Dog Friendly Patios, Events and Trips To Take Your Pup in Durham Region

If you have a dog, then this is your blog. Big or small, short-haired or shaggy, your four-legged friend is part of the family. So why not plan a dog-friendly vacation that’s only a short drive from Toronto? From canine activity parks to pet boutiques, pet-friendly patios and even, dog-themed events, Durham Region is a great location for doggie day trips.

If you’re looking to have an overnight adventure, we’ve also included some pet friendly accommodations.

Dog Friendly Trails and Off-Leash Dog Parks

Durham Region is home to many off-leash dog parks, conservation areas and even the brand-new Canine Activity Area in Pickering—a first of its kind in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Whichever local park you are visiting, please be sure to follow posted rules about bringing your furry friend.

• Greenwood Conservation Area, Ajax:  Off-leash area with entrances to the water.
• Anglers Parking Area, Ajax:  Off-leash designated area.
• Audley Off-Leash Dog Park, Ajax:  Located just behind the Audley Recreation Centre sports complex.
• Balsdon Park, Pickering: Nestled in a subdivision, this is a small leash-free area. Users must park along the side streets as there is no parking lot.
• Bottom of Hermitage Park, Ajax: Off-leash designated area.
• Bowmanville Off-Leash Dog Park, Clarington: This dog park features both small and large dog areas that are fully enclosed.
• Canine Activity Area, Pickering:  Located in a leash-free area of Dunmoore Park in Pickering, this park features 10 activity stations designed by canine experts for owners and their dogs. Each station has a sign with step-by-step instructions to follow along as you and your furry friend learn new tricks together.
• Cochrane Street North Off-Leash Dog Park, Whitby: An off-leash dog park located in Heber Down Conservation Area in Whitby. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails.
• Cordova Valley Park Off-Leash Area, Oshawa: This space is 0.29 hectares in size and fully enclosed. There is a separate enclosed area for small or vulnerable dogs.
• Courtice Leash-Free Dog Park, Clarington: This is a 1.5 acre fenced dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs.
• Canine Activity Area, Pickering:  Located in a leash-free area of Dunmoore Park in Pickering, this park features 10 activity stations designed by canine experts for owners and their dogs. Each station has a sign with step-by-step instructions to follow along as you and your furry friend learn new tricks together.
• Dunmoore Park Leash Free Areas, Pickering: This leash free area in Pickering is fully fenced and has two areas; one for small dogs and another for all dogs, big and small.
• Grand Valley Park, Pickering: This park features two designated leash-free areas.
• Harmony Valley Off Leash Dog Park, Oshawa: There are two off-leash areas within the park’s 25+ acres of open fields, water features and walking trails, where you and your dog have the chance to socialize with dogs and other owners. There is one fenced-in area in the park.
• Jeffery Street Off-Leash Dog Park South, Whitby: Dogs and owners are welcome in this small fenced-in park in Whitby for games and socialization.
• Newcastle Leash-Free Dog Park, Clarington: This fenced off-leash park is located behind the Diane Hamre Recreation Complex in Bowmanville.
• Port Perry Off-Leash Dog Park, Scugog: One hectare park located behind the Scugog Community Recreation Centre.
• Uxbridge Off-Leash Dog Park, Uxbridge: A fully fenced and gated one hectare area that features a 0.1 hectare enclosed area for small dogs.

There are more than 350 kilometres of recreational trails that weave throughout Durham Region. From the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail to the rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine, Durham’s trails offer beautiful landscapes and fabulous four-season recreational opportunities. Explore more conservation areas and trails to take your pup.  Please follow posted guidelines when visiting.

Patios & Puppacinos

We’ve compiled a list of dog friendly patios for you to sip and savour your way across Durham Region. Please be sure to follow each establishments rules on bringing your furry friend.

5 Paddles Brewing Company, Whitby

Dog Friendly Events

All year round, there are pet friendly and pet-themed events for your four-legged friend. Check out the list below for seasonal dog friendly events in Durham Region.

Summer:

• Summer Days at Pingle’s (Pup Tickets) – Visit Summer Days at Pingle’s Farm. With a Pup ticket, dogs are allowed outside the market, in the wildflowers and in the playland.
• Dog Days of Scugog – A long weekend event held in July at the Scugog Shores Museum Village. Enter a contest, participate in an agility course, or talk with breeders and animal rescue agencies.
• Pingle’s Sunflower Experience (Dog Days) – Visit the Dog Days Sunflower Experience at Pingle’s Farm. Don’t forget your camera to snap pics of your pup!
• Doggie Day at The Sunflower Farm – Stroll through thousands of blooming sunflowers with your furry friend during one of the farm’s Doggie Day events.
• The Sunflower Bloom at Bragg Farms - For 3 to 4 weeks of the blooming season, you can enjoy black oil sunflower fields as they bloom by walking beautifully designed paths amongst 80,000 sunflowers. Dog walks are available each morning from 9 to 10 a.m. 

Fall:

• Pingle’s Harvest Festival (Hallowoof at Pingle’s) – Enjoy fall fun at Pingle’s Farm. Dogs are welcome on all general admission days, or during their annual Hallowoof event.

Winter:

• The Sunflower Farm Winter Farm Photoshoots – Visit the Sunflower Farm for a winter farm photo shoot with your pup.
• Pingle’s Snowshoeing at the Farm – Enjoy fresh country air while you walk, snowshoe or cross-country ski across Pingle’s Farm with your furry friend.
• Pingle’s Christmas Fest (Santa Paws) – Visit Pingle’s Farm during their Christmas Fest. With a Santa Paws ticket, dogs are welcome to partake in a wagon ride and photos with Santa.

Spring:

• City of Pickering's Petapolooza – Enjoy entertainment and activities for you and your furry friend at Pickering’s annual event in Esplanade Park.

Pet Friendly Overnight Stays

If you are looking to plan an overnight stay in Durham Region with your dog, we’ve got you covered. Explore the list below for pet friendly hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds.

Best Western Plus, Bowmanville

Go exploring and make some magical memories with your sweet little sidekick. When adventuring, tag @DurhamTourism and use the hashtag #DurhamDogs with all your best puppy pics so we can follow along on your amazing furry field trip.

  Explore more day trips to Durham Region

 Resources for travelling with pets in Ontario