Thanksgiving is October 12, 2026. Here's everything you can do with your dog over the long weekend: the Turkey Trot, peak fall colour hikes, pumpkin patches, and which patios are still serving.
Onslow's Team · Published August 19, 2026 · 4 min read
Thanksgiving 2026
Three days, cooler weather, peak colour starting. This is Toronto's best dog weekend of the year.
12–18°C
Average highs for Thanksgiving weekend in Toronto
Mid–late Oct
When GTA fall colours peak. Thanksgiving is right at the start.
All open
Every off-leash park, trail, and ravine is open on the holiday
The Toronto Turkey Trot runs on Thanksgiving Monday at Cherry Beach. It's a casual 5K walk or run, and dogs are welcome. The route follows the waterfront path, and the vibe is more community walk than competitive race.
Thanksgiving weekend is early for peak colour in the GTA, but some trails will already be turning. The best bets for the weekend:
In-city option. Grenadier Pond, Dog Hill off-leash area. Free.
Peaks mid-late October
Ravine canopy 15 minutes from downtown. Moderate trail, on-leash. Free parking at 14 Redway Rd.
Peaks mid-late October
Dense sugar maple canopy. 1 hour drive. Ontario Parks permit required ($13–$23).
Peaks early-mid October. Could be perfect for Thanksgiving.
Cataract Falls waterfall. 1 hour drive. Small parking lot fills fast on weekends. Book your permit early.
Peaks early October
Most farms around Toronto are in peak season over Thanksgiving weekend. Late apple varieties (Honeycrisp, Mutsu, Northern Spy) are usually ready by early October.
Stouffville. 45 min drive. Pick-your-own apples, pumpkin patch, corn maze, sunflower field, wagon rides. Leashed dogs welcome.
Dog-friendlyBrampton. 40 min drive. 100 acres, 20 apple varieties, pumpkin patch, corn maze. Open Fri–Mon and holidays. Dogs on-leash.
Dog-friendlyHamilton (Highway 6). 1 hr drive. 30 apple varieties, sunflower patch, corn maze. Leashed dogs welcome throughout.
Dog-friendlyMost Toronto patios stay open through Thanksgiving if the weather holds. A few worth noting for the weekend:
245 Queens Quay W
Huge waterfront patio. Dogs welcome. Heated in fall.
255 Bremner Blvd, Roundhouse Park
Large outdoor beer garden at the Roundhouse. Dogs welcome on the patio. Good for groups.
505 College St
Small heated patio. Dogs welcome outside. Great coffee and pintxos.
128A Sterling Rd, Junction Triangle
Taproom patio. Dog-friendly. Hosts dog events regularly.
Call ahead for Thanksgiving hours. Some patios close for the season in mid-October.
All dog-friendly patios and restaurants →Open
Closed or reduced hours
Monday, October 12, 2026. The long weekend runs Saturday October 10 through Monday October 12.
Yes. All City of Toronto off-leash dog parks, trails, and ravines are open on Thanksgiving Monday. Provincial parks are also open (permit required).
Yes, but on a Sunday/holiday schedule. Check ttc.ca for adjusted times. Dogs are allowed on the TTC on weekends and holidays at all hours.
Average highs are 12–18 degrees C. Mornings can be chilly (5–8 degrees). Layers, and a light jacket for your dog if they have a thin coat.
Sources: City of Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation; Ontario Parks (ontarioparks.ca); TTC holiday schedules; Toronto Turkey Trot; Environment Canada historical weather data.
Related: fall colour hikes · apple picking · off-leash parks · patios
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