Allan Gardens' off-leash dog area
Dogs: Off the leash in the OLA
Yes. Allan Gardens has a fenced dogs off-leash area, open 5:30 am to midnight, with a separate area for small dogs, a dog fountain and a wading pool for dogs. Keep your dog on a leash in the rest of the park.
Last checked 22 October 2026. Rules change, so read the signs at the entrance.
Rules for dogs
- Off-leash hours: 5:30 am to midnight. (City of Toronto, Dogs Off-Leash Areas list)
- Fully fenced, on choker sand, about 2,650 square metres, with a dog fountain and a wading pool for dogs. (City of Toronto, Dogs Off-Leash Areas list)
- A separate small dog area, for dogs under 9 kg (20 lb) and no taller than 12 inches (about 30 cm) at the shoulder. (City of Toronto, Dogs Off-Leash Areas list; City of Toronto, Allan Gardens page)
- Commercial dog walkers may use it. (City of Toronto, Dogs Off-Leash Areas list; City of Toronto, Allan Gardens page)
- Everywhere outside the off-leash area, keep your dog on a leash no longer than 2 metres. Letting it run loose elsewhere can cost up to $615: a $500 fine plus surcharges. (Toronto Municipal Code, ch. 349, § 349-12.1; City of Toronto, Responsible Dog Ownership; City of Toronto, Dogs Off-Leash)
- In every City park, dogs may not go into playgrounds, splash pads, wading pools, sports fields, tennis courts, rinks or toboggan hills, or anywhere posted to keep dogs out. (Toronto Municipal Code, ch. 608, § 608-1 and § 608-34)
- City rules in every off-leash area: your dog must be licensed and vaccinated, and stay in your sight and under your control; never leave it there alone. Dogs with a history of biting, pit bulls and females in heat may not go in, and no training or electronic devices. Pick up the poop: the City has Green Bins in its off-leash areas. (City of Toronto, Dogs Off-Leash; Toronto Municipal Code, ch. 608, § 608-34)
The rest of the park
Allan Gardens is also an indoor botanical garden: six greenhouses with plants from around the world, a collection kept since 1858, and the Palm House of 1909. The playground has a water tap and a sand play area. (City of Toronto, Allan Gardens page)
Where it is
160 Gerrard Street East, downtown. The pin is where the City's off-leash map puts the area. Open in Google Maps (a rough pin, not the gate).
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Nearest places on this list
- Hair of the Dog, Church Street, 0.4 km away in a straight line. On the patio
- Riverdale Park West, 1.3 km away in a straight line. Off the leash in the OLA
- Don Valley Brick Works Park, 2.3 km away in a straight line. Off the leash in the OLA
Related posts
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