Dogs at Tommy Thompson Park
Dogs: No dogs
No. Pets, including dogs, are not allowed in Tommy Thompson Park, on or off the leash. On-duty service animals that are properly identified may come in, but can be kept out of some sensitive areas. The rule protects the birds that nest on the ground there.
Last checked 22 October 2026. Rules change, so read the signs at the entrance.
Rules for dogs
- No pets, including dogs, on or off the leash. (Tommy Thompson Park, Visitor information; Tommy Thompson Park, No pets policy)
- On-duty service animals that are properly identified may come in, but can be kept out of certain sensitive areas if another route is offered. There are no other exceptions. (Tommy Thompson Park, No pets policy)
- The conservation authority (TRCA) and the City enforce the rule, and say they have stepped up enforcement and turn away visitors who come with pets. (Tommy Thompson Park, Visitor information)
Why no dogs
The park is run as an urban wilderness. Over 300 kinds of birds have been recorded there, several nest on the ground, and coyotes have denned in the park for years. The no-dogs rule dates from the park's 1985 master plan, when a committee of naturalists, local groups and members of the public chose it for the wildlife. (Tommy Thompson Park, No pets policy)
The park is open weekday evenings from 4 pm to 9 pm, and from 5:30 am to 9 pm on weekends and holidays. (Tommy Thompson Park, Visitor information)
Where it is
1 Leslie Street, on the Leslie Street Spit. The pin is the entrance at Leslie Street and Unwin Avenue. Open in Google Maps (a rough pin, not the gate).
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Nearest places on this list
- Woodbine Beach, 1.4 km away in a straight line. Winter only, Nov to Mar
- Withrow Park, 2.8 km away in a straight line. Off the leash in the OLA
- Cherry Beach (Clarke Beach Park), 2.9 km away in a straight line. Off the leash in the OLA
Related posts
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