A look into the best dog paths in the Waterworks area

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As one of Downtown Toronto’s only gated dog parks, the off-leash area at St. Andrew’s Playground hosts a shaded enclosure and provides a taste of freedom for even the most impulsive canines who dash off at the first sign of a squirrel or other friendly critters.

St. Andrew’s Playground
St. Andrew’s Playground

Should you want to venture out a little further than your own backyard, below are some dog friendly trails perfect for both human, poodle, pomeranian or pug of the area to discover. The results will leave both you and your companion feeling full and exercised.

Harbourfront

From Waterworks, head south over the Bathurst Street bridge crossing Lakeshore Road to emerge onto the Queensway. Then head east, following the paths that run alongside the marina winding your way through the Toronto Music Garden.

Harbourfrontcentre.com
Harbourfrontcentre.com

Continuing along the Waterfront, you’ll pass the Purina Pawsway, Toronto’s only facility for pets and their owners. Offering weekend events, pet and human training, as well as drop-in off-leash indoor pet park, make sure you at least stop in for a coffee as the facility also features Toronto’s only restaurant with a pet-friendly eating area, William’s Fresh Café, where pooches are people too.

Before you leave the Waterfront area, pop across the street to Lickit Gelato, where the chefs regularly whip up a gelato just for canines. It’s dairy-free, sugar-free, and available in a peanut butter and banana flavour.

@Lickitgelato
@Lickitgelato

Head back home through Canoe Landing Park to catch a glimpse of the big red canoe, a sculpture created by Canada’s own Douglas Coupland.

Trinity Bellwoods

From Waterworks, head west along Richmond Street towards Trinity Bellwoods Park. Located in a deep bowl at the center of the park, the space is large, shaded by trees, and very social.

Head to the off-leash dog area, where all the hipster hounds hang out. Read a book on one of the benches while your pooch runs around meeting a slew of new friends. If you’re lucky, you’ll also meet a few doggy enthusiasts as well.

Photo of Trinity Bellwoods by Urbaneer.com
Photo of Trinity Bellwoods by Urbaneer.com

Once your canine’s energy has been expended, it’s time to head home. On the way back to Waterworks, take Queen Street this time and drop into Timmie Doggie Outfitters to check out designer toys, gourmet goodies, and grooming services for the furry favourite in your life.

@timmiedoggieoutfitters
@timmiedoggieoutfitters

Liberty Village

The westward walk from Waterworks is a great route to meet up with shaggy friends from Liberty Village. Walk along Adelaide or King Street and spend some time at the off-leash park at Stanley Park South.

Photo of Stanley Park South by City of Toronto
Photo of Stanley Park South by City of Toronto

On the way home, shop for necessities at Global Pet Foods, and check out the Park 9 which offers doggie play care, grooming services and boarding – for the next time you need a weekend away but can’t bring your furry friend.

park9dogs.com
park9dogs.com