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Become a monthly donorPublished on August 17, 2025 by Ethan Rotberg, Senior Communications Specialist | Evergreen
Pets are truly part of your family — maybe even your favourite family member — so why wouldn’t you want to bring them along on your city adventures?
The good news: you can! Dogs are welcome in parks, trails and outdoor events — as long as they’re leashed and following city rules, so everyone can enjoy their favourite spaces comfortably.
But there are definitely some spots that really let you and your furry friend run wild. Whether you have a dog, cat or teacup pig, here are our favourite places to go with your animal amigos.
Dog parks are the classic choice for pet owners, offering the very best chance for wide-open areas for dogs to run, play and socialize. They also happen to be great places for people to run, play and socialize too — chatting with other dog parents while your pup makes new friends. These places are a lifesaver for city dwellers, providing dogs with the exercise and stimulation they need before heading back to apartment living.
Our favourite: The best off-leash dog park is the one in your neighbourhood, but if we need to pick a favourite, we’ll give a shout-out to Jack Darling Leash Free Dog Park in Mississauga, Ont. Just imagine 22-acres of sprawling, fenced, off-leash park, with a variety of terrain, like open fields and sandy areas.There are even separate zones for small and large dogs. Your local park will never feel quite the same after visiting this pup paradise.
That joy you feel running along the sand, basking in the sun and splashing in the water? Well, your dog loves all these things too! Some beaches are fully dog-friendly year-round, while others have restrictions — like requiring leashes or limiting dog access during peak summer months. It’s always a good idea to check local rules so your pup can safely enjoy the sand and surf.
Our favourite: Don’t make us choose one! From coast to coast, there are beaches that provide off-leash areas, like Pinery Provincial Park in Grand Bend, Ont., or Hadden Beach in Vancouver, where dogs can run and play freely on the sand and in the water. Some beaches technically require dogs to be on leash, but their expansive areas give pups plenty of room to explore, like Rainbow Haven Beach in Cow Bay, Nova Scotia.
Pedestrian spaces may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of dog-friendly spaces, but remember that with no cars to worry about, it’s a pretty chill environment for walking your dog. Many city plazas also include seating, greenery, water fountains and even shaded areas that make themwelcoming for pets. They also give both you and your dog a chance to enjoy a classic city pastime: people-watching.
Our favourite: The leader of the pack when it comes to dog-friendly energy is Berczy Park in Toronto, which features a whimsical two-tiered dog fountain featuring 27 cast-iron dog sculptures (and one cat). This isn’t just an art installation — it offers practical perks for pet owners. The lower-level trough of the fountain is designed to provide water for visiting dogs, making it a favourite destination for local pet lovers. There’s also a nearby gravel play area for on-leash play.
Nature trails are perfect for dogs that thrive on adventure and exploration. The variety of sights, scents and sounds means these places get a dog’s tail wagging in ways that a city sidewalk simply can’t. Unlike dog parks, where there’s a focus on socializing with other dogs, trails allow for a quieter one-on-one vibe. It’s also a great way to stay active and connected to nature — dogs have a way of making sure we get our outdoor time.
Our favourite: While we love the Toronto ravine system that surrounds Evergreen Brick Works, we’re throwing a bone to Bowmont Park and Nose Hill Park trails in Calgary. These two urban trail systems offer a mix of river paths, hills and open space, perfect for long walks. While both are ideal for leashed dogs, Bowmont Park also includes a designated off-leash area where pups can run freely.
Photo credit: Bentall Centre
Just as people enjoy streets closed to traffic, dogs enjoy playing in spaces they normally can’t. Pop-up dog-friendly spaces bring a playful, temporary energy to the pet community. Often tied to events or seasonal celebrations, they transform everyday spaces into pet-friendly hubs for shopping and socializing. Here’s hoping some of them went with Pup-Up or Pawp-Up.
Our favourite: Touted as your favourite dog party, Bark Park in Vancouver is indeed a special occasion for dogs and humans to come together for “a fur-tastic celebration of food, music, beer and doggy love.” Held in the heart of downtown Vancouver, this event transforms an urban space into a dog-friendly gathering spot, offering dogs and their owners a unique experience in a public area not usually designated for pets.
We get this question a lot — are dogs allowed to join me at the Brick Works? We love dogs! In fact, the ravines are one of the best places to explore with your dog in Toronto. Just remember that keeping your dog on a leash helps keep the habitat, the wildlife and your pup safe and healthy.
