Discovering Dog Friendly Conservation Areas!
Contact me (click)
Dogge Bed & Breakfast (home-boarding, two trail hikes every day!)
Forest & Ravine Hikes
I am always in search of new trails for my canine friends to explore. Their joy as they discover a new locale is pure and unbridled. Should you know of a forested/open trail where dogs can run freely as they are meant to, please do contact me.
Dogs who enjoy hiking would love our dogge bed and breakfast, as well as our half and full day home daycare (out-of-town nature hikes every day!).
An Important Read! Is you dog safe off-leash? http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/safe-off-leash
. Note: some dogs need a bit of help staying warm while hiking! Click on this link!
http://www.backcountryk9.com/Products/The-Tick-Key
Might be a good idea to carry this tick removal key - and you may want to check with your vet that the tick was fully removed. Not a pleasant topic, but a necessary one.
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Oakville - off leash: Bronte Creek. Frida, Sebastian and my other canine friends have not explored this park yet. If you have, drop me a line. Sounds really good - trails, water, off leash!
Crawford Lake Conservation Area (Milton) http://suburbantourist.ca/outdoors/crawford-lake-conservation-area-in-early-spring/ Sounds beautiful!
Meadowvale Conservation Area - dog-friendly (I shall check this out with our lab Frida, Sebastian our American Alsatian, and Sadie our sweet mini-golden-doodle guest tomorrow!) The trail is about 30 minutes driving from Toronto West.
Crothers' Woods - "a hidden gem in the heart of the city"
Ravine secrets as posted in NOW magazine:
http://www.nowtoronto.com/news/story.cfm?content=194569
Brampton! This is a good time of year (still) to take your pup for a hike in one of Brampton's conservation areas. Off leash is generally acceptable - it does depend on the visitors that day. Click on Brampton which will send you to the related page.
Mississauga Parks! Please do send me feedback! Love to hear from you and your pup(s)! Some hidden gems here!
Erindale Park (Mississauga) - I haven't been here, but this park does seem worth a visit. While not officially off leash, I have heard having your pup leash-free is tolerated. Dundas Street West and Mississauga Road area.
Meadowvale Conservation Area - possibly worth a try! Not off-leash officially, although this may be tolerated. I plan to go this Saturday with my Frida and two dogs who are boarding with us. I'll ask them what they think and get back to you! About 30 - 40 minute drive.
Lake Shore Blvd W
300 m
6. Keep left at the fork, follow signs forGardiner Expressway W and merge ontoGardiner Expy W
5.7 km
7. Take exit 139 for ON-427/Brown's Line/Sherway Gardens Road toward Ontario 401
600 m
8. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for ON-427/ON-401/Airport and merge onto ON-427 N
7.5 km
9. Take the ON-401 W exit on the left
4.8 km
10. Keep left at the fork, follow signs forQEW/Hamilton/Ontario 403/Ontario 410/Brampton
1.0 km
11. Keep left at the fork, follow signs forOntario 401 W and merge onto ON-401 W
5.4 km
12. Take exit 340 for Mavis Road
550 m
13. Turn right onto Mavis Rd (signs for Mavis Road N)
350 m
14. Take the 1st left onto Sombrero Way
750 m
15. Turn right onto 2nd Line W
900 m
16. Turn left onto Old Derry Rd W
850 m
Old Derry Rd W
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This is a great map of conservation areas - wonderful treat for you and your pup!
http://ontarioconservationareas.ca/component/geocode_factory/?view=mapcb&idMap=1&Itemid=538
I have a feeling there are some gems listed here: http://www.petfriendly.ca/dog-parks/dog-park-ontario.php#.UzeT1z_NnMU
Some trails and ravines in the east end: http://followtheleaderinc.com/news/torontos-best-dog-parks-and-ravines-part-1-east-end
Richmond Hill! I haven't reviewed this area, but it seems there are great trails just north of Toronto! Here's a link that lists and describes some of the trails! http://www.everytrail.com/browse.php?activity_id=5&city=Richmond+Hill&country=canada&state=Ontario
Rouge Valley - this link describes the various trails and lists whether the trail is dog- friendly. It's time for Frida and me -- and our canine friends -- to explore this park!
Greenwood Conservation Area - this is a conservation area near Ajax, east of Toronto. I'm not sure if the trails are legitimately off leash; reviews vary. It does sound worth the trip!
Thornton Bales Park - most dogs are off leash on this Newmarket trail, about 50 minutes from Toronto. It sounds worthwhile!
Limestone Conservation Area - an outstanding area about 50 minutes from Toronto (near Oakville). Click on the link to see a UTube video!
1. Lake Shore Blvd W
2. Gardiner Expressway W and merge onto Gardiner Expy W 5.6 km
3. Take exit 139 for ON-427/Brown's Line/Sherway Gardens Road toward Ontario 401
600 m
4. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for ON-427/ON-401/Airport and merge onto ON-427 N
7.6 km
5. Take the ON-401 W exit on the left
4.7 km
6. Keep left at the fork, follow signs forQEW/Hamilton/Ontario 403/Ontario 410/Brampton
900 m
7. Keep left at the fork, follow signs forOntario 401 W and merge onto ON-401 W
17.3 km
8. Take exit 328 for Regional Road 3/Trafalgar Road toward Haltons Hills/Georgetown/Oakville
650 m
9. Turn right onto Trafalgar Rd/Halton 3/Regional Road 3
11.1 km
10. Turn left onto 17 Side Rd
2.8 km
10. Turn right onto 5th LineDestination will be on the right
2.3 km
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park - about 45 minutes from Toronto. This park sounds like a worthwhile place to spend the day! I am looking for new places to take my canine friends. Perhaps this might be a weekend outing!
Note: Frida and I haven't explored this area yet, but today at Humber Bay East, I met a woman and her two fine dogs who have! The park is wonderful and although the parking lot may seem crowded, your privacy in such a large park is ensured! I was also told the park is unofficially off leash and travel time should be about forty-five minutes (well worth the trip, I was assured!).
Etobicoke Valley Off Leash Park
I may be starting a monthly weekend hiking exploration (more often if there is interest) - nearby conservation area explorations with dogs and their humans! Please drop me a line if you are interested!
Brampton Parks and Conservation Areas - check out this link and let me know about your adventures! There are some fine, forest paths with streams - I plan to take my dogs who board with me. I like to reserve our weekends for such explorations.
Taylor Creek Park - shared by Max's and Romeo's humans (mother and daughter): this is a great trail in the east end. The forest trail veers off from the cycle path. I believe it's around Woodbine and O'Connor.
http://www.tomoxby.com/smokey-hollow-bruce-trail-hike/
Smokey Hollow Bruce Trail is just one hour from Toronto - looks like a great trail and scenic hike. If you scroll down to the end of the page (on the link), you'll see more trails, some closer to Toronto - with a sense of the rugged to them!
http://coldcreek.ca/aboutus/location - this looks interesting. I hope to check it out this weekend!
Etobicoke Valley Off- Leash - I listed this park before and I am doing so again! I am so grateful to have a stream, forest, and paths for my dogs to discover! And it is a legitimate off-leash park! Hope to see you there!
Todmorden Hills Heritage Site (Toronto East) - I happened to discover this sweet city trail within the Papermill Theatre area. As I walked, I longed for my Frida - it's so special to explore new sights together! It is an on-leash park, but I think a fine canine friend would not unwelcome.
Berry Road Park http://gtaparks.blogspot.ca/2009/05/berry-road-park.html - Today I took my dogs to Humber Bay East which is not an off leash park, and naturally, we were surrounded by humans! So I sought out a small hide-a-way called Berry Road Park. I think I'll go there again with my Frida when we are pressed for time and seeking reprieve from the city (Frida gets to accompany me on almost all our hikes).
Crawford Lake - this is near Milton. I am just looking into hiking in this region. Possibly forty-five minutes from the High Park area.
Albion Hills - Frida and I haven't hiked here. If you do, we'd love to hear from you!
Open: May-September
Nearest Town/City: Bolton
Location: Hwy 427 north to Hwy 7. Take Hwy 7 West to first set of lights (Hwy 50). Go right onto Hwy 50 and travel north through Bolton for about 23km. Entrance is on the left (west) side of the road.
Phone: Metro Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (416) 661-6600
Cost: $4.00 per person
Total trail system: 26.5 km
Maximum loop: 9 km
Trail grades: Primarily double track
Comments: Albion Hills offers 450 hectares of rolling hills and forest. The Albion Hills trails are mainly double track ski trails with some single track. This is a good area for beginner and intermediate riders but offers little in the extreme category
Boyd Conservation Area - this conservation area will reopen this April. It does look inspiring and not to far out of the city: "Boyd Conservation Area, located in the City of Vaughan along the picturesque Humber River Valley, offers wonderful activities and experiences. The steep-sided Humber River Valley and tall trees provide a quiet refuge where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Opened in 1957, Boyd Conservation Area is TRCA's most popular picnic destination."
So, not officially off-leash, but possibly dog-friendly - Frida and I will check it out and report back!
The humans are emerging!
Now that it's getting warmer, city folk are enjoying trail hikes in the more civilized parks (East Humber Park, Maurice J. Breen, etc.). There are have occasions when individuals who are fearful of or actively dislike dogs, have made rather rude, forceful comments. So now, with spring around the bend, I am planning to be more discerning about the locations my dogs and I explore. I shall post which of these are dog-friendly!
Heart Lake Conservation Area - about thirty minutes travelling time from the High Park area (in easy traffic). Frida, our two stay-over guests Shadow and Swiffer, and I plan to visit tomorrow afternoon (weather permitting). Little Swiffer doesn't enjoy hiking in the rain and as she is part of our troupe, we must attend to her preferences as well. I'll follow up on this one!
Lion's Head Valley Park; SIxteen Mile Creek Trail
This is an amazing, scenic natural park. We took the Gardener Expressway to Trafalgar Rd. North, hung a left on Dundas St. West, and then continued until we got to the park. The entrance is closed, but one need only continue west about 5 minutes and there is another entrance with some parking; turn left at 1280 Dundas Street West. Well worth the trip (about 40 minutes)!
Wilket Creek Park
This park is just north of Eglinton, on the west side of Leslie Street. Frida and I just happened to be in the area and I remembered the Sunnybrook stables from many years prior. If you drive in and take the first fork, left, in the road, you'll find plenty of parking space. Frida and I walked along the creek next to the paved road until we came upon a forested area to our right. Dogs were on leash along the paved area, but the forested area was ours alone and accordingly leash free! From the top most part of the area, we could see the creek below and stone slopes - all inspiring.
This may not be a hiking trail, but the time spent was really restorative.
Rouge Valley Park
Frida and I haven't hiked in Rouge Valley yet. We plan to before the month's end! Please click on the link for a few reports from those who have and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
South Humber Park
South Humber Park
Amazing! Another recent find!
Directions: Queensway to High Rd. (east of Parklawn);
you'll see the sign South Humber Park on the north side,
opposite Shoppers Drug Store; drive to the end of the
street and park beside the open field leading to the forest
trails.
Not officially off-leash, but no problem at all thus far!
Some coyote warnings.
Directions: Queensway to High Rd. (east of Parklawn);
you'll see the sign South Humber Park on the north side,
opposite Shoppers Drug Store; drive to the end of the
street and park beside the open field leading to the forest
trails.
Not officially off-leash, but no problem at all thus far!
Some coyote warnings.
This was a chance discovery. More soon, and/but really worthwhile (not off-leash, but I had three dogs with me and we were warmly greeted). There are cyclists, so your dog(s) must be bike-friendly! My Frida and her two friends Giselle and Belle entered the wooded area differently last weekend. I drove west on the Queensway to Stevens Street and parked beside a series of boulders - did I turn off Stevens at a street names Woodsworth? I'll have to recheck. But the woods are wonderful as a natural, wild hike (we went around a few times, the area is not immense, but still very pleasing!).
- http://www.blogto.com/city/2011/11/crothers_woods_is_a_hidden_gem_in_the_heart_of_the_city/ - I just read about this wooded area and have yet to explore it. If you get there before I do, please do send me a comment.
- West Don Mills Park - off Bathurst Street, north of Shepherd Ave. (off the east side of Bathurst) - a small gem. Easy to miss the sign/turn-in. Make sure to go into the forest where there are a few trails. Along the way there are small bridges made of wood slats. It's sweet to be in the forest and come upon man-made unobtrusive structures. This is a gentle trail. Dogs can go off leash as the trail is not widely used. I came upon one other hiker with a dog in the space of ninety minutes and we were all surprised to come upon each other!
- http://www.dogster.com/local/CAN/ON/Mississaugaetobicoke/Dog_Parks/Etobicoke_valley_leash_free_park-117620
Frida and I, along with Lucy the Beagle and Astro who was rescued from Northern Ontario, are going to check this out this afternoon. The park was under construction; there is now a large, flat dog park (off-leash), but I'm told if you go beyond that, there are wonderful trails and a creek. I'll let my dogs decide! Update: I love this space!
- I am looking into conservations areas within 1 hour's drive from Toronto (in all directions). Frida, I, and our canine friends (home boarding and special weekend hikes) are in need of some new sights/smells! If you have any suggestions please contact me.
- Harmony Valley Conservation Area has a 25-acre off-leash dog park! It takes about an hour and a bit to get there. Frida and I haven't hiked there yet, but I'm going to talk to her about it and see what her schedule will permit -- she's a busy working dog who watches out for her canine friends (and for me) as we explore new and familiar trails.
- http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-regions/southwestern-ontario
This is an amazing list of dog friendly trails, conservation areas, lakes (beaches), camping, canoeing/kayaking and more! I am wanting to take my Frida and our canine friends on a full-day hike/swim -- this list offers me inspiring choices.
- Totoredaca Leash Free Park affectionately known as Toto to it's members, is located in Mississauga, near Winston Churchill Blvd and the 401. I haven't explored this 4-acre fully equipped dog park. I plan to check it out in the next week or so. It sounds interesting - fairly large, with some natural wooded areas.
- Taylor Creek Park - more about this trail later today. It will become one of our standard within-city trails!
- Maurice J. Breen Park - this park was recommended to me by two sisters with five dogs. I mentioned my search for forest trails, and they asked me had I ever tried the park near Longbranch Station. After several attempts to find the park, I asked for further directions and one of the sisters took it upon herself to draw me a map. The park looks like a flat field with a playground. But - if you walk down the path and under the railway bridge, you'll come to a paved path, and off that path, forest trails. The park has a stream as well. Anyhow, my dogs and I loved the paths, and I have promised them I'd return tomorrow.
Now, it isn't officially off leash, but if your dog is well-behaved, you should be fine. There are cyclists, so we take to the forest paths.
NEW NOTE (Aug. 1, 2012) - I recently heard a bout of distemper is going around in the park (within the wildlife population). Please make sure your dog's immunizations are up to date!
- Rennie Park - a sweet gem near Swansea Town Hall. I took my dogs there yesterday and they really enjoyed the smells and gentle natural wonders. The trail is not that large, so we had to do a few loops. And I do have a few dogs who tend to explore further than I might wish, so I always bring exciting treats for them (which work perfectly for such excursions). We were alone on the trail - almost - except for two friendly fisherman.
- May 9, 2012: I thought I had discovered a dog-friendly (off-leash tolerated) oasis for my fine dogs at Echo Valley Park off Burnamthorpe, west of Kipling, but was informed today that owners (with dogs off leash) are being ticketed. Earlier this week, I was told quite the opposite. So I am once again seeking out a trail for my friends, a place with wide open spaces, some forest trails, and a stream, perhaps. My next journey will be to Todoredaca Leash-Free Park -- http://www.totoredaca.org/Park.htm.
- Claireville Conservation Area: Finally drove to Claireville with my lab Frida and two stay-over guests -- a cocker-spaniel/chihuahua named Shelby and Toby, a loveable beagle. Well worth the half-hour drive! The trails aren't marked, so take a compass! I was fortunate enough to meet a wonderful seventy-three year old and his two dogs who took me on a guided tour. This is a great place for dogs and humans alike! Dogs who thrive on scents can get carried away in such wilderness, so keep your wandering dogs within sight! Although not an off-leash area, dogs are off leash and people are friendly.
- April 16,2012: I am seeking trails out-of-city where my fine canine cohorts can run freely and most happily explore! Here are some options:
- Humber Bay Park East: Although Humber Bay East is not off-leash, during the winter it seems that free-running dogs are tolerated. I would suggest parking at the far side of the lot; it's a bit less busy (although the area is not busy during the week). This spot is big enough for energetic dogs to run and explore. Not far from downtown and quite close to High Park, Humber Bay East provides an open trail and lake shore (Lakeshore and Parklawn).
New Note, April 2012: tickets are being given out at Humber bay East now; I am looking for more trails slightly out of the city.
- Scarborough Bluffs: Although I've heard the Bluffs have fine hiking trails for dogs, I haven't traveled there with my dogs. Below is a website summary of the area. I do plan to explore the trails and will write my own review shortly after.
"A great place to come to when you are looking for a quiet secluded area along the waterfront of east Toronto. Scarborough Bluffs or Bluffers Park is located at the foot of Brimley Road in Scarborough. The bluffs are actually quite impressive visually and there is a nice walking trail below the bluffs that lead through the park as well as some of the naturalized areas in between the cliffs and the park."
Nov. 21, 2011
- St. Claire - Bathurst ravine today.I took the entrance beside the St, Claire - Bathurst subway station on the south side, but I think next time we'll go to the park at St. Claire and Spadina behind the tennis courts.
The ravine path winds under a bridge and leads to an off-leash area in the St. Claire - Spadina park (there are stairs leading up). My dogs and I checked out the off-leash area, which is large, but uneventful in terms of trees or shrubbery. I need to find the names of these parks and paths! In any case, we're headed for another fenced-in area tomorrow; Belle, the five-year-old fox terrier is a fearless explorer. I love her spirit, but this week we'll stick to those rather humdrum enclosed areas. Next week, Sherwood Park.
November 9, 2011
- Just a quick note! Harmony Creek, Eldridge King, Clareville Conservation area, Earl Bales Park - I plan to visit these in the near future. Look for updates!
- Rosedale Ravine Trail
The following is from the site:
"The Rosedale Ravine is amazing because it's right in the centre of Toronto. It starts right at Yonge and St. Clair. You've got the hustle and bustle, then you just duck down that sidestreet, Heath Street East, go down the staircase and suddenly you're immersed in the forest walking along a creek. You feel like you're transported miles away from the city. The Rosedale Ravine is a loop. To the south it takes you down to the Bayview Extension, north up to Moore Avenue or you can take it to Mount Pleasant Cemetery, across that old railway bridge that's now a foot bridge across Yonge Street.
Farther north, you can take it to the old Belt Line trail, the old railway that went through Forest Hill. You emerge from this forest and you're at a subway station. Some of the trees in Toronto's ravines are now more than 150 years old. They survived the urbanization of Toronto, and are part of our living history. Ravines are highly sensitive areas. They are storehouses of water and vegetation. When the topography, water flow or the natural plant community is altered in any way, the ecology and function of the ravine are also affected. Information provided by the Toronto website."
Rosedale Ravine Week! Anyone wish to join us next Sunday morning (Nov. 6) at 9 am? More precise directions to follow!
September 24, 21011
- A sweet lab-boxer's human spoke to me of a wonderful spot outside Toronto - Eldridge King. It may be about 40 minutes outside the city. I do hope the spelling is correct. I'll do a little research and share my findings. A sweet autumn journey, perhaps!
September 20, 2011
- Frida and I are visiting High Park again for a while, although those new fences are somewhat disconcerting. There are still forest areas she can run through, as is her bent, but the free feeling of old has diminished. The dog community is welcoming and friendly.
September 15, 2011
- I must start to detail these adventures. Frida, I, and Caroline traveled to Humber Bay Park West today around 4 p.m. There is a relatively new off-leash fenced-in area with trees and grass overlooking the lake and, for Frida who loves to swim, a clean well-kept area directly in front of the off-leash space. Last week I met up with two boxers and their humans (an exuberant 90-year old mother and her daughter). They had been frequenting Humber Bay East and the mother was inquiring why they had never visited the west part. "How could that be?" she said. "There's something tropical about it, isn't there?" I said, and both agreed.
This is how to get there: somehow get to Lakeshore and Parklawn. I take the Queensway to Parklawn; go south to Lakeshore, turn right (west) about the equivalent of one block; and then take the Humber Bay West entrance. Drive or walk all the way to the end of the paved road and park in the last parking area. There is no fee for parking at this time of year!
September 13, 2011
- We are going to check out 3 locations this week: Claireville; Credit River; and Rosedale Ravine! If your canine friend would enjoy exploring with us please feel free to contact me.
September 6, 2011
Not sure where we'll go tomorrow, but I'll write it up tonight. Anyone interested, please send me an email.
September 5, 2011
- We're off to explore the ravine at the "Three Pools Park." I think it's off Rosedale & Yonge Street. Let you know when we get back!
- http://www.infobarrel.com/Rouge_River_Park_in_Toronto_for_Hiking,_Photography_and_Walking_your_Dog
This link is an " Info Barrel" post about the Rouge Valley Conservation area. It's in the northeast end of Toronto and well worth the trip. Frida and I will be going this week. Anyone wish to accompany us?
- Email us the day and time that might be convenient for you, and we can arrange an exploration! See our Contact Us page.