
So much pup stuff and so little time
Thinking about what to do with your pup this Labour Day weekend? Well, here are Bark ‘n Yapp we have been working our paws off to find you all sorts of options. From staycation ideas to day trips, there are so many wonderful dog friendly options in and around Toronto.

Plenty of staycation options
Toronto is one of the most dog friendly cities in North America. Although dogs are not allowed in restaurants or bars, there are plenty of patios where you can tie your dog beside your table. They also leave out water bowls. That’s one of the big changes we have seen in the past couple of years. This is primarily due to the increased number of dog owners living in the ever-expanding number of condos in the downtown core.
We can assure you that you will come across at least one dog on any walking trip you take in downtown Toronto. Even in the heart of the financial district.
Lots of activities along Lake Ontario
Three of our favourite dog friendly activities are:
The Tall Ship Kajama – a dog friendly boat adventure that allows you to see the city from the inner harbour
Woodbine Beach – kilometres of boardwalk, sand, grassy areas for picnics and a giant off leash park that allows for your pups to swim
Trillium Park at Ontario Place – this park might be a bit crazy during Labour Day with the Ex going on, so throw it on your dog’s bucket list for the following weekend.
Favour a walking tour?
There are so many dog friendly neighbourhoods, but our favourite has to be Trinity Bellwoods/King West. You can spend an entire day walking around this area. You’ll find plenty of shops that will allow your pup to come in while you browse, dog friendly patios if you want a bite to eat and 3 off-leash parks. You can check out more off-leash parks in the GTA here.
If you need of help finding other dog stores and services while you are traveling around, you can download the Bark ‘n Yapp App (iOS or Android). It gives you the ability to locate, research and review all things “dog” in and around Toronto…and many other cities across Canada
Let that puppy ride!
Getting away from the maddening crowds of the big smoke might be the idea of a perfect weekend for you and your pup. Well if it is, then Bark ‘n Yapp is here to help you with some excellent options all around the Golden Horseshoe.
Looking to head a little north?
Well we suggest you check out either Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, in Caledon, or Eldred King Woodlands, in Stouffville. Both are less than a 1 hour drive from downtown Toronto (depending on traffic) and will give you hours of hiking time with your pup.
Head east for some beaches
We recently had our boy Blue was checking out some great options in Prince Edward County.
Drive about 2 hours east of Toronto and not only will you fall in love with the scenery, but you will also find Sandbanks Provincial Park and North Beach Provincial Park. Just a heads up, if you are planning on Sandbanks, you will want to arrive early to avoid the line ups to get into the park!
Niagara is an other great area that is pretty dog friendly. Many of the wineries are now allowing dogs and you can always stroll the streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake, but don’t expect to bring your pup into too many of the shops. That does make us a bit sad.
So what are you waiting for!
With so many options for you and your pup, you really have no excuses. Just a few reminders.
- Make sure to pack plenty of poop bags, because you don’t want to leave your good buddies sh!t behind.
- Bring lots of treats…your pup made us say that
- A folding water dish is great, especially if you are walking around the city. It can get hot and it’s pretty easy to grab a bottle of water for your pup along the way.
- Make sure your dog has some identification. Just in case they happen to break free, when they are away from home, they will need some way to be reconnected with you.
- Did we mention poop bags. Oh we did? Well, you can never have enough of them.
- If you need to find resources while you are out and about, carrying the Bark ‘n Yapp App is the fastest and easiest way to find whatever you are looking for for your pup.
Now go out and enjoy some pup time this Labour Day weekend
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