When the weather warms up, dog owners look forward to their morning and evening walks. Few feelings can compare to strolling in the sunshine with your furry friend in tow—except maybe watching them run free. That’s where local dog parks come in. To be honest, we’re big fans of any green space where playful pups can ditch their leashes and explore. But we can tell you with complete confidence that some of the very best are here in West Toronto!

Here are five dog parks you should check out in the city’s west end…

1) Rennie Park

Rennie Park once had its own off-leash area, though it’s now closed. But we couldn’t leave this Swansea green space, which is still a favourite among dog lovers, off the list. This local park is well-known for its family-friendly amenities (including tennis courts, playgrounds, and a skating rink). But it’s also the perfect place to bring your furry friend when you’re pressed for time.

Here you’ll find relatively short yet pretty hiking paths, with lots of trees that take on an impossibly green hue in the spring and summer. Just make sure to keep your pup on a leash!

2) High Park

High Park is glorious. If you only choose a single Toronto green space to visit with your pooch this year, make it this one. First off, it’s the biggest. With its impressive 8.5 acres of off-leash territory, this is the ultimate place for your pup to roam.

High Park’s incredibly dog-friendly terrain includes plenty of paved trails that run beneath leafy canopies. You’ll also find a big open space affectionately known as Dog Hill. It features a water fountain to help keep pooches hydrated—and plenty of bench seating for proud doggie parents.

3) Kings Mill Park

Just south of Old Mill Station is a true hidden gem for dog owners. This woodland park, which runs along the Humber River, is home to a series of beautiful trails. Walk, bike, and (of course) take a stroll through nature with your four-legged friend!

Within Kings Mill Park, you’ll also find a convenient off-leash area. This space is completely fenced-in, so you can let your dog play freely—without the worry.

4) Bickford Park

Bickford Park is beloved, and it’s easy to see why. The baseball diamond, bocce ball courts, and toboggan hill all make it a fun place to spend an afternoon, while it’s off-leash dog area is ideal for energetic pooches.

While Bickford Park is perfect for play and recreation, it also boasts plenty of pretty natural scenery within its 3 hectares. No matter the season, you’ll find plenty of fellow dog lovers taking it all in with their furry pals.

5) Trinity Bellwoods Park

No list of west end dog parks would be complete without Trinity Bellwoods. Located in one of Toronto’s hippest neighbourhoods, this sprawling green space is a great spot to relax and catch some rays (just make sure to do so responsibly while social distancing is in effect).

More importantly for dog owners, it features a bowl-shaped, off-leash pit where pups can play! Highlights of this pooch-friendly space include plenty of grass, a doggie water fountain, and public washrooms nearby.

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