Written by: Celina Ip
Every puppy parent knows the word ‘walk’ is not one to throw around lightly. After all, it’s a promise that must be kept. A simple utterance of the word sends tails wagging – and while a walk around the block might suffice, dogs live for adventure. They like to sniff, they like to run, and just like their humans, they like to socialize. Oakville and Burlington are dog-friendly cities with a vast selection of off-leash parks. For dogs big and small, these areas of wonder are just the place to run until their heart’s content:
Oakville
Kingsford Gardens (2667 Kingsway Dr)
- Smaller fenced-in, off-leash dog park
- Located in Kingsford Gardens (well-maintained and beautiful garden lot)
- Close to many walking trails
- Open seven days a week, 8 am until 11 pm
Lakeside Dog Park (2266 Lakeshore Rd W.)
- Fenced-in, leash-free dog park
- Chain-link perimeter fencing keeps all sizes and breeds in the zone
- Dual in-and-out gates and wheelchair accessibility
- Watering station available in warmer months
- Year-round restroom facilities and ample parking
- Garbage bins in the area
- Provides a beautiful view of Lake Ontario
- Next-door to Lakeside Park splash pad, a playground, and picnic tables
- Open seven days a week, 5:30 am until midnight
Glenashton Park (1051 Glenashton Dr)
- Smaller off-leash, fenced-in dog park
- Many picnic table on-site, and a wheelchair-accessible entrance
- A short walk away from other parks and trails: Postridge Park, Nena Woods Park, Bayshire Woods Park
- Next-door to a children’s playground, splash pad, and fields for soccer & baseball
- Open weekdays from 9 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Post Park (512 Macdonald Rd)
- Fenced-in, leash-free dog park
- Surrounded by trees (making it shady and cool) and a nice walking trail
- Watering station on site
- Garbage bins available
- Plenty of parking available
- Next-door to a small children’s playground and a soccer field
- Open seven days a week, 8 am until 11 pm
Trafalgar Memorial Park (120 Oak Park Blvd)
- Consists of two fenced-in lots: one for larger dogs (over 25lbs), another for smaller breeds (under 25lbs)
- The larger area also features two big ponds, an active playground, and a community area
- New trees have been planted
- One picnic table in each lot
- Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day
North Park (3250 Neyagawa Blvd)
- A medium-sized fenced-in park that welcomes dogs of all sizes
- Plenty of parking available
- A short walk to Lions Valley Park (features hiking trails and a beautiful creek)
- Open seven days a week, 8 am until 11 pm
Palermo Park (2345 Dundas St W.)
- Large fenced-in dog park
- Features a nice walking trail surrounding the park
- No watering station on-site, so owners should bring a portable bowl and water for their dog
- Open seven days a week, 8 am until 11 pm
Bronte
Shell Dog Park (3307 Lakeshore Rd W.)
- Fenced-in, leash-free dog park
- Many picnic tables
- Watering station and doggie bags available on site
- Many garbage bins right outside the leash-free area
- Clean and well-maintained
- Next-door to a tennis court, kids park, Shell Skateboard Park, and walking trails
- Open seven days a week, 8 am until 11 pm
Burlington
King Road Leash-Free, at Bayview Park (1800 King Rd.)
- This medium-sized fenced-in dog park welcomes dogs of all breeds and sizes
- The location provides beautiful views of Burlington and Burlington Bridge
- Located in Bayview Park, along with a baseball diamond
- Open seven days a week, from 8 am until 8 pm
Roly Bird Park (2203 Industrial St.)
- Smaller fenced-in dog park, perfect for smaller dogs
- Shaded by many large trees
- Picnic tables on site
- Plenty of parking available
- Next-door to a baseball diamond, two sports fields, and a children’s playground
- Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day
Norton Park (3035 Tim Dobbie Dr.)
- Fenced-in dog park divided into two lots, one for larger dogs and the other for smaller dogs
- Watering stations and garbage bins on site
- Next-door to two artificial turf fields, a basketball court, skateboard park, and a children’s playground with splash pad
- Plenty of parking available
- Open seven days a week, 7 am until 10 pm
Mississauga
Jack Darling Memorial Park (1180 Lakeshore Rd. West)
- One of the largest fully fenced off-leash dog parks in Ontario (22 acres for dogs to freely run around and play)
- Chain link fence surrounds the perimeter
- Shade provided by trees
- A fully-functioning water station for dogs to cool down
- Many hills for dogs to get some exercise
- A couple picnic tables to rest and relax
- Complimentary doggy bags at the entrance
- Located along Lakeshore Road, the park provides a beautiful view of Lake Ontario
- The broader Jack Darling Park includes hiking trails, picnic areas, a children’s playground, bathrooms, and splash pad
