Don’t leave your best friend at home this summer!
How many times have you cancelled plans with friends because you wanted to stay home and hang out with your dog? I know I definitely have. The worst part (besides having to leave the house and put on pants) is knowing even if your doggos enjoy being in public places, they often aren’t allowed to come with you. With summer approaching, there is nothing more frustrating than having to leave your four-legged BFF at home when you go and see your human BFF. However, Toronto offers a ton of different activities and dog-friendly businesses so you don’t have to leave your pups at home.
Here is a list of the top 5 places to bring your best boi:
1. Barque Smokehouse
Who would have thought that barbequed grub and dogs would go so well together? Located in the heart of Roncy Village, this little BBQ place allows humans and their canine companions to spend time together on the patio. Unfortunately, under Ontario law, animals are not allowed inside restaurants (with the exception of service animals). Some restaurants will allow people to keep their furry friends with them on the patios.
2. Evergreen Brickworks
Evergreen Brickworks is an abandoned brickwork building which has been completely redesigned to be a powerhouse in sustainable living. They host a variety of different events, arts and programming. The Brickworks is also an amazing backdrop for your next photography session. I don’t know about you, but a photoshoot with my dog would be an amazing way to spend a Saturday afternoon after hitting up the farmer’s market. Well-behaved dogs are allowed on leash in all outdoor areas. Again sadly dogs aren’t allowed inside the buildings or without fenced areas.
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3. High Park
High Park is the perfect place to take your doggos this spring. The cherry blossom bloom is predicted to start in mid-April, just in time for the end of exam season! During peak times the park can be really busy and may be stressful for your dog, so if you’re not sure how your dog will react to a big crowd, there are other parks across the city to see cherry blossoms. A full list of parks with cherry blossoms can be found on the Toronto City website.
4. Woofstock
Woofstock is a weekend-long event celebrating all things dog! The event is taking over the Beaches in the east end of the city. This event is the largest festival celebrating dogs in North America! There will a ton of different dog-centered activities and booths with pup-friendly treats and merch. The event will be taking place on May 25 till 26 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. at Woodbine Park. For more information, please visit the Woofstock event page.
5. Harbourfront Centre
There are a ton of different pet-friendly activities down at the Harbourfront. The center always has a variety of different programming available all year round. There is a ton of cool stuff to see in the area—everything from street food vendors to boats in the harbour. You can even take your dog onto the Tall Ship Kajama tours! For more about Harbourfront Centre events check out their website.
Looking for more fun things to do this summer? Check out New things to do in Toronto this summer!
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