Riverdale Park West's off-leash dog area
Dogs: Off the leash in the OLA
Yes. Riverdale Park West has the largest dogs off-leash area on the City's list: about 45,000 square metres of grass with no fence, open in park hours. City parks close from 12:01 am to 5:30 am. 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
- Open in park hours. City parks are closed from 12:01 am to 5:30 am. (City of Toronto, Dogs Off-Leash Areas list; Toronto Municipal Code, ch. 608, § 608-9)
- Not fenced: about 45,000 square metres of grass, the largest area on the City's list. A drinking fountain, a bottle filling station and a dog fountain are at the area. (City of Toronto, Dogs Off-Leash Areas list) Our tip: with no fence, it suits a dog that comes back when called.
- 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)
- 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)
Where it is
375 Sumach Street, east of downtown. The pin is where the City's off-leash map puts the area. Open in Google Maps (a rough pin, not the gate).
Meet other dog parents here?
We'd love to help dog parents who come to Riverdale Park West meet up. Tap the one you'd use and we'll text you once: when it starts, or to say it hasn't.
One text per topic. No spam. How we use your number
Lost or found a dog near Riverdale Park West?
Search close by first, then report the lost or found dog free on FurFam. Your report gets its own page to share with neighbours and local groups.
Nearest places on this list
- Withrow Park, 1.3 km away in a straight line. Off the leash in the OLA
- Allan Gardens, 1.3 km away in a straight line. Off the leash in the OLA
- Hair of the Dog, Church Street, 1.7 km away in a straight line. On the patio
Related posts
Something here out of date? If the signs at the entrance say something different, tell us and we'll check it and update this page.
The FurFam app
FurFam is a free app where dog parents post and chat.
Get FurFam, free