We are starting a new blog series called 'Best of the West' so welcome to our inaugural post! We thought we would start off our series with the best places to take our furry friends off leash in Toronto's west end.
There are a lot of amazing things about having a dog, but one of my favourites is that they force you to get out and walk, regardless of the weather or your mood, you just have to get out there. So we have put together a list of the best places to take your pooch to get them (and you!) some exercise, and maybe a little social interaction along the way.
High Park
The big daddy of all the off leash parks, High Park has 8.5 acres of leash free trails as well as the crown jewel, Dog Hill. Located just east of the Grenadier Restaurant, and complete with picnic tables and doggy water fountains, Dog Hill is a dog lover's delight, with dogs of every size and breed cavorting around leash-free.
Sorauren Avenue Park
Located in Roncesvalles, at Sorauren and Fermanagh, this fenced-in leash free area can be enjoyed while you take in a soccer or baseball game on one of the adjacent sports fields. Added bonus, if you are there on a Monday be sure to pop into the Sorauren Farmer's Market, which takes place every Monday from 3-7pm.
Beresford Park
This small park tucked in the middle of Bloor West Village, at Beresford & Ardagh, has a dog park frequented by the many dog lovers in the area.
Baird Park
This park is located on the east side of Keele Street at Humberside, in between High Park and The Junction. Baird Park is a small park known for its active lawn bowling club, but also features a leash-free dog park which is well used by many local residents.
Coronation Park
If you want to enjoy the lake views while walking your dog, unfortunately you will have to keep them on a leash, but if you walk east along the Martin Goodman Trail to Fort York Blvd., you can lose the leash when you hit the large, fenced-in leash-free area at Coronation Park.
Sir Casimir Gzowski Park
This park, at the foot of Windermere, is also located off the Martin Goodman Trail, and allows you to go off leash while taking advantage of some spectacular lake views. If you continue on the trail heading west, you can also let your pooch run free at Humber Bay Park West (located at the bottom of Park Lawn Road).
Colonel Samuel Smith Park
In south Etobicoke, at Lake Shore & Kipling and just south of Humber College, lies the sprawling Colonel Samuel Smith Park. This lovely park, on the shores of Lake Ontario, features an outdoor skating track, playground and of course, a leash-free dog zone.
King's Mill Park
The trails along the Humber River, that run west from the Old Mill, are another wonderful place to go for a dog walk, but leashes are required here. However, you can start or end your stroll with a trip to the leash free area in nearby King's Mill Park, which is located on the banks of the Humber, just south of Bloor Street.
Trinity Bellwoods Park
A little further east, but well worth mentioning, is beautiful Trinity Bellwoods Park. Located on the north side of Queen Street at Strachan, this 38 acre park is an oasis in the middle of bustling West Queen West, and also allows you to let your best friend roam free in their designated off leash area.
Is there something you would like featured in an upcoming "Best of the West' post, or something you think we missed? Feel free to drop us a line - we are always available to chat!