Cherry Beach Dog Park — Toronto’s Waterfront Gem for Adventurous Pups
If you ask me, Cherry Beach Dog Park is what dreams (and zoomies) are made of. Wide sandy paths, shady trees, and — the best part — a whole lake to splash in! We spent an entire afternoon there, sniffing around, chasing sticks, and waiting for that golden light that makes everything feel a little bit magical.
Location & Vibe
Cherry Beach Dog Park sits right on Toronto’s eastern waterfront — close enough to the city, but it feels like a nature escape. The space is big, fully fenced, and there’s direct access to the water, so dogs like me can sprint straight from sand to splash in seconds.
You’ll find every kind of pup here — from tiny twirlers to big splashers — all doing their thing. The trees give plenty of shade, and the mix of forest, sand, and lake makes it a great spot for both play and photos.
What Makes It Special
Let’s be honest: it’s the water that makes Cherry Beach magic. I couldn’t resist a dip (or three). The water stays shallow near the shore, so it’s safe for swimmers of all sizes.
There’s lots of space to run, dig, and explore, and the humans seem to love it too — mostly because the view is beautiful and there’s a free parking lot right beside the gate.
You’ll find waste bins at the entrance gate beside the parking lot, but not throughout the park — so it’s a good idea to carry a small bag with you while exploring, for poop and trash.
Photographer’s Notes
From the lens side of things, Cherry Beach is a total gem. Between the lake reflections, open light, and sandy textures, it’s easy to find beautiful angles.
We came in the afternoon and waited for golden hour — that dreamy moment when the sun dips low and everything glows. The way the light danced off the water made my fur look extra shiny (just saying).
A towel could be handy if your dog loves to swim, though we didn’t have one and dried off just fine in the breeze.
Zoey’s Verdict
“10/10 zoomies! Perfect mix of water, sand, and new friends. I’d come back any day — preferably with a few treats and maybe a ball that floats.”
Plan Your Visit
Address: 1 Cherry St, Toronto, ON
Hours: Open daily (check the City of Toronto website for updates)
Parking: Free lot right beside the off-leash gate
Leash rules: Fully fenced off-leash area; leash required outside
Want Photos at Cherry Beach?
Cherry Beach is one of our favourite spots for relaxed, candid portraits — especially if your dog loves to run or swim. The light, the space, and the energy here make it perfect for storytelling photos.
Book a session →
Let’s chase that golden-hour light together. 🌅
Toronto is full of photogenic pup spots! Check out our roundup of The Best Dog Photography Spots in Toronto for even more tail-wagging adventures.
