Can’t bear to leave your dog at home? In Ontario’s Highlands, we don’t want you to! When visiting here for a daytrip or longer getaway we can guarantee you a tail-wagging experience where the fun is fully ‘unleashed.’ (puns intended)

Think dog-friendly trails, patios, shops, and accommodations where your fur-baby is treated like a VIP (aka very important pet). 

Consider this your pup-approved dog-friendly guide to Ontario’s Highlands. 

Paws and Play Outdoors

Stumbling upon a dog-friendly trail or outdoor area when you’re traveling is like finding gold – after all, your furry best friend needs time to stretch his or her legs and explore the outdoors, just like you do. Below are a few spots that welcome dogs in outdoor spaces but this list is definitely not exhaustive.

• Haliburton Sculpture Forest - Haliburton
• PAWS Dog Park – Killara Station
• Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve – Haliburton Highlands
• Bonnechere Caves – Eganville (not in caves but outdoors at the picnic area etc.)
• Haliburton County Rail Trail – Haliburton (join them for Sunday Rambles on the trail, a weekly outing. Follow them at Friends of the Rail trail for more info)
• Blueberry Mountain – Flower Station
• Mill of Kintail - Almonte

Dog-Friendly Patios, Cafes, and Breweries

Grabbing a bite to eat after a day of exploring is doggy nirvana, and you won’t run short of dog-friendly patios, cafes or breweries in Ontario’s Highlands. 

The Scoop - Stirling

Cafes & Eateries

• Coutts Coffee Roasters – Perth
• Oh-el-la Café – Calabogie 
• Bancroft Brew Pub - Bancroft
• The Granite - Bancroft
• The Rockcliffe – Moore Falls
• The Scoop – Stirling

Breweries

• Whitewater Brewing Co. - Cobden
• Boshkung Brewing Co. - Carnarvon
• Haliburton Highlands Brewing Co. – Haliburton
• Cartwright Springs Brewery - Pakenham

Bring Your Pup Overnight

Dogs really are man’s best friend – they are here for us 365 days a year, so why would we leave them behind for some of our biggest overnight adventures? For your next getaway, bring along the family dog, and make your holiday even more special. Below is a sampling of dog-friendly accommodations in Ontario’s Highlands, but this list is not exhaustive. 

Always check ahead with the accommodation before booking to verify they are still welcoming dogs and to learn about any additional costs or cleaning fees you might encounter.