Southwestern Ontario's Dog Friendly Beaches
I LOVE the beach. If I can bring my dog along to do anything, I'm definitely bringing them along. My own dogs have been to the beach numerous times. When we had our dog Link, he would travel all over the place with us and experience everything we got to experience. One of his favourite things was the beach. Our current dog, Coyogi, is only 5 months old. He's been to a few places and is still learning what the beach is. He seems to be okay with it but he is still a bit unsure about it. At the very least, he wasn't afraid and enjoyed the digging in the sand!
There are a number of dog friendly beaches in Southwestern Ontario, plus some bonus places I will talk about that dogs are allowed and can swim. Here is some nitty gritty about my experience or knowledge on the beaches I know of:
This beach is at the provincial park at the Pinery and is off the coast of Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes. There is a cost to enter the provincial park and it is dependant on your vehicle, if you're walking in and other factors. I highly recommend driving in, as you have to get through the whole park to make it to the beach. Once you make it to the beach area's, the first two parking sections is for the dog friendly area. The rest of the parking/beach is for people only.
This beach is sandy with some rock on land and a bit rocky at first when entering the water. You don't have to go too far to get into the sand beds again though once you walk far enough in the water. For people, I recommend some water shoes (#amazonassociate #amazonaffiliate #amazonfinds) or at the very least, to be cautious when walking in.
The walk down to the beach isn't very accessible for those with assistive devices (walkers, wheelchairs, etc.). There are steps down to the beach, which are a bit narrow. Being a dog friendly beach, I found that the narrow steps were a bit chaotic trying to bring my dog down when he wants to bark or play at other dogs. I also warn, during the end of spring when you think it might be warm enough for a swim, the water might be nice but the bugs are quite bad. Blackflies were especially awful when we tried to make a late spring trek to the Pinery. The summer time, the bugs did not bother us at all.
Overall, I give the Pinery a 8/10. The rocks, blackflies and the difficult walk down make it not the best beach. However, it is a beautiful place to be and Lake Huron is a very clean lake to swim in.
The beach at the Port Burwell provincial park is off the coast of Lake Erie. This beach is easier to get to in terms of distance from the park entrance so you can drive or walk in. This is also a Provincial Park, which means there is a fee to enter. There is a seperate entrance farther up the road for day use/beach goers. The walk to the beach is through sandy trails and some of those trails do have stairs but not all of them.
The beach itself is sandy all over. It is a wonderful beach to swim at and there are change rooms/washrooms right at the parking area. Before heading to the beach, I highly recommend checking online for the e coli report as this beach is often on the radar for high levels of e coli, which could be unsafe for dogs.
For this beach, I give this one a 9/10. This is a wonderful place to swim but the e coli levels can be dangerous.
Long Point Provincial Park (Port Rowan):
I have not gone to this beach as of yet. However, when I do, I will update this section. This beach is off the shore of Lake Erie. It's close to many wineries (I highly recommend The Hounds of Erie which is only 20 minutes away), local farmers, and many local craft stores. Norfolk County area is a beautiful area to explore and I highly recommend it. There are so many bike trails, nature trails and places to go paddle boarding/kayaking. It's outdoor lovers dream!
Ipperwash Beach was my favourite place to bring my dog so far! This is Ontario's longest freshwater beach. You can go about half a kilometer into the lake before it starts to get deep. This beach is along the coast of Lake Huron, which I find is the cleanest of the Great Lakes. The parking is free since this isn't a provincial park.
The section that we did park at had several porta potties that had no toilet paper and wasn't very clean. The change rooms were locked and closed. Getting a camping toilet (#amazonassociate #amazonaffiliate #amazonfinds) might be a good investment for this type of scenarios. So there are some downfalls of this location, since it didn't seem very well maintained. There were also narrow stairs down to the beach, so again, accessibility might be an issue.
However, the beach itself was very clean and despite it being busy, there was a lot of space for everyone to not feel crowded or for dogs not to get overwhelmed. My daughter and dog both loved playing in the sand and going into the water. We did go on the Civic holiday day, I'm hoping on a typical day that there is more maintenance done regularly. That being said, I give this beach a 8/10.
- Bonus Locations
Sharon's Creek is one of my favourite places to go. My late husband and I did some of our first dates here. We used to take a picnic and go for short hikes around the trails. This conservation is dog friendly. There isn't a beach, per-say, but there is a clay bed type beach area where you can launch non motorized boats from. There are no motorized boats or devices allowed in this place. So you can canoe, kayak or paddle board in peace, which makes it a great place for beginners to try.
Since the passing of my late husband, I have bought a stand up paddle board and brought our dog Link out. He used to jump in and swim in the water while I paddled beside him. Our current puppy, Coyogi, has also been out on my SUP at Sharon's Creek. I find it so peaceful at Sharon's Creek. This place is a place of memory, beauty and calm for me.
There is a cost for parking which is $5/day or $60 for an annual parking pass. This parking pass applies to all Lower Thames Valley Conservation Area and contributes to help conserve the resources of nature.
Rock Glen Conservation is a beautiful conservation area with lots of hiking, a waterfall and lovely creeks to walk along. This is dog friendly Conservation and I've seen many people bring their dogs into the water to splash about. The waterfall area isn't very deep and is relatively safe. There is an entrance fee of $4.25 per person and children 5 and under are free. Rock Glen gets a 9/10 from me.
BONUS: You can find DINOSAUR fossils here! How cool is that?!
Wildwood Conservation is dog friendly, has camping sites and a small beach. While you can't bring your dog to the beach itself, you can bring them out on the water with you. I took my pup and daughter out on my stand up paddle board here. There are motorized boats and sailboats in the area, so this isn't a beginner friendly area. The staff was really kind and the campgrounds were nice. However, there was no enforced time for noise. My daughter didn't want to camp through our whole weekend because there were people awake until 4am, which made my daughter a bit scared in our tent. My dog was anxious too.
Wildwood Conservation get's a 4/10. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt, because maybe we went on a busy weekend, but I wasn't too pleased with our stay here.
Taking your dog to the beach can be one of the most enjoyable and beneficial activities for both you and your furry friend. The beach offers a unique environment that can enhance your dog's physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the top benefits of beach outings for dogs:
1. Exercise and Physical Health
Running and Playing:
- Beaches provide ample space for your dog to run freely, which is excellent for cardiovascular health and muscle strength.
- Activities like fetching balls or frisbees on the sand add an extra level of resistance, giving your dog a more intense workout.
Swimming:
- Swimming is a low-impact exercise that's easy on your dog's joints while providing a full-body workout.
- It helps build muscle tone, improve cardiovascular health, and can be particularly beneficial for older dogs or those with arthritis.
2. Mental Stimulation and Enrichment
New Sights and Smells:
- The beach is full of new scents, sights, and sounds, which provide great mental stimulation.
- Exploring the beach can keep your dog’s mind active and engaged, preventing boredom and the associated destructive behaviors.
Socialization:
- Beaches are often popular spots for other dog owners, providing opportunities for socialization.
- Meeting and playing with other dogs can improve your dog's social skills and reduce anxiety or aggression around other dogs.
3. Stress Relief and Relaxation
Natural Environment:
- The sound of the waves and the open space can have a calming effect on dogs.
- Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve overall mood in dogs, similar to humans.
Quality Time with You:
- A trip to the beach is a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
- Engaging in fun activities together, like playing in the sand or swimming, can improve your dog's sense of security and happiness.
4. Health Benefits
Vitamin D:
- Exposure to natural sunlight can boost your dog's vitamin D levels, which is essential for bone health and immune function.
- However, it's important to ensure your dog doesn’t get too much sun exposure and stays hydrated.
Cleanliness:
- Saltwater can help in cleansing your dog’s fur and skin, potentially reducing issues like dandruff or dry skin.
- Always rinse your dog with fresh water after a beach trip to remove any salt or sand residue.
5. Training Opportunities
Recall and Commands:
- The beach offers an open environment to practice recall and other commands in a less controlled setting.
- Training your dog in different environments helps reinforce obedience and adaptability.
Leash-Free Training:
- Many beaches have designated off-leash areas, allowing your dog to practice off-leash behavior and improve their response to commands without the restraint of a leash.
Tips for a Safe Beach Trip
(some Amazon Affiliate link's may be entered here)
- Hydration: Always bring fresh water and a bowl to keep your dog hydrated.
Portable Dog Water Bottle - Amazon
- Shade: Provide a shaded area or bring an umbrella to protect your dog from the sun.
Beach Sun Shelter - Amazon
- Safety Gear: Consider a doggy life jacket if your dog is not a strong swimmer.
Outward Hound Life Jacket - Amazon
- First Aid: Bring a basic first aid kit for any minor injuries or issues.
Dog First Aid Kit - Amazon
- Beach Rules: Follow local regulations regarding dogs on the beach and always clean up after your pet.
Dog Waste Bags - Amazon
Taking your dog to the beach can be a wonderful experience filled with fun and numerous health benefits. Whether it's running on the sand, swimming in the ocean, or simply soaking up the sun, beach outings can contribute positively to your dog's overall well-being. So next time you're planning a beach trip, don't forget to bring along your four-legged friend for a day of adventure and bonding!
