5 partially off-leash dog beaches in Ontario
Ahh – the joy of visiting partially off-leash dog beaches in Ontario! These are some special places where your dog can splash around off-leash to their heart’s content, living their absolute best life.
But, unlike off-leash dog beaches, once they’re back on dry land (aka the sand or pebbles), it’s leash time again.
The 5 partially off-leash dog beaches in Ontario at a glance:
- Pinery Provincial Park
- Point Farms Provincial Park
- Turkey Point Provincial Park
- Sibbald Point Provincial Park
- Sunset Point Beach
What is a partially off-leash dog beach?
It’s like the perfect middle ground for those of us who want our dogs to enjoy some freedom, while also keeping things safe and respectful for all other beachgoers too.
This means that dogs can enjoy swimming off-leash, but once they’re back on land, they need to be leashed up.
If this sounds exactly like your kind of dog-friendly beach day, there are a few gems scattered across various regions of Ontario, where you can enjoy just that.
Why leash your dog on land?
Rules and regulations can feel intimidating. Like… say a big sign that says “dogs must be leashed on land” can sometimes be interpreted as “finnee your dog can come to the beach, but they’re not actually welcome”.
I can see why it might feel off-putting. But it’s far from that!
If you have a love for all animals, not just dogs, and a love for the environment, there are a few compelling reasons to obey this rule.
1. It protects your pet from traffic and unrestrained animals
You know how we get excited when we’re at the beach and want to do ALL the activities? Same thing with dogs! In excitement, some dogs can have a heightened prey drive, increased curiosity, or the wild urge to chase everything!
While dogs might bark from frustration, the leash allows wildlife, people, and other dogs to safely pass by excited dogs and reduce the chance of accidents or animal bites from happening.
2. You’re protecting the environment
The environment, like the beach, shoreline, and surrounding parts is made up of a mixture of living and non-living parts that interact together in harmony.
Depending on where you’re visiting, some of these ecosystems have unique features and resources. Many of these ecosystems are considered fragile.
This means that if something is easily disturbed (like a pup running wildly through the underbrush of a forest – killing plants that small animals feed on), the environment can take an incredibly long time to restore.
As responsible dog owners, aim to leave no trace behind and leave our natural surroundings the way they were. By keeping dogs on a leash you can help keep dogs on designated walkways, and trails, and keep them from chasing wildlife.
3. It’s easier to find your dog’s business
Keeping a dog on a leash allows us to see where our pups decided to poop. And aside from being a good citizen to pick up the poop, dogs – even healthy ones! – can carry viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can spread to wildlife.
4. …and keep them away from other’s business too
Keeping your dog on a leash on land means they’re less likely to be exposed to Parvo or Distemper. When they’re on a leash, you’re more likely to keep your pup from sniffing droppings of other animals.
5. It’ll help keep you safe too
In especially rugged areas, letting your dog run off-leash after swimming can compromise your safety. Unleashed dogs can lead animals like skunks, raccoons, or even coyotes back to you.
Partially off-leash dog beach details
1. Pinery Provincial Park
The park might have made a name for itself with its rare Oak Savanna ecosystem, but its soft dunes stretching for kilometres make the park a popular place to swim and sunbathe.
Bug season tip: If you’re thinking of visiting Pinery for your pup to go swimming, your best bet is to visit in June. There are fewer biting flies in the early season compared to July, August, and even sometimes September! I can promise you that biting flies can and will drive both you and your dog off the beach super fast.
What you need to know
Address: 9526 Lakeshore Rd, Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0
Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 10 PM
When are dogs allowed?: Yearound
Region: Southwestern Ontario
Beach Terrain: Sand and pebbles
Dog-friendliness: Off-leash in water, but leashed out of water.
Beach Boundary: Northernmost end of the Day Use Beach
2. Point Farms Provincial Park
Close to Goderich on the shores of Lake Huron, Point Farms Provincial Park is a little smaller than Pinery Provincial Park, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in views.
Its beaches and cliffs overlooking the lake offer some stunning sunsets. Although the beaches aren’t soft sands like Pinery either, its pebbly beach shores are clean.
What you need to know
Address: 82491 Bluewater Hwy, Goderich, ON N7A 3X9
Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 10 PM
When are dogs allowed?: Mid-May to mid-October
Region: Southwestern Ontario
Beach Terrain: Pebbles
Dog-friendliness: Off-leash in water, but leashed out of water.
Beach Boundary: Southernmost point of the beach
Considering the park is just north of Goderich, dubbed the ‘Prettiest Town in Canada’, Point Farms Provincial Park is a great addition to add to short weekend itinerary too!
There are 3 pet-friendly hotels located right in town:
I’d suggest checking out Samuels Boutique Hotel first! It’s the closest hotel to Point Farms Provincial Park – literally a 5 minute drive away! Bonus: they offer free parking too! Yes!
3. Turkey Point Provincial Park
What you need to know
Address: 194 Turkey Point Rd, Turkey Point, ON N0E 1T0
Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 10 PM
When are dogs allowed?: early-May to end of October
Region: Southwestern Ontario
Beach Terrain: Sand
Dog-friendliness: Off-leash in water, but leashed out of water.
Beach Boundary: Entire beach
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4. Sibbald Point Provincial Park
What you need to know
Address: 26071 Park Rd, Jacksons Point, ON L0E 1L0
Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 10 PM
When are dogs allowed?: Year-round
Region: York, Durham and Headwaters
Beach Terrain: Pebbles
Dog-friendliness: Off-leash in water, but leashed out of water.
Beach Boundary: There are 2 beach pet areas. The first is the north beach near Elldon Hall, and the second is the easternmost point of the main public beach.
5. Sunset Point Beach
What you need to know
Address: 79 St Lawrence St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 4Y3
Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 9 PM
When are dogs allowed?: Year-round
Region: Bruce, Grey and Simcoe
Beach Terrain: Rocks and stones
Dog-friendliness: Off-leash in water, but leashed out of water.
Beach Boundary: Entire beach
Map
Here’s a map of the beaches mentioned – helpfully separated by which region of Ontario they’re located in:
- Southwestern Ontario (red)
- York, Durham and Headwaters (teal)
- Bruce, Grey and Simcoe (blue)
Conclusion
Remember, these spots are just a few highlights of what Ontario has to offer. Whether it’s the off-leash water fun or the on-leash camaraderie of a beach walk, there’s something incredibly bonding about these experiences.
Don’t forget to leash up (partially!), pack some water and treats, and set out for a day filled with wagging tails and crashing waves.
