Best Dog Parks in Toronto & GTA (2026): Richmond Hill, Markham, Scarborough & North York
Looking for a safe, convenient off-leash dog park in the Greater Toronto Area? This guide groups 18 parks by neighbourhood, explains the facilities that have been confirmed, and includes a Google Maps search for each location. Not every park has a small-dog section, lights or water, so check city notices and on-site signs before visiting.
Richmond Hill Dog Parks
Phyllis Rawlinson Park Off-Leash Dog Area
The approximately one-hectare fenced dog area has double-gated entries and a designated small-dog section. Parking and washrooms make it a practical choice for longer outings. Dogs must be leashed outside the marked off-leash area.
Address / location: Phyllis Rawlinson Park, Richmond Hill
Tower Hill Off-Leash Dog Area
This approximately 0.75-hectare enclosed dog park includes double-gated entries and a small-dog area. It connects to local trails, so owners can combine supervised off-leash play with an on-leash walk.
Address / location: Tower Hill Road, Richmond Hill, ON
Markham & Thornhill Dog Parks
Huntington Park Off-Leash Dog Park
Huntington Park is one of Markham's four permanent off-leash dog parks. The broader neighbourhood park also has a playground, soccer and baseball fields, and nearby Huntington Trail connections. Only the designated dog area permits off-leash activity; small-dog segregation, water access and lighting have not been confirmed.
Address / location: 116 Huntington Park Drive, Thornhill, ON
Boxgrove Off-Leash Dog Park
This permanent off-leash area serves southeast Markham and the Boxgrove community. The surrounding community park also supports family recreation; leash your dog whenever you leave the designated dog area.
Address / location: 6780 14th Avenue, Markham, ON
Cornell Community Dog Park
Located in the Cornell neighbourhood near Cornell Woodlot Park, this is a permanent municipal off-leash area. It's a convenient option for east Markham residents. Confirm the dog-area entrance when you arrive.
Address / location: 300 William Forster Road, Markham, ON
Miller Avenue Off-Leash Dog Park
A permanent Markham dog park near the Highway 7 and Warden area. Confirm on-site whether drinking water, lighting or a separate small-dog section are available; these amenities are not verified in this guide.
Address / location: 560 Miller Avenue, Markham, ON
Scarborough Dog Parks
Thomson Memorial Park Off-Leash Area
A designated off-leash area within a large Scarborough community park near Lawrence Avenue. Other lawns, paths and family amenities are not automatically leash-free, so follow posted signs.
Address / location: 1005 Brimley Road, Scarborough, Toronto
Scarborough Heights Park Off-Leash Area
A designated off-leash area near the Scarborough Bluffs. The wider park has lakeside scenery, but slopes and bluff edges make it especially important to stay inside marked areas and keep dogs leashed elsewhere.
Address / location: 27 Fishleigh Drive, Scarborough, Toronto
L’Amoreaux North Park Off-Leash Area
A designated off-leash area in northern Scarborough, useful for residents around Finch and Warden. Check municipal notices before travelling because improvement work can affect access.
Address / location: L'Amoreaux North Park, Toronto
Warden Woods Park Off-Leash Area
A designated off-leash location serving southwest Scarborough. The larger park contains natural areas and trails; dogs need to be leashed outside the approved dog area.
Address / location: Warden Woods Park, Scarborough, Toronto
North York Dog Parks
Sunnybrook Park Off-Leash Area
A large fenced dog area, listed by the city at about 11,168 square metres. Published amenities include lighting, drinking water and a separate small-dog area. Typical listed hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; check seasonal conditions.
Address / location: 1132 Leslie Street, Toronto
Yonge and York Mills Off-Leash Area
This fenced neighbourhood dog area is listed at approximately 1,910 square metres, with grass and engineered wood-fibre surfaces. The municipal listing does not identify a separate small-dog section. Typical listed hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Address / location: 4200 Yonge Street, Toronto
Woburn Park Off-Leash Area
A compact fenced dog area of about 532 square metres, with a pea-gravel surface. No separate small-dog area or lighting is listed. Because it is small, consider quieter hours if your dog needs more personal space.
Address / location: 575 Cranbrooke Avenue, Toronto
Earl Bales Park Off-Leash Area
This extensive North York park includes a designated off-leash area, but the rest of the park is not generally leash-free. Check the municipal directory and signs for the exact dog-area location.
Address / location: Earl Bales Park, North York, Toronto
Toronto: Other Picks Dog Parks
Sherwood Park Off-Leash Area
A wooded, fenced off-leash setting with a more natural walking experience. Toronto lists drinking water but no separate small-dog section or lighting. Typical hours are 6 a.m. to midnight.
Address / location: 190 Sherwood Avenue, Toronto
High Park Off-Leash Area
High Park has designated off-leash sections with natural trails and green space. Off-leash permission applies only in clearly designated areas, not throughout the entire park.
Address / location: High Park, Toronto
Cherry Beach / Clarke Beach Park Off-Leash Area
A popular lakeside destination with a designated dog area. The dog area is distinct from general-use beach space, and enhancement work may affect access. Follow signs around shorelines and park entrances.
Address / location: Cherry Beach Off-Leash Dog Park, Toronto
Gihon Spring Park Off-Leash Area
This newer dog area was completed in 2026 with a layout that includes separate large- and small-dog zones, grass, shade, seating and drinking-water amenities. Check on-site notices before visiting.
Address / location: Gihon Spring Park, Toronto
Markham Pop-Up Dog Parks
Besides its four permanent off-leash parks, Markham operates pop-up off-leash areas. These should not be treated as permanently open sites. Check city announcements for current locations, dates and rules.
Richmond Hill Seasonal Hours
The city's listed hours for its two dog parks are generally 7 a.m.–10 p.m. from April 15 to October 15, and 8 a.m.–7 p.m. from October 16 to April 14. Verify current posted hours when planning your visit.
Dog Park Etiquette and Safety: Ontario SPCA Guidance
Make sure your dog is ready
An off-leash park is not right for every dog. A dog should be healthy, appropriately vaccinated, comfortable around other dogs and responsive to recall. Puppies without age-appropriate vaccinations and dogs that are fearful or overwhelmed may be better suited to other activities.
Observe before entering
Watch how the dogs inside are interacting. A crowded entrance, persistent chasing or tense behaviour can be a good reason to come back later. Use designated small-dog areas where appropriate.
Bring water and waste bags; watch toys
Bring fresh water and clean up after your dog. Some facilities close taps seasonally. Toys and treats can trigger resource guarding or conflicts, so follow posted park rules. Use double gates carefully.
Supervise your dog at all times
Avoid becoming distracted by your phone. If your dog freezes, hides, tucks its tail, is cornered, repeatedly chases or displays threatening behaviour, calmly intervene and leave if necessary.
Follow local leash bylaws
Off-leash permission applies only inside legally designated areas. On trails, playing fields, beaches and adjacent public spaces, leash rules still apply. Follow the rules of Toronto, Markham or Richmond Hill as relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dog parks are in Thornhill?
Huntington Park Off-Leash Dog Park at 116 Huntington Park Drive is one of Markham's four permanent municipal dog areas. The wider park also has sports fields, a playground and nearby trails.
How many permanent dog parks does Markham have?
Markham lists four permanent locations: Boxgrove, Cornell Community, Huntington Park and Miller Avenue. Pop-up areas follow separate arrangements.
Does Richmond Hill have small-dog areas?
Yes. Phyllis Rawlinson Park and Tower Hill have dedicated small-dog sections and double-gated entries.
Are all Toronto parks off-leash?
No. Dogs must generally remain leashed unless they are inside a designated off-leash area. Look for signs and consult the municipality's directory.
Official Sources
Information reviewed in October 2026. Park amenities, access, operating hours and works can change; verify with official sources before visiting.
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