tennis court, soccer field and a baseball diamond. The whole family can play and have fun as they shake their jitterbugs out.
Afterwards, the humans are welcome to a meal at Bar Bacan. And when you sit on the patio, your furry family member can join you!
The Junction
Earlscourt Park gives your pooch 12.6 hectares of cool, shady fun. A water fountain is available, so your dog can stay cool and hydrated. You’ll love the wood chips that cover the ground. It means no muddy paws mucking up your house or car when playtime is over.
If all that running around makes you hungry, you’re in for a treat. No place on Earth rolls out the red carpet for your dog quite like the folks at Henderson Brewing Company.
In October, the brewery hosts “Dogtoberfest,” a free event featuring live entertainment and food trucks. All friendly, tail-wagging dogs are welcome. However, you don’t have to wait for October for the fun to begin. Henderson Brewing Company hosts frequent “Doggie Nights” to support Just Paws Animal Rescue.
King West
Stanley Off-Leash Dog Park is ideal for small breeds or more shy pups. It’s a little quieter than other leash-free parks, so your baby won’t worry about getting attacked by a more aggressive breed. It’s fully fenced and even has a sandy area for dogs to play in. Humans will enjoy the magnificent view of the Toronto skyline.
Afterwards, humans and pets can saunter over to Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit!, a fun new Cantina on King St. West that allows pets on the patio.
Mimico
“Heaven for Dogs” really does exist, and it’s near the intersection of Lakeshore and Legion in Mimico. The park is called Humber Bay Park West, and there’s a fully fenced off-leash area right on the waterfront. While you relax and enjoy the view of downtown over the lake, your fur-baby can run free. On hot days, water-loving pooches can jump in and swim until their heart’s content.
If either of you gets hungry, a quick drive takes you to Mildred’s Temple Kitchen. Grab a snack on the patio with your beloved companion at your side. The friendly staff here love to spoil their four-legged guests with all the adoration and refreshing drinks of water they deserve!
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