Updated October 23, 2026 -- Reviewed October 23, 2026 -- By North York Guide Team

Dog Parks in North York: The Complete Guide

North York is one of the most dog-friendly parts of the GTA, with off-leash areas scattered from the Don Valley ravines to the wide-open fields of Downsview Park. For dog owners here, having a reliable off-leash spot within a short drive -- or better, a short walk -- is a daily necessity.

We researched all 13 parks in this guide and verified the details that matter -- from flagship destinations like Earl Bales and Sunnybrook, to compact neighbourhood enclosures for condo dwellers, plus the newly opened Parkway Forest Park OLA. For each one we checked water fountain availability, fencing status, surface conditions for mud season, and which parks have separate small-dog areas, and we confirmed the City's current off-leash rules for this update.

Quick Answer

Off-Leash Dog Parks

The flagship off-leash areas in and around North York. These are the biggest, best-equipped parks with fenced enclosures, water access, and room to run.

Flagship Earl Bales Park off-leash dog area with forest trails

Earl Bales Park

4169 Bathurst St, North York, ON M3H 3P7

The top dog park in North York. 127 acres with a large fenced off-leash area, multiple forest trail loops, and water fountains throughout. Picnic sites nearby make it easy to spend a full morning here.

Water Fenced Shade Parking Washrooms

Worth knowing: Trails can get muddy in April -- stick to paved paths after rain.

Map Website
Flagship Sunnybrook Park green space and trails

Sunnybrook Park

1132 Leslie St, Toronto, ON M3C 1M2

A massive park with off-leash areas and access to the Don Valley Trail system (20+ km). Water access near trails and picnic areas make this a favourite for dog hiking. Adjacent to Edwards Gardens.

Water Shade Parking Washrooms

Worth knowing:Year-round access. Don Valley trails offer excellent fall colour walks with your dog.

Map
Flagship G. Ross Lord Park trails through the West Don River valley

G. Ross Lord Park

4801 Dufferin St, North York, ON M3H 5T3

190+ acres in the West Don River valley with a large fenced off-leash area and 4+ km of scenic trails (leashed access). Water fountains, picnic sites, and fire pit access. One of the best parks for hiking with dogs.

Water Fenced Shade Parking Washrooms

Worth knowing:The dam area is beautiful in all seasons. Trails are well-maintained year-round.

Map Website
Flagship Downsview Park fenced dog area with open fields

Downsview Park

35 Carl Hall Rd, Toronto, ON M3K 2C5

Canada's national urban park. The dedicated dog park is fully fenced with separate areas for small and large dogs. Water stations, waste facilities, and seating for owners throughout.

Water Fenced Small-Dog Area Parking

Worth knowing:Well-maintained year-round. The separate small-dog area is a big plus for owners of toy breeds.

Map Website
Flagship Edwards Gardens ravine creek trails and botanical garden

Edwards Gardens & Wilket Creek Trail

755 Lawrence Ave E, North York, ON M3C 1P2

Leashed dogs are welcome on the ravine creek trails connecting to Sunnybrook Park. Scenic natural terrain with gardens and open spaces. Free trail access year-round. Dog rules in the gardens are stricter than on most ravine trails; see the Edwards Gardens dog and photo rules.

Water Shade Parking Washrooms

Worth knowing:Spring wildflowers along Wilket Creek make this an especially scenic walk in May.

Map Website
Flagship Sherwood Park forest trails and natural terrain

Sherwood Park

Sherwood Park, North York

Forest trails with natural terrain and a partially fenced off-leash area. Boardwalks, stairs, and varied terrain make this an adventure park for dogs who love to explore. Free parking available. Narcity named it one of Toronto's most underrated off-leash spots.

Shade Parking Fenced

Worth knowing:Trails can be slippery in winter. Best visited spring through fall for the boardwalk sections.

Map
Flagship Leaside Memorial Park green space near Don Valley

Leaside Memorial Park

1250 Leslie St, Toronto, ON M4J 2E3

A quiet neighbourhood park adjacent to the Don Valley Trail. Scenic ravine walks and trail access for leashed dogs. Water and waste facilities available. A good alternative when bigger parks are crowded.

Water Shade

Worth knowing:Ravine trails here are less crowded than Sunnybrook -- a peaceful weekday option.

Map
Flagship Windfields Park wooded trails and open dog area

Windfields Park

Windfields Drive, North York

Off-leash area with wooded trails and open spaces. A less crowded alternative to the major parks -- ideal for peaceful morning or evening dog walks. Water access and waste receptacles available.

Water Shade

Worth knowing:The quiet atmosphere makes this a good choice for anxious or reactive dogs who need space.

Map

Neighbourhood Off-Leash Areas

Compact, fenced off-leash enclosures serving specific neighbourhoods. Perfect for quick after-work runs when you don't have time for a full park visit.

Neighbourhood Bayview Arena Park fenced off-leash dog area

Bayview Arena Park

3230 Bayview Ave, North York, ON M2M 3R7

Fenced off-leash area with multiple gated entry points, serving the Bayview corridor. A smaller neighbourhood park -- best for a quick visit rather than extended play. Bring your own water.

Fenced

Worth knowing:No water fountain on-site. Bring a bottle and collapsible bowl year-round.

Map
Neighbourhood Yonge and York Mills fenced dog park near transit

Yonge and York Mills Dog Park

4070-4084 Yonge St, North York, ON M2P 1N9

Fenced off-leash area with double-gated entry, serving condo dwellers along the Yonge corridor north of York Mills. TTC and GO parking nearby makes access convenient. Open 6 AM to 11 PM.

Fenced

Worth knowing:Double-gated entry adds safety for dogs who bolt. No water on-site -- bring your own.

Map
Neighbourhood Linkwood Lane Park compact fenced off-leash area

Linkwood Lane Park

10 Linkwood Ln, Toronto, ON

Compact fenced off-leash area with set operating hours (6 AM to 11 PM). Best for quick visits -- no confirmed water fountain or washrooms on-site. A reliable neighbourhood option for daily use.

Fenced

Worth knowing:Closes at 11 PM -- one of the few parks with enforced evening hours.

Map
Neighbourhood Woburn Park gravel-surface fenced dog area

Woburn Park

Bathurst to Cranbrooke Dr, Toronto, ON M5M 1M1

Smaller fenced off-leash area with a gravel surface that handles spring mud well. Double-gated entry for safety. No confirmed water fountain -- bring your own. A solid choice during muddy April and May.

Fenced

Worth knowing:Gravel surface is a major advantage during spring mud season when grass parks turn to swamps.

Map

Newly Opened

The City of Toronto is expanding its network of off-leash areas. The newest North York addition opened in 2025.

New in 2025 Parkway Forest Park open green field at Don Mills and Sheppard

Parkway Forest Park

Don Mills & Sheppard Ave E, North York (off-leash area in the southwest section of the park)

A 3,300 m² off-leash area with separate small-dog and large-dog areas, opened in 2025 (the City's project timeline lists construction complete in June 2025, and the local councillor's office held an opening celebration on July 26, 2025). The City's design includes a bottle-filling station, a shade structure, and seating. Residents in the Don Mills and Sheppard area had been requesting it for years.

Small-Dog Area Water Shade

Worth knowing: Open now. Amenities are from the City's published design -- confirm the bottle filler is running before you rely on it, especially in winter.

Map Website

Which Parks Have Water?

Quick comparison of amenities across all 13 parks. Use this to decide which park matches your needs.

Park Water Fountain Washrooms Shade Fencing Surface
Earl Bales Park Yes Yes Yes Fenced Grass/dirt
Sunnybrook Park Yes Yes Yes Partial Grass/dirt
G. Ross Lord Park Yes Yes Yes Fenced Grass/dirt
Downsview Park Yes -- -- Fenced Grass
Edwards Gardens Yes Yes Yes -- Paved/dirt
Sherwood Park -- -- Yes Partial Natural
Leaside Memorial Yes -- Yes -- Grass/dirt
Windfields Park Yes -- Yes -- Grass
Bayview Arena Park -- -- -- Fenced Grass
Yonge & York Mills -- -- -- Fenced Grass
Linkwood Lane -- -- -- Fenced Grass
Woburn Park -- -- -- Fenced Gravel
Parkway Forest Bottle filler -- Shade structure Small/large areas --

Seasonal Tips for Dog Park Visits

Spring (April - May): Mud Management

Spring is peak mud season at grass-only parks. Your best options during April and May:

  • - Woburn Park: Gravel surface stays dry -- the #1 spring pick
  • - Sherwood Park: Forest boardwalks avoid the worst mud patches
  • - Bring towels and a muddy-paws kit for grass parks like Earl Bales after rain

Summer (June - August): Heat Safety

  • - Skip the 10 AM - 4 PM window on hot days -- go early morning or after 6 PM instead
  • - Use the back-of-hand test on pavement: if you can't hold your hand there for 5-7 seconds, it's too hot for paws
  • - Choose parks with confirmed water fountains (Earl Bales, Sunnybrook, G. Ross Lord) and always pack a collapsible bowl
  • - Watch for heat exhaustion -- excessive panting, drooling, disorientation, or pale/red gums mean move to shade, offer water, and call a vet
  • - Never leave a dog in a parked car in summer, even briefly -- the Toronto Humane Society warns interior temperatures spike within minutes

Winter (December - March): Cold Weather Tips

  • - Off-leash areas stay open through the winter -- check posted hours at the entrance
  • - Water fountains may be shut off in winter -- always bring your own water
  • - Watch for ice on boardwalks (Sherwood Park) and gravel areas (Woburn Park)
  • - Wipe paws after walks to remove road salt, which irritates paw pads

City of Toronto Off-Leash Rules

Official Off-Leash Area (OLA) Regulations

  • 1. Dogs must be under control at all times -- aggressive or threatening dogs will be removed
  • 2. Owners are responsible for cleanup -- bring your own waste bags (most parks do not provide them)
  • 3. Dogs must not chase or harass wildlife -- stay within designated boundaries
  • 4. Supervise your dog at all times -- do not leave dogs unattended in off-leash areas
  • 5. Leash required outside OLAs -- dogs must be on-leash in all other park areas
  • 6. Hours vary by park -- check the sign at the entrance (Yonge and York Mills and Linkwood Lane post 6 AM to 11 PM)

Letting a dog off-leash outside a designated area carries a fine of up to $615 under the City's bylaws -- a $500 charge plus a $110 victim surcharge and a $5 administration fee. Leashes can be no longer than 2 metres. To use an off-leash area your dog must be vaccinated and licensed; aggressive dogs with a bite history, Pit Bulls as defined by the Dogs Owner's Liability Act, females in heat, and dogs under a Dangerous Dog Order are not permitted, and dog training and electronic devices are prohibited. Want a new off-leash area in your neighbourhood? Email parks@toronto.ca with your suggestion.

What's Changing: Toronto's Dog Off-Leash Strategy

Toronto now has more than 80 off-leash areas citywide. In March 2025, City Council adopted a Dog Off-Leash Strategy (item 2025.IE20.9) -- the first citywide framework for where new off-leash areas go, how they're designed, and how existing ones are upgraded. Under the program, the City enhances 6 to 8 off-leash areas each year.

  • - Off-leash areas larger than 1,000 m² now permit commercial dog walkers; smaller areas do not
  • - Woburn Park is on the City's current and upcoming off-leash improvement list (program page updated May 5, 2026) -- look for posted notices before you visit, since upgrades can mean temporary closures
  • - For controlled socialization, 390+ fully fenced private dog yards near North York are bookable by the hour via Sniffspot

2026 Dog Events: Season Recap

These were the biggest dog events in and around Toronto in 2026. All four have passed; we have not confirmed dates for any fall or winter dog festivals, so check each organizer's site before planning.

April 3-5, 2026

Spring Canadian Pet Expo

International Centre, Mississauga

Multi-day pet expo featuring Cat Show, Dog Lovers Days Lure Courses, Aqua Dogs Dock Diving, and Canine Stars Stunt Dog performances. Pets welcome.

From $20

Spring 2026

Woofstock

Woodbine Park, The Beaches, Toronto

Toronto's largest annual dog festival. Agility courses, dog costume competitions, rescue village with adoption opportunities, and vendor booths.

Entry fee (check website)

June 13-14, 2026 | 11 AM - 6 PM

Barkham Festival

Markham Museum, Markham

York Region's largest dog-focused festival. 75+ vendors, lure course, agility, scent detection, and breed meetups with photographer. Ticket prices increase $5 at the door.

Past event

August 15, 2026 | 12 PM - 5 PM

Pampered Pooches T.O.

The Bentway, Liberty Village, Toronto

Toronto's biggest one-day FREE dog fest. 80+ vendors covering grooming, treats, accessories, wellness, toys, and photography. Free swag bag for the first 25 arrivals. TTC accessible, wheelchair-friendly.

FREE (past event)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best off-leash dog park in North York?
Earl Bales Park (4169 Bathurst St) is the top choice for most dog owners. It has a large fenced off-leash area, forest trails, water fountains, and waste stations across 127 acres. For a quieter experience with even more space, G. Ross Lord Park (4801 Dufferin St) offers 190+ acres with 4 km of trails through the West Don River valley.
Are there dog parks with separate areas for small dogs?
Downsview Park (35 Carl Hall Rd) is the best option in North York -- it has separate areas for small and large dogs within its fully fenced dog park. Smaller neighbourhood parks like Bayview Arena Park and Woburn Park also offer compact fenced enclosures suitable for smaller breeds.
Which North York dog parks have water fountains?
Parks with confirmed water fountains include Earl Bales Park, Sunnybrook Park, G. Ross Lord Park, Downsview Park, Edwards Gardens, Leaside Memorial Park, and Windfields Park. Smaller neighbourhood parks like Bayview Arena, Linkwood Lane, and Woburn do not have confirmed water -- always bring a collapsible bowl.
What are the off-leash rules in Toronto?
Dogs are only allowed off-leash in designated Off-Leash Areas (OLAs). Dogs must be under control at all times, and owners must clean up after their pets. Hours vary by park, so check the sign at the entrance. Dogs must not chase wildlife or harass other park users. Violations can result in fines. To suggest a new OLA in your neighbourhood, email parks@toronto.ca.
What's the fine for having your dog off-leash in Toronto?
Letting a dog off-leash anywhere outside a designated Off-Leash Area can cost you up to $615 under the City of Toronto's bylaws (a $500 charge plus a $110 victim surcharge and a $5 administration fee). Dogs must stay leashed everywhere in parks except inside marked OLAs. The city now has 80+ off-leash areas citywide, and a Dog Off-Leash Strategy adopted by Council in March 2025 enhances 6 to 8 of them each year, so it's worth checking for a newly upgraded one near you.
Which dogs can use a Toronto off-leash area?
Dogs must be vaccinated and licensed. The City does not allow dogs that are aggressive with a history of biting, Pit Bulls as defined by the Dogs Owner's Liability Act, female dogs in heat, or any dog issued a Dangerous Dog Order. Dog training and electronic devices are also prohibited in off-leash areas.
Are there dog-friendly trails in North York?
Yes. G. Ross Lord Park has 4+ km of scenic trails through the West Don River valley. Sunnybrook Park connects to the Don Valley Trail system (20+ km). Edwards Gardens & Wilket Creek Trail offers scenic ravine creek walks. Sherwood Park has forest boardwalks and natural terrain. All require dogs to be on-leash outside designated OLAs.
What dog events happened in Toronto in 2026?
The 2026 season included the Spring Canadian Pet Expo (April 3-5 at the International Centre), Woofstock at Woodbine Park, the Barkham Festival (June 13-14 at Markham Museum), and Pampered Pooches T.O. (August 15 at The Bentway). All four have passed. We have not confirmed dates for any fall or winter dog festivals, so check each organizer's site before planning.

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Last updated: October 23, 2026 with the opening of the Parkway Forest Park off-leash area, the City's off-leash eligibility rules and $615 fine breakdown, and a Woburn Park improvement notice

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