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.

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.

 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.

Pickering

• Dunmoore Park Leash Free Areas – 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.
• Canine Activity Area – 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.
• Balsdon Park – Nestled in a subdivision, this is a small leash-free area. Users must park along the side streets as there is no parking lot.
• Grand Valley Park – This park features two designated leash-free areas.

Ajax

• Bottom of Hermitage Park – Off-leash designated area.
• Greenwood Conservation Area – Off-leash area with entrances to the water.
• Anglers Parking Area – Off-leash designated area.
• Audley Off-Leash Dog Park – Located just behind the Audley Recreation Centre sports complex.

Whitby

• Jeffery Street Off-Leash Dog Park South – Dogs and owners are welcome in this small fenced-in park in Whitby for games and socialization. 
• Cochrane Street North Off-Leash Dog Park – An off-leash dog park located in Heber Down Conservation Area in Whitby. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails.

Oshawa

• Harmony Valley Off Leash Dog Park – 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.
• Cordova Valley Park Off-Leash Area – This space is 0.29 hectares in size and fully enclosed. There is a separate enclosed area for small or vulnerable dogs.

Clarington

• Bowmanville Off-Leash Dog Park – This dog park features both small and large dog areas that are fully enclosed.
• Courtice Leash-Free Dog Park – This is a 1.5 acre fenced dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs.
• Newcastle Leash-Free Dog Park – This fenced off-leash park is located behind the Diane Hamre Recreation Complex in Bowmanville.

Uxbridge

• Uxbridge Off-Leash Dog Park – A fully fenced and gated one hectare area that features a 0.1 hectare enclosed area for small dogs.

Scugog

• Port Perry Off-Leash Dog Park – One hectare park located behind the Scugog Community Recreation Centre.

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. To find conservation areas and trails to take your pup, explore our interactive trails map or download the Durham Trails Guide. Please follow posted guidelines when visiting.

 Dog Friendly Patios

Slabtown Cider, Uxbridge | Photo credit: kahlua.malinois on IG

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.

Ajax

• Falcon Brewing Company – Dogs allowed on the patio

Whitby

• 5 Paddles Brewing Company – Dogs allowed on the patio
• Butchie’s – Dogs allowed on the patio and in Butchie’s Backyard
• Little Beasts Brewing Company – Dogs allowed on the patio
• Milestones – Half of their patio is dedicated to dog-friendly seating
• State and Main - Has a completely separate dog friendly patio
• Town Brewery's Pump House - Dogs allowed at the Whitby waterfront Pump House

Oshawa

• All or Nothing Brewhouse – Dogs allowed on the patio
• Brew Wizards Cafe – Dogs allowed on the patio
• Food Truck Corral – Dogs allowed

Clarington

• Tilted Glass Brewing Co. – Dogs allowed on the patio
• Chronicle Brewing Company – Dogs allowed on the patio
• Food Truck Alley - Clarington – Dogs allowed

Uxbridge

• The Second Wedge Brewing Co. – Dogs allowed on the patio
• Banjo Cider – Dogs allows on the patio
• Slabtown Cider – Dogs allowed on the patio

Scugog

• Old Flame Brewery – Dogs allowed on the patio
• Two Blokes Cider – Dogs allowed on the patio

 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:

• Pingle’s Easter-ific Egg Hunt Hoppy Puppy Experience – Celebrate Easter with your pup at Pingle’s Farm with a Hoppy Puppy ticket.
• 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.

A Selection of Pet Friendly Hotels in Durham Region

• Holiday Inn Express and Suites – Oshawa
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott - Oshawa
• Homewood Suites by Hilton – Ajax
• Best Western Plus – Bowmanville
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites – Bowmanville
• Residence Inn by Marriott – Whitby

Pet Friendly Bed and Breakfasts and Camping in Durham Region

• Darlington Provincial Park – Overnight camping, but please review their park policies on bringing a dog.
• Willow Pond Satellite Bed and Breakfast – Bed and breakfast in Port Perry.

For some extra tips and tricks when travelling with your furry friend, visit Destination Ontario’s travelling with pets resources.