15 Dog-Friendly Hikes around Toronto
When exploring out of the city, we don’t want to leave our best friends at home. While we’re taking in the fresh air, we want them to roll around and play, too. So, here are 15 dog-friendly spots—and even a few “dog-approved” off-leash parks—near Toronto that will leave your furry friend excited, delighted and definitely tail-wagging.
<div id="articleImage180190" class="articleImage" style=" width: 683px; display: block;">
<img src="https://explore-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/photo_180190_max.png" style=" margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" loading="lazy" alt="photo" class="lazyload" width="683" data-src="https://explore-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/photo_180190_max-jpg.webp"><div class="imageCredit">Credit: <a class="owner-name truncate" title="Go to don toye's photostream" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fullyreclined/" data-track="attributionNameClick" data-rapid_p="61">don toye</a> Flickr cc by 2.0</div>
</div>
1. Sherwood Park
Length: 5 km
Time: 1 hours
Off-leash? Yes
Trailhead: End of Sherwood Avenue, east from Mount Pleasant Road
Read more: torontodogstuff.com
Distance from Toronto: 0 km
Multiple loops, boardwalks and an off-leash area? Sign us up! Your pup will be meeting other dog buddies so make sure they play well with others. Most of the terrain is flat but there are some uphill climbs where you may want to put them back on leash.
2. High Park Trail
Length: 5 km
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Off-leash? Yes (in off-leash area)
Trailhead: At High Park
Read More: highparktoronto.com
Distance from Toronto: 0 km
Take your four-legged friend on a little city getaway. Avoid the weekends, as it gets crowded.
3. Lion’s Head Loop
Length: 15.3 km
Time: 3 – 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 400 m
Off-leash? No
Trailhead: Take ON-10 to Bruce County Rd.
Read more: alltrails.com
Distance from Toronto: 255 km
Your dog will definitely need some water and a snack for this long hike! They’ll also want to take many breaks after the tougher parts—this hike is harder than it seems. At the end, cuddle up and look out onto the water.
4. Don Valley MTB trails
Length: 23.2 km loop
Time: 5 – 6 hours
Elevation Gain: 260 m
Off-leash? No
Trailhead: Loblaws at 55 Redway Rd., Toronto
Read More: trca.ca
Distance from Toronto: 0 km
Perfect for an active dog that’s a good trail-running buddy! The trail is narrow, so you’ll both have to be mindful of the cliffs and elevation. Your dog will love running across the river and through the easy green trails.
5. Scarborough Bluffs
Length: 5 km
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Off-leash? No
Trailhead: Take Gardiner Expy E towards Scarborough and follow Brimley Rd S to your destination
Read more: toronto.ca
Distance from Toronto: 18.3 km
There are high peaks here, so keep your best friend away from the edges. Bring your pup to the beach afterwards, where they can keep their paws cool in the water.
<div id="articleImage180191" class="articleImage" style=" width: 728px; display: block;">
<img src="https://explore-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/photo_180191_max.png" style=" margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" loading="lazy" alt="photo" class="lazyload" width="3681" data-src="https://explore-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/photo_180191_max-jpg.webp"><div class="imageCredit">Credit: <a class="owner-name truncate" title="Go to Kevin Cabral's photostream" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevincabralstudios/" data-track="attributionNameClick" data-rapid_p="40" data-suggestiontype="Link in Article">Kevin Cabral</a> Flickr cc by 2.0</div>
</div>
6. Toronto Islands Trail
Length: 14 km out-and-back
Time: 3 hours
Off-leash? No
Trailhead: Boat leaves from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay St. and Queen’s Quay
Read more: torontoisland.com
Distance from Toronto: 0 km
A hike and a boat ride? Your dog is going to be so excited for this adventure! This one will be nice and easy, so get out of the house on a hot day. But the trail is paved, so make sure it’s not too hot for his paws.
7. Boyd Conservation Area Trail
Length: 3 km
Time: 1 hour
Off-leash? No
Trailhead: Take ON-427 to Vaughan
Read more: trca.ca
Distance from Toronto: 45 km
These trails wind through the scenic Humber River Valley. Keep your dog on a two-metre leash, allowing her to scavenge for sticks. Note: park admission fees apply.
8. Nottawasaga Bluffs Trail
Length: 4 km loop
Time: 2 hours
Off-leash? No
Trailhead: Take ON-410 past Dufferin County to Nottawasaga in Glen Huron
Read more: brucetrail.org
Distance from Toronto: 139 km
This will be your pup’s favourite place to visit, because they can explore through narrow crevices and caves.
9. Hogg’s Falls Loop
Length: 5.4 km total
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Off-leash? No
Trailhead: Take On-410 to Dufferin County in Shelburne towards The Blue Mountains
Read More: ontariotrails.on.ca
Distance from Toronto: 163 km
You and your pet can get plenty from this trail. Take 1.4-kilometre Loop A and if they have extra energy to burn, continue on to 4-kilometre Loop B.
10. Bruce and Pine Loop Trail
Length: 3.9 km loop
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Off-leash? No
Trailhead: Take ON-10 to Grey County Rd in Meaford, continue to Georgian Bluffs
Read more: alltrails.com
Distance from Toronto: 185 km
This trail is beautiful, with rushing water to entice you! This one is perfect for splashing in and cooling off on a hot day.
<div id="articleImage180192" class="articleImage" style=" width: 728px; display: block;">
<img src="https://explore-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/photo_180192_max.png" style=" margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" loading="lazy" alt="photo" class="lazyload" width="1024" data-src="https://explore-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/photo_180192_max-jpg.webp"><div class="imageCredit">Credit: <a class="owner-name truncate" title="Go to Ken Mist's photostream" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeno/" data-track="attributionNameClick" data-rapid_p="38" data-suggestiontype="Link in Article">Ken Mist</a> Flickr cc by 2.0</div>
</div>
11. Crothers’ Woods
Length: 9 km total
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Off-leash? No
Trailhead: Take Gerrard St W to Bayview Ave
Read more: toronto.ca
Distance from Toronto: 0 km
Dogs love when walks turns into outdoor adventures and all of the buildings turn into trees. Run alongside your dog on sunny days or trudge through the mud when it rains.
12. Culham Trail
Length: 11.2 km
Time: 2 – 3 hours
Off-leash? No
Trailhead: Take Gardiner Expy W to Mississauga
Read more: discovermississauga.ca
Distance from Toronto: 33 km
Your doggo will love to sniff around the greenery while you take cute pictures on this multi-use trail, which is split into different sections. If you venture off the main trail, beware of ticks.
13. Bronte Creek
Length: 0.5 km and 2 km loops
Time: 1 hour
Off-leash? Yes
Trailhead: Take the 403 to Oakville
Read More: ontarioparks.com
Distance from Toronto: 47.8 km
Finally—let your dog run free! The off-leash park areas allow your pup to burn off energy while you look at the historic farm.
14. Nassagaweya Trail
Length: 4.7 km one-way
Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 150 m
Off-leash? No
Trailhead: Take the 401 W to Milton.
Read More: ontarioconservationareas.ca
Distance from Toronto: 67.8 km
Even though the trail is well-maintained, you’ll have to keep your dog on leash. Trek all the way up to Rattlesnake Point to sit and look out at the lake. You can even go for a little dip afterwards.
15. Cedar Trail
Length: 2.2 km
Time: 1 hour
Off-leash? No
Trailhead: Take 401 to Scarborough though to Rouge Park entrance
Read More: rvcc.ca
Distance from Toronto: 35.6 km
Your dog will love darting over these rolling hills! Especially when there are small doses of fresh water that they can drink at the end. This is a shady trail with plenty of opportunities to rest.
Where do you and your pup explore around Toronto?
Tell us in a comment below!
Did this dog-friendly hiking round up inspire you to get outside and live the adventure?
We want to send exploration inspiration, outdoors challenges and adventure gear right to your front door.
Join more than 1,000 subscribers across North America in explore magazine’s “Live the Adventure” Club.
<div class="articleLink">
<div class="articleImage"><a href="20-Dog-Friendly-Hiking-Trails-in-Greater-Vancouver-BC" class="imageBox" style="background-image: url('https://explore-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dog-Hiking-Trails-Vancouver_max-jpeg.webp');"> </a></div>
<a href="20-Dog-Friendly-Hiking-Trails-in-Greater-Vancouver-BC" class="articleLinkTitle">20 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Near Vancouver, BC</a><br><div class="articleLinkText">Give Fido what he really wants—a scenic trail, fresh air, exercise and quality time with you. Here are 20 awesome dog-friendly trails in the Vancouver, British Columbia, area (plus off-leash dog parks and dog hiking tips!).