Limited visitation for cats. See Details HERE
Over 100 gorgeous waterfalls are scattered throughout Hamilton, Ontario, just 45 minutes west of Etobicoke along the QEW. If your dog is able to tackle uneven terrain, you might spend a day exploring the forested trails that weave around Hamilton’s famous falls.
One notable walk—aptly named The Ancaster Village Waterfall Walk—winds through the trees along four key falls: Tiffany, Sherman, Little Canterbury, and Mills. This three-hour circular route begins on the Heritage Trail and extends along the famous Bruce Trail. More information is available here.
If you’ve worked up an appetite on your walk, you might head over to Hamilton’s beloved Locke Street where you can find pup-friendly café, My Dog’s Café and Bar.
Hop next door to West Toronto and hit one of the city’s key points of pride: High Park. Home to a massive leash free area that extends over more than eight acres throughout the park underneath a stunning tree canopy, High Park is a well-loved choice for an autumn stroll. Running water is available in the park, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own. But be aware the leash free area is not fully fenced—so be sure your dog has good recall before letting them free.
Part of the draw of High Park in the fall is that it is home to hummingbirds and hawks. Bring your binoculars and keep your eye out!
Not enough? Leash your pup and wander over to the High Park Zoo where you two can encounter bison, peacocks, and more. The zoo is free of charge and open from 7am until dusk.
Learn more about the High Park Leash Free area here.
Nestled in Mimico’s treasured watershed, Humber Bay Park offers countless joys.
Humber Bay is really two parks: Humber Bay Park West and Humber Bay Park East. The west park straddles Mimico Creek and includes a little-known well-treed and fenced leash-free area that opens onto a rocky shore and includes picnic tables. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to catch a few boats pulling out of the nearby yacht club as you play. Meanwhile, the east park includes a beautiful and recently improved series of trails that wind along Lake Ontario as well as an unfenced off-leash area. While the east park also includes a butterfly habitat perfect for a crisp morning discovery walk, the monarchs have also been known to make a home in the west park’s leash free zone.
The parks are also home to a great deal of bird species and are a much-loved site for birdwatchers and photographers. Learn more about Humber Bay Park West and East.