Top 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ontario: Off-Leash & On-Leash Places to Go

Going to the beach is an enjoyable activity for a beautiful summer’s day, and it can be made even better with your dog! If you live in Ontario or are planning a vacation there, here’s a list of beaches that not only allow dogs but also have dog-dedicated areas. They are scattered across this large province, from Lake Erie and Lake Ontario to Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.

Many of these beaches are in provincial parks, so you can also enjoy a good hike through nature during your day at the beach with your best friend.

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The Top 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ontario, Canada

Dog-Friendly Beaches by Lake Erie

1. Long Point Provincial Park

There are two designated off-leash dog beaches
One of the biggest waterfowl and bird migration areas in North America
Over 1.5 km of beach
Great spot for hiking and bird watching
Plenty of picnic tables and parking

2. Port Burwell

Designated off-leash dog beach on the east side of the main beach
Additional on-leash pet exercise area
Has plenty of space and offers group camping and a play area for children
5 km of sandy beach
Great spot for birders, particularly during migration

3. Rock Point Provincial Park

The western side of the beach is a designated dog area
The beach is 1 km long
Hiking trail is about 2 km
Limestone shelf along the beach has 350-million-year-old fossils in a coral reef
Monarch butterfly migration can be observed in the fall

4. Selkirk Provincial Park

There is a dog beach and pet exercise areas
Walking trail, including a boardwalk across a marsh wetland
Quiet campground with grassy campsites
Large picnic area
Shallow water by the shore makes for a safe swim for your dog

5. Turkey Point Provincial Park

Large sandy beach for dogs, but they need to be on a leash when out of the water
Three hiking trails
Treed campsites that include group camping
Beach has buoys and is shallow, so it’s great for kids
Plenty of activities, such as fishing and kiteboarding

Dog-Friendly Beaches by Lake Ontario

6. Cherry/Clarke Beach Park

Access to a large off-leash area all year
Plenty of available parking and accessible by TTC bus throughout the summer
Achieves Blue Flag Beach certification frequently (high standards in water quality)
Seven bike trails to try out
Popular with kite surfers

7. Kew-Balmy Beach

🗺️ Address:	📍Toronto, ON M4L 1B8
🕐 Open Times:	Sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost:	Free
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?:	Yes, in designated areas

Off-leash area on the beach
Large off-leash area from Silver Birch Ave. to Nursewood Rd.
Frequently receives the Blue Flag Beach certification
Facilities include bike trails, fitness equipment, and bowling greens
Unleashed dogs allowed outside of designated area from Nov. 1 to Mar. 31

Dog-Friendly Beaches by Lake Huron

8. Inverhuron Beach

Features a dog beach and pet exercise area
Known for beautiful sunsets and sand dunes
Hardwood forest and wetland make for stunning hiking
Wide variety of rare plants and wildlife
Quieter beach than some others and kept clean

9. Pinery Dog Beach

10 km of sandy beach
Two dog beaches, but dogs must remain leashed
Sunsets here have been rated among the best in the world
14-km bike trail, 10 walking trails, and 38-km ski trails
Popular spot, which means it’s busy

10. Point Farm Beach

One dog beach but dogs must remain leashed
Family friendly with playgrounds, playing fields, and 6 km of hiking trails
Park is on a bluff and features beautiful scenery and sunsets
Camping with tents, RVs, and trailers
Nearby town of Goderich is considered the prettiest town in Canada

Dog-Friendly Beaches by Georgian Bay

11. Craigleith Provincial Park

Features two dog beaches
Flat shale forms the shoreline, which contains 450-million-year-old fossils
Camping with tents and RVs
Not a sandy beach
Small park, so tents might be fairly close together

12. Killbear Provincial Park

Has two dog beaches and two pet exercise areas
Some areas are off leash, but most require your dog to be leashed
Iconic views of windswept pine trees
6-km trail for hiking and biking
Combination of rocky and sandy shores

13. Penetanguishene Rotary Park

🗺️ Address:	📍Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1N1
🕐 Open Times:	Sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost:	Free
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?:	Yes, in a designated dog park

Small park and sandy beach found downtown in the town of Penetanguishene
Dog park and swimming area are off-leash
Great spot for the family with a splash pad and skate park
Features a trail through an art and flower garden
Plenty of parking and picnic tables

14. Wasaga Beach

One section of the beach is for leashed dogs
14-km beach is the world’s longest freshwater beach
Famous for incredible sunsets
The park has 6.8 hectares, with nesting shorebirds and wildlife
Popular and busy beach

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Conclusion

Before you leap into your car with your dog by your side, double-check what the rules at your destination are concerning dogs. Rules sometimes change, and what was an off-leash beach yesterday could be a leash-only beach today.

It’s important to keep your dog in the dog areas and follow the rules. If you’re caught by a park warden breaking any rules, you’ll probably get hit with a big fine. It’s always best to be safe than sorry.

But as long as you treat the parks and beaches with a healthy dose of respect, you can enjoy your outing with your best friend. It’s bound to be spectacular at any one of these beaches!

Featured Image Credit: ART SUBLIMINA PHOTOGRAPHY, Shutterstock