Dog parks in Etobicoke

 Don Russel Memorial Park

NW corner of Kipling Ave and Birmingham St View map »
Birmingham Street is just north of Lake Shore Blvd West crossing Kipling Avenue. The park is off of Birmingham St on the north side just west of Kipling. Free parking.

An average looking city park with a playground and a soccer field and a dog run at the back at the base of the water tower but none of that water is shared with park goers.

The area around the park is not the most beautiful in the world but the park itself is well maintained. I like the many garbage bins + recycling bins; they don’t look ugly at all and they encourage people to place their garbage where it belongs.

Don’t go out of your way to see this park with your dog but if you live in the area it’s worth a visit on the weekends.

 High Park

Bloor Street West and Parkside Drive View map »
The dog park is inside High Park by the main parking lot/restaurant, north of the zoo off of Colbourne Lodge Drive. See map for the exact location of the park.

High Park is the biggest public park in Toronto. Only a small portion of the park is designated as an off-leash area but even this area isn't fully fenced. Only pictures 2,3,4,8,13,14 and 16 were taken in the dog park the rest are from other part of High Park. There are so many trails and open areas that it is pretty safe to let your dog off leash except near the roads. If your dog is not leashed make sure he/she doesn't bother the ducks and the geese by the water!

The dog park itself is fairy large, it has running water and lots of benches but plastic bags aren't always available. The ground is a mix of sand and grass. I find it really odd that it is not fully fenced but maybe that's just because i'm used to going to large rural dog parks which are almost always fully fenced with a double gate.

High Park is definitely worth a visit not just for the dog park but also to see the beautiful pond, the trees, the Chinese gardens and grab a few hot dogs from the vendors. There is also a mini zoo in the park (it is not recommended you take your dog there and if you do you MUST leash him).

Nice place, check it out - it's beautiful in the winter too! (I like other parts of the park more than the dog park.)

 Rennie Park

Between Ellis Ave and Windermere just west of High Park View map »
Get on Windermere from Bloor Street or from Lakeshore Bldv from the south. Then take Wallis Ave to Ellis Avenue and you will see the park. There is street parking.

Rennie Park is just west of High Park on the other side of Grenadier Pond.

The park is located in a ravine surrounded by trees. The east side has a soccer field and baseball diamond and this is where the dog run in the south corner. It is not a very obvious park (no fences, benches, water or chew toys scattered all over) but I’m sure you’ll find it:)

Next to the park there is a path/road going down to a lake. There was some garbage and ugly construction fence on the side when I was around (May 2008) but it was probably just a temporary thing.

Samuel Smith Park

Kipling Avenue south of Lakeshore West Blvd View map »
The section of Kipling Avenue south of Lakeshore Blvd turns into the park.

Although not a designated leash free park this waterfront park is a great place for dog walks. There are several trails branching off from the parking lot. You can walk to the lakeshore or near the small ponds where ducks and swans are almost guaranteed to be seen. A large rain/sun shelter (open on the sides) is a good place to sit for a while and eat a sandwich and watch other people go by. It overlooks the greens of the Humber sports field which looks really nice with many trees and nice grass – so be sure to pick up the poop! (you need to bring bags because there aren’t any here, it’s not a “dog park”).

A super place for your dog and owner, highly recommended. But as soon as you take the leash off you will get a few strange looks/comments.