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Can your dog swim at Woodbine Beach?
The short answer: not from April through October. Here is what the bylaw actually says, where to go instead, and why winter is the real dog beach season.
By Onslow's Team · Published August 2026
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The rules, month by month
Documented fine
$600+
SeasonRuleWhere to go
April 1 to October 31Dogs banned from the sand entirelyKew Gardens off-leash area (year-round)
November 1 to March 31Dogs allowed off-leash below the snow fenceWoodbine Beach + Kew-Balmy Beach
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Section 608-34B, By-law 1093-2009
“Dogs are permitted off-leash below the snow fence line at Kew-Balmy Beach and Woodbine Beach between November 1 and March 31.”
Your summer alternative: Kew Gardens Off-Leash
Kew Gardens Off-Leash Dog Park
📍 Near the foot of Lee Ave, The Beaches
Off-leashSmall dog areaYear-roundRocky shore access
TypeOff-leash dog park
SeasonYear-round
FeaturesSeparate small and large dog areas, rocky shore access
AccessNear Lee Ave at the boardwalk, The Beaches
Winter season
From November 1 to March 31, Woodbine Beach and Kew-Balmy Beach become some of the best off-leash areas in the city. Below the snow fence line, dogs can run free on open sand with dramatic lake views and far fewer people.
This is a large stretch of beach. Kew, Balmy, and Woodbine combined. Fewer crowds, wide open space, and dogs are the main event.
🧴
❄️Bring a towel
They are going to get wet and sandy. A towel for the car ride home is non-negotiable.
Winter dog safety guide
Salted sidewalks, lake ice, frostbite risks. Read before heading out.
What about Ashbridges Bay?
Not this one
Ashbridges Bay Park
Ashbridges Bay Park sits immediately west of Woodbine Beach and is connected via the boardwalk. Dogs must be on-leash year-round here. Ashbridges Bay does not have the winter off-leash exception that Woodbine and Kew-Balmy do. It is not listed in Section 608-34B.
Good for a leashed walk, not for off-leash play.
Parking
Green P Carpark 1931675 Lakeshore Blvd EMaps →Carpark 19420 Ashbridges Bay Park RdMaps →Street parkingCoxwell Ave / Eastern AveMaps →
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Parking tip
Weekday mornings are the sweet spot. You will get a spot at the main lot without stress, and the beach area is quieter for a leashed boardwalk walk. On summer weekends, arrive early. The lots fill up fast, especially during events.
Water quality
The one rule that matters
Avoid the water for 24 to 48 hours after heavy rainfall.
Bacteria levels spike from stormwater runoff. If there has been a downpour, wait a couple of days.
Who monitors
Toronto Public Health
All 10 supervised beaches are monitored through the SwimSafe program. Results are posted online during the swimming season (June through September).
Nearby amenities
🚰
Water fountain
One dog-specific fountain at the park, plus a human drinking fountain and bottle filling station at the bathing station.
🚻
Washrooms
Accessible washrooms at the Woodbine Bathing Station, open daily from approximately April through October.
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Food
Snack bar and restaurant at the beach. The Beaches neighbourhood on Queen St E has plenty of dog-friendly patios.
🚶
Boardwalk
The Martin Goodman Trail runs the full length. Great for a leashed walk with lake views any time of year.
Common questions
Can I bring my dog to Woodbine Beach in summer?+
No. Dogs are banned from the sand at all supervised Toronto beaches from April 1 to October 31. Use the Kew Gardens off-leash area nearby instead.
When can dogs go off-leash at Woodbine Beach?+
November 1 through March 31. Dogs are permitted off-leash below the snow fence line at Woodbine Beach and Kew-Balmy Beach during this period (Toronto Municipal Code Section 608-34B).
What is the fine for having a dog on the beach?+
Fines are issued under the Provincial Offences Act. The exact amount is set by a judicial order and varies, but media reports have documented fines exceeding $600. Bylaw enforcement officers patrol beaches and respond to 311 complaints.
Is Woodbine Beach the same as Kew Beach?+
They're adjacent but distinct. Woodbine Beach is the main supervised swimming beach. Kew-Balmy Beach is the stretch from Lee Ave to Silver Birch Ave. Both have the winter off-leash exception. The Kew Gardens off-leash dog park is a separate, year-round facility inland from the beach.
How do I check if the water is safe?+
Toronto Public Health's SwimSafe program posts daily water quality results during beach season. Visit the SwimSafe page on toronto.ca. Avoid swimming 24 to 48 hours after heavy rain.
Sources: Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 608 (Parks), Sections 608-34A and 608-34B; City of Toronto Beaches page; Toronto Public Health SwimSafe program; City of Toronto Off-Leash Areas.
Related: dog-friendly beaches · swimming spots · summer heat safety
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