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Off-leash dog parks, entrances and rules in Pickering, Ontario
Pickering, Ontario, Canada
Pickering lists three fenced off-leash destinations: Dunmoore, Balsdon and Grand Valley.
Key information
Pickering lists three fenced off-leash destinations: Dunmoore, Balsdon and Grand Valley. Leash dogs while travelling to the designated enclosure and follow the posted rules inside.
On this page
How the service works
The enclosed areas are specific parts of the parks. A park name on a map does not make every lawn, trail or parking area leash-free. The paths to the enclosure remain shared access, so keep the dog leashed until it is inside the proper gate.
Dunmoore’s 10 activity stations have their own instructions. They include balance, platform, weaving, loops, jumps and trick challenges. Read the sign or QR demonstration before using a station rather than treating it as unsupervised equipment. The park layout and the dog’s behaviour matter more than trying every feature.
Sources: Off-leash dog parks, entrances and rules in Pickering, Ontario official information
Compare the options
| Destination | Layout | Access point to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Dunmoore | Small-dog and all-dog areas;10 activity stations | Whites Road South |
| Balsdon | Smallest leash-free area | Liverpool Road/Krosno; no dedicated lot |
| Grand Valley | Main downhill enclosure and smaller near-lot enclosure | Third Concession, west of Valley Farm Road |
Sources: Off-leash dog parks, entrances and rules in Pickering, Ontario official information
Steps to use the service
- Prepare the dog and handler
Bring the current tag, leash and waste bags; use a supervising handler 16+.
- Enter the correct enclosure
Stay leashed from the vehicle until inside the designated area.
- Watch behaviour and clean up
Remove a rough or aggressive dog and use waste-diversion facilities.
Sources: Off-leash dog parks, entrances and rules in Pickering, Ontario official information
Eligibility and local rules
How many city-designated off-leash destinations are listed?
The city lists three: Dunmoore Park, Balsdon Park and Grand Valley Park. All three have fenced leash-free areas, with different layouts and parking arrangements.
Source: Off-leash dog parks, entrances and rules in Pickering, Ontario official information
What is different at Dunmoore?
It has a small-dog area and an all-dog area. The larger area has a sand pit and a Canine Activity Area with 10 challenge stations and instruction signs/QR videos.
Source: Off-leash dog parks, entrances and rules in Pickering, Ontario official information
What should I know before driving to Balsdon?
It is the smallest of the three areas, near Liverpool Road and Krosno. It has no dedicated parking lot, so users rely on legal street parking.
Source: Off-leash dog parks, entrances and rules in Pickering, Ontario official information
Using the service
Which Grand Valley enclosure should I use?
The main fenced enclosure is west of the parking lot at the bottom of the hill. A smaller enclosure close to the lot serves small dogs and people who have difficulty reaching the lower area.
Source: Off-leash dog parks, entrances and rules in Pickering, Ontario official information
Can my dog walk loose from the parking lot?
No. At Grand Valley the city specifically says to leash the dog while walking to the enclosure. Attach the leash before removing a dog from the car and keep it controlled around moving vehicles.
Source: Off-leash dog parks, entrances and rules in Pickering, Ontario official information
What licence and handler rules apply?
Dogs need a current licence and should wear the tag. A handler age 16 or older must remain and supervise. The maximum is three dogs per owner/handler, on or off leash.
Source: Off-leash dog parks, entrances and rules in Pickering, Ontario official information
Are young puppies or unneutered males allowed?
The city says not to bring puppies under four months, females in heat or unneutered males into the leash-free area. Review the full posted rules before bringing a dog with special circumstances.
Source: Off-leash dog parks, entrances and rules in Pickering, Ontario official information
Exceptions and help
Which other dogs or equipment are unsuitable?
The source excludes sick, injured or stressed dogs, dogs with serious behaviour problems, and dogs wearing prong, choke or electronic collars. Ask Animal Services when a situation is unclear.
Source: Off-leash dog parks, entrances and rules in Pickering, Ontario official information
What should I do about rough play or aggression?
Leash and remove the dog at the first sign of aggression or when its rough play makes others uncomfortable. The city advises limiting toys and treats and not bringing small children inside.
Source: Off-leash dog parks, entrances and rules in Pickering, Ontario official information
Where does dog waste go and how can owners help?
Use the waste-diversion stations and bag dispensers rather than leaving waste on the ground. The city has a leash-free volunteer group that meets quarterly; contact Animal Services about representing a park.
Source: Off-leash dog parks, entrances and rules in Pickering, Ontario official information
All three city-designated off-leash destinations
The list matches the three locations on the city’s leash-free page. It does not add informal or privately operated dog areas.
Dunmoore Park off-leash area
Whites Road South, Pickering, Ontario
Two fenced areas separate small dogs from the all-dog enclosure. The larger enclosure includes a sand pit and 10 Canine Activity stations.
- Enclosures
- Small-dog and all-dog
- Special feature
- 10 signed activity stations
Sources: Pickering leash-free areas
Balsdon Park off-leash area
Liverpool Road and Krosno Boulevard, Pickering, Ontario
The city’s smallest leash-free area is within the surrounding residential neighbourhood. There is no dedicated parking lot.
- Parking
- Legal street parking; no dedicated lot
- Enclosure
- Fenced
Sources: Pickering leash-free areas
Grand Valley Park off-leash areas
Third Concession west of Valley Farm Road, Pickering, Ontario
The main enclosure is downhill west of the lot. A smaller enclosed area by the lot reduces the walk for users with mobility difficulties and accommodates small dogs.
- Main enclosure
- West of lot, bottom of hill
- Smaller enclosure
- Adjacent to parking lot
Sources: Pickering leash-free areas
Google Maps uses the named destination and recorded address. The map is not proof of an accessible entrance, current opening or available service.
Sources: Off-leash dog parks, entrances and rules in Pickering, Ontario official information
Official contacts and forms
Sources: Off-leash dog parks, entrances and rules in Pickering, Ontario official information