Physical activity is essential for your dog’s health and behaviour — and it doesn’t have to be a chore. Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful areas in the world; explore and enjoy nature’s bounties while exercising your pet.
These dog walking hotspots will ensure you’re as excited about your next walk as your pooch!
Niagara River Recreation Trail
Fort George to Fort Erie, ON
Enjoy some of the prettiest walks in the world! This 53-kilometre paved path runs along the incomparable Niagara River from Fort George to the Town of Fort Erie, breaking through urban areas for a delightfully diverse experience. Pick a section near you to explore. Each of these marked stretches takes about one to two hours. If you’re short on time, turn back when you’re ready!
- Niagara-on-the-Lake to Queenston (shhh… this section is our favourite!)
- Queenston to Whirlpool Aero Car
- Chippawa to Black Creek
- Black Creek to For Erie
TripAdvisor reviewer Susan M. says, “What’s not to like?” She recommends sticking to mid-week walks if you want to avoid crowds.
Waterfront Trail
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
If you wander into Niagara-on-the-Lake via the Niagara River Recreation Trail or you just happen to be in town, take advantage of the Waterfront Trail. Walk past two military forts and other historical sites, off-trail areas, and the charming garden-filled downtown while enjoying stunning waterfront views.
You might want to come back later without your four-legged friend to enjoy Niagara-on-the-Lake’s many terrific boutiques, restaurants, and world-class wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
Chippawa Lions Park
3970 Welland Street, Niagara Falls, ON
Looking for a way to exercise your dog and enjoy time with your family? Head to Chippawa Lions Park. You can walk around and then take advantage of several great amenities, including a baseball diamond, outdoor pool and wading pool (sorry, pup can’t jump in!), tennis court, half basketball court, skate park, two playgrounds, and splash pad.
The kids will be tired out. To ensure Fido gets his exercise too, try the Chippawa Lions Park Fitness Path. This is a two-kilometre paved path with lighting for safe evening walks.
Niagara Parkway
Niagara Glen to the Floral Clock, Niagara Falls, ON
The Niagara Parkway is an autoroute that extends from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake. It’s one of the most gorgeous drives in the country (and the world, not to boast!). The Niagara Glen to Floral Clock walking route runs along a stretch of the parkway, treating you to stunning scenery. It’s a six-kilometre walk, but again, if you’re running short on time, you can enjoy a smaller section.
When you are enjoying Niagara Falls’ parks and streets, please pick up after your dog and dispose of waste responsibly. Your dog must be on-leash and under your control at all times.
Niagara Falls Dog Park
2275 Dorchester Road, Niagara Falls, ON
Located inside Fireman’s Park, this is the perfect place to let your pooch run, play, sniff, and explore. It’s Niagara Falls’ first off-leash park, and it features a durable fence, a paved walking path (so you can avoid mud on rainy days), and separate large and small dog areas.
Pet owners like Andrew McNaughton love the opportunity to allow their pets to meet furry friends. His Google review reads, “I love taking my dogs to this dog park, it’s generally clean and it’s a great place for my dogs to socialize. I go here all the time.”
We’ll see you there, Andrew!
Ellicott Island Bark Park
10 Creekside Drive, Tonawanda, NY, US
Want to take a short trip to the States? In nearby Tonawanda, New York, you will find beautiful Ellicott Island Bark Park. This is a favourite with dog owners as pooches are free to explore. It is not fenced in like the Niagara Falls Dog Park, but it is surrounded by water. The park's entrance is double-gated, so your pup can’t escape over the footbridge!
Just remember to clean up after your four-legged companion and he can have the time of his canine life at the doggy beach, on nature trails, and across ample open and wooded spaces.
Is crossing the Canada/US border with your dog difficult? Nope! A few things to know before you go:
- All dogs (including service animals) must be vaccinated against rabies.
- You must bring a current, valid rabies vaccination certification with you.
- Dogs under four months old cannot enter the US.
- If your dog has never been vaccinated, he must be given his rabies shows at least 30 days before arrival in the US.
Dog Park Petiquette
When enjoying the Niagara Falls Dog Park, please follow the rules so everyone is safe and happy:
- Always clean up after your dog and dispose of waste in the proper receptacles.
- You are subject to the Ontario Dog Owner’s Liability Act and City By-Laws.
- Your dog must be licensed and have tags showing he’s current with vaccinations.
- The City and/or Niagara Falls Humane Society may inspect your dog’s health or tags while in the park.
- Do not bring glass, food, or toys into the park.
- Supervise your dog at all times.
- If you bring children under 13, they must be supervised at all times as well.
- Keep your dog in sight and under verbal control.
- Do not bring dogs who are sick, injured, in heat, or aggressive.
- There is a limit of three dogs per individual handler/owner.
- Remove your dog immediately if he shows signs of aggression.
- Have a great time!
Niagara Falls has a lot to offer. Why not take advantage of this stunning area on foot? Walking your dog has never been so beautiful!
