Anything is paw-sible when you’re visiting the region!
Let’s face it: your pets are a big part of the family. Well, in South Eastern Ontario, you don’t have to leave your pooch at home when you go exploring! There are lots of pet-friendly places to visit with your furry family members in tow. So tell Rover it ain’t over – grab the leash and go!
1. Strawberry Hallow
This boho country vacation rental amazingly welcomes pets as the family members they are. The spacious back yard is a huge hit with puppers and we hear there is even a dog nook, complete with a few toys and dog bowls! The humans think it’s pretty great too, in a quiet neighbourhood with trails nearby and attention to detail galore. Even an extra deep soaker tub on site to boost relaxation!
2. The Drake Motor Inn
This place takes pet friendly to the next level and provides “woof beds” for its furry guests. All of the motel’s 12 playful rooms are dog-welcoming, and even have crates available, if needed. Each and every pet-visiting room is equipped with HEPA filters too. Canine companions will feel pampered with a special stay here.
3. Hit The Trails For Wagging Tails
Picton has a massive, fenced dog park with a double-gated entrance at the northeast corner of Delhi Park. There’s lots to sniff on the Millennium Trail, a former railway bed that runs from Picton to Carrying Place. Little Bluff has trails winding through sparse woods, leading to cliffs with dramatic views, and a stony beach. Reward your pooch with a treat – drop into Wellington’s The Old Greenhouse Ice Cream Shop, where we hear they serve a small cup of soft ice cream with a doggie bone for your pup!
4. Wineries & Breweries
Many wineries and breweries welcome dogs, too – but be sure to check ahead before arriving. Some wineries, like Sugar Bush and Three Dog Vineyard even have their own resident pooches, so you can rest assured that your dog will be welcome, too.
5. Wellington Heritage Museum
After getting settled at your accomms, steep yourself in history at the Wellington Heritage Museum, a peaceful and pet-friendly history haven with a shady heritage garden in the back.
6. The Purple House Café
This rustic and charming garden patio is barking up the right tree. It’s the perfect place to grab a wood-fired pizza with your furry friend. There’s even water and treats provide for your furry friend! Look here for specialty pizzas changing weekly and made with fresh and locally-grown ingredients.
7. The Gananoque Brewing Company
Don’t leave your best four-legged friend at home – bring them along to the Gananoque Brewing Company’s patio to join you outside for a refreshing pint. It’ll be a social time for everyone!
8. BUSL Cider
Show your puppers you love them and take it along to BUSL which allows pets on their outdoor terrace and property. Sip a flight of cider and while you enjoy the company of your faithful furry companion.
9. Get Active
Camping is a joy – but especially with a dog. They love the outdoors and lake time so treat them to a special outing at a pet-friendly campsite. Charleston Lake Provincial Park, 1000 Islands Camping Resort, Ivy Lea Campground, and 1000 Islands KOA are all ready to welcome you and Rover. Find your perfect campsite! Swimming is another beloved activity and at Gray’s Beach along the 1000 Islands Parkway and Rotary Beach in Joel Stone Park you can find pet friendly places to cool off. Take the dive and discover sandy beaches and river waves lapping at the shoreline. Lastly, burn off some canine energy while hiking the 1000 Islands! The Landon Bay trails and Jones Creek Trails within Thousand Islands National Park, are all pet-friendly trail systems in the area, as well as Marble Rock Conservation Area. Be sure to run free at the off-leash dog park in Gananoque on River Street – with calming views of the Gananoque River on the shores of the park!
10. Perfect Weekend Away
Make a weekend out of your pooch-tacular visit to the 1000 Islands and book in with these pet-friendly accommodations: Holiday Inn Express & Suites 1000 Islands, Comfort Inn & Suites Thousand Islands Harbour District, Ramada Provincial Inn, Colonial Resort & Spa 1000 Islands, Travelodge Gananoque and Howard Johnson Gananoque.
11. I’m Walkin’ Here…
Once you’re settled in, take the dog for a walk on the beautiful trails just waiting for you and your furry friend to discover! Springside Park Trail and Falls is the perfect place for a picnic during a walk. Both you and your furry friend will enjoy watching the wildlife alongside this fully accessible path that will take you to Conservation Park. Watch trains pass along the trestle bridge and look at the cascading waterfall. Next, wander over to Menzel Centennial Provincial Nature Reserve, an almost 5 km path through wetlands and a swamp forest that provides incredible wildlife viewing. Parrott’s Bay Conservation Area is another wildlife haven that will keep your dog entertained while wandering along the 6 km of beautiful trails. Find yourself in the woods one minute, then passing by wetlands and through a field the next! So much to explore.
12. Pamper Your Pet
If you can’t resist those puppy dog eyes and want to treat your dog to something special, look up Pet Panache. As a full-service pet store with grooming and obedience classes, Pet Panache specializes in all-natural products.
13. Stay Here & Play Here With Your Pup
Pet-friendly lodging is great for peace of mind while you visit – and two spots in Lennox & Addington are furry friendly – Daisy Hill B & B and the Comfort Inn & Suites. Daisy Hill is a gracious 1880 farmhouse restored to early-century charm and surrounded by nature. With the waterfront on Millhaven Creek Conservation Area, relaxation for you and your dog is easy at this country bed and breakfast. The Comfort inn & Suites in Napanee is located with the travellers in mind and offers 66 rooms with queen and king rooms. Lots of space for puppers to sleep at this new hotel!
14. Westport Wags
Get ready for a full day of dog-focused adventure in Westport! Start at Wags, Whiskers & Wings a pet supply store in the quaint village. Look here for all kinds of neat supplies whether your pet is a cat, bird, critter or dog. Next tour up a real mountain to the lookout at the top which features a postcard worthy view of Westport at Foley Mountain Conservation Area. Dogs are welcome as long as they’re leashed.
The Westport Lions Beach boasts a beautiful sandy beach on a clean lake – aka perfect for an evening stroll with the sun setting over the trees and splashing at the water’s edge to cool off. Leashed dogs are welcome at the Westport Lions Beach, so you can both have fun in the sun! When you’re ready for rest, shake a paw over at the Black Dog Inn. As the name suggests, this inn is dog-friendly and known for its delicious breakfasts and the perfect place to unwind. The Inn was recently fully refurbished, but retains the feel and charm of a traditional village inn and is surrounded by open countryside and spectacular views. Can you say woof? Fuel up at the Cottage Coffee House patio not only will it satisfy your caffeine cravings, but also find muffins, tarts, scones, cookies and more baked daily.
15. Grass Creek Park
Spend the day here with your furry friend! With a large sandy beach, free parking, picnic areas, playgrounds, and lots of space to roam, Grass Creek Meadow Park in rural Kingston east, is a destination unto itself. Pack a lunch, grab a blanket and lots of dog treats and make some memories with your four-legged bestie! In a typical year, this park takes its dog-friendliness to the next level and hosts an annual Sheep Dog Trials event that attracts dogs and handlers from all over North America and internationally. Don’t forget about other off-leash dog parks in the city, too, such as MacLean Trail Park, Rotary Park, Meadowbrook Park, and the Memorial Centre.
16. The Haunted Walk Of Kingston
Get your creep on and bring you, little ghoul, with you! The Haunted Walk of Kingston welcomes dogs on tours that aren’t visiting buildings. Take a spooky stroll with your puppers while learning about the supernatural side of the city.
17. Chez Piggy
It’s more than just a name – this restaurant and bar are known for its dog-friendly, private patio tucked away downtown. The affinity for animals here runs deep – the building was originally a limestone stable and is zoned to contain animals. Now, it’s a Kingston staple and a destination for food lovers everywhere.
18. Wharf and Feather
This restaurant at the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront is kind to canines – with a dog-friendly patio that we hear even provides cooling mats for pets! Boasting the biggest waterfront patio in Kingston, overlooking the harbour, the views are spectacular and it’s usually breezy on a hot summer day. Look here for new handcrafted signature cocktails and craft beers! Both humans and pets alike will savour this spot.
19. Kingston Public Market
Tag along with your doggie to the oldest market in Ontario that runs three times a week in Springer Market Square. It’s all outdoors and dog-friendly. Since 1801, farmers from the area surrounding Kingston have congregated in Market Square for the Kingston Public Market. Friends and neighbours continue to gather here today, in the city’s historic downtown. Grab a bouquet of sunflowers, a tin of maple syrup, local produce, or maybe stroll by to see if anyone is selling handcrafted dog treats! There’s also the supply store Birds N Paws up the road.
There’s so much to experience with your pet this summer! Keep those tails wagging in South Eastern Ontario.
