Cherry Beach's off-leash dog area
Dogs: Off the leash in the OLA
Yes. Cherry Beach (Clarke Beach Park) has one of the City's largest dogs off-leash areas, open 6 am to midnight. Dogs may not go on the supervised swimming beach next to it, except from 1 November to 31 March.
Last checked 21 October 2026. Rules change, so read the signs at the entrance.
Rules for dogs
- Off-leash hours: 6 am to midnight. (City of Toronto, Dogs Off-Leash Areas list)
- The City's list shows it fenced, on sand and pea gravel, about 38,800 square metres: the second largest area on the list, after Riverdale Park West. (City of Toronto, Dogs Off-Leash Areas list)
- No dogs on the supervised swimming beach, except from 1 November to 31 March. It is a Blue Flag beach, and one of the award's criteria is no domestic animals on the beach. (Toronto Municipal Code, ch. 608, § 608-34; City of Toronto, Beaches; City of Toronto, Cherry Beach Clarke Beach Park page)
- Commercial dog walkers may use it. (City of Toronto, Dogs Off-Leash Areas list)
- 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)
- 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 lake
blogTO's 2021 guide describes the off-leash area as taking over the western part of the beach, fenced on three sides, with dogs playing fetch in Lake Ontario. (blogTO, 16 Apr 2021)
The City says there is parking at the park. (City of Toronto, Beaches)
Where it is
Foot of Cherry Street, on the Outer Harbour. 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
- Tommy Thompson Park, 2.9 km away in a straight line. No dogs
- Toronto Island Park, 3.0 km away in a straight line. On a leash, ferry included
- Riverdale Park West, 3.6 km away in a straight line. Off the leash in the OLA
Related posts
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