10 off-leash dog parks in Leslieville and Riverside

Bowie, left, and Hershey playing at Withrow Park. Photo: Matt Forsythe

Leslieville and Riverside are fortuitous enough to have a vast amount of green space, affording both two- and four-legged friends the luxury of exercise beyond the confines of mirrored walls. Living in a dense urban environment, especially for those in condos, means that we depend on the City of Toronto to provide well-maintained landscapes for our recreational activities. And though I feel my black lab, Tuna, is as much of a contributing member of society as say, your son, Atticus, it’s important that us dog owners understand not every park, field or school yard is canine-friendly.   
 
Fortunately, the east end has that covered as well. Off-leash dog parks are not only great to let your pooch roam freely without disturbing those cat people who also lurk in parks, but it’s an opportunity to meet and socialize with fellow dog-lovers. If it worked for Diane Lane and John Cusack, it will certainly work for you too. Check out our list of of dog parks where you can let Rover roam in and around Leslieville and Riverside.

Click here for a map of all east side dog parks
 
CDW = OK for commercial dog walkers
FEN = Fenced park area
 
CHERRY BEACH
CDW/FEN
1 Cherry St.

GERRARD CARLAW PARKETTE
CDW/FEN  
855 Gerrard Street E.
 
GREENWOOD PARK
CDW/FEN
150 Greenwood Ave.
 
HIDEAWAY PARK
FEN
23 Audley Ave.
 
MONARCH PARK
CDW
115 Hanson St.
 
NORWOOD PARK
CDW/FEN
16 Norwood Rd.
 
RIVERDALE PARK EAST
550 Broadview Ave.
 
RIVERDALE PARK WEST
CDW
375 Sumach St.
 
THOMPSON STREET PARKETTE
120 Broadview Ave.
 
WITHROW PARK
CDW/FEN
725 Logan Ave.