Dog parks in Oakville

 Abbey Oaks Off-Leash Dog Park

Took my 6 month old Goldendoodle there and never again. We were there for about 20 mins and witnessed a dog fight 5 on 1. That was the end of our day at the park.People who have zero control of their dogs should be banned from dog parks.

We go to this dog park very often. The owners and dogs are fantastic and have never had an issue with aggressive dogs. I also like it because the dogs here like to run rather than just walk around. Agree with comments about the manager - she can be very rude...but hope that doesn't stop you from going. Great dog park!

Last summer I took my two dogs and my mom, who is in a wheelchair and loves dogs, to the park. I was struggling to push the wheelchair, open the gates and control my dogs so I didn't take their leashes off until we were inside the park. A woman who acted as if she was in charge of the place had a fit and reprimanded me several times about not taking the leashes off in the entry area. Her behavior was unnecessary and cast a cloud over our visit. Other than that, I have been pleased with the park. During my visits, the owners were watchful and intervened if things got too rough.

The lady who manages this park is horrible, she finds a fault with almost everyone using it and is a stickler for the rules (even the absurd ones) She attempted to kick us out because I choose to bring my infant in a carrier into the park. I realize that it is a risk to bring a child into an off-leash park and I always assess the risk prior to entering. On this particular day there were 4 dog owners and 7 dogs at the park. The dogs were engaging in low-key to no playing with each other and I asked the other owners if they felt comfortable with me being there. They all rolled there eyes and said \'yes, of course\'. She kept saying that it was a rule and that I had to leave. She also started an argument with another gentleman over where he took his leash off. In the end everyone except her left the park in disgust. This is not a public off leash park, it is this woman\'s private park.

Abbey OaksOff leash park has been relocated to Palermo Park, north side of Dundas Street just east of Bronte Road. Plenty of Parking but no water is available

 Bronte Creek Park

The dog park is in the day use area of the Bronte Creek Provincial Park. Unless you have a membership ($128/yr) the park is expensive at $14/day. Mind you, the $14 is valid for a full day in the entire park but dogs must be on a leash outside the off leash area.

The park is probably fenced but I never saw the end fence because the place is huge. It’s covered with grass, trees, shrubs and wild flowers – it’s not your regular dog park. I saw two other cars in the parking lot (the lot is OK; could be better, could be worse) but never saw the people and the dogs (told you it was big).

There are a few benches here and there but anywhere is a great place to sit here. Bring a sandwich, water for the dogs and spend the day in the park! There is no running water but there’s a little creek where dogs can go get muddy.

Poop bags are available on and off so best if you bring your own milk bags. A model airplane field is near (in?) the park – this is where you find the most benches and a portable washroom. (what’s with model airplane fields and dog parks anyways? They seem to come in pairs…)
Lots of shade, a few trails and large open areas make this park a great place to visit any time of the year.

The only thing I found a bit annoying (other than the pricey ticket) is the noise from the nearby highway.


The park is open all year around from 8am to dusk, great for families.

Be warned - if you stray even one foot outside the leash free area, there is a very good chance you will be ticketed. In addition, if you dog chases joggers or cyclists, both parties regularly use the leash free on the Oakville side of the park. Cyclists show little respect for hikers/walkers and none for dogs. Dogs have been hurt and the trail system is quickly being destroyed.

The park management is not dog-friendly and is unsympathetic despite the fact that a large portion of the park's revenue has been from dog owners buying park passes. As such, if you wish to use the Oakville side of the park, I suggest that you do what everyone who is well-off enough to live between Bronte and the park and walk in. Park on a side street and use the many entrances provided. Pedestrians and cyclists are free to come into the park for free - the $160 annual pass/$14 day pass cost is strictly for parking.

I went to this park on Sunday and found it a great place - however I was told there was 2 Off Leash parks but I could only find one near Car Park C - how do I find the other park?

There is a far more beautiful and expansive off leash area for dogs on the other side of Bronte Creek Park (off Bronte & Upper Middle Road). I have been going there for years and 99.9% of the dogs are friendly and well socialized. There isn\'t the kind of territorial aggression you see in smaller parks - maybe because it\'s so large and the atmosphere is so peaceful and pleasant; or maybe because the owners enjoy the exercise too and the dogs pick up on their nice mood. During camping season there is less kindness/tolerance towards the dogs. Recently signs have been put up all over the place warning dog owners not go here, not to go there. Meanwhile cyclers have the full run of the park and come tearing through even the dog areas. One of the most beautiful spots for my dog was a little area where she could swim in the river but now there are signs warning owners not to allow there dogs to run loose even there. This was not an issue for decades. Obviously there are dog hating people in charge at this time! Animals always lose when humans take over :( But the more people with dogs speak up, the more we can preserve this territory before it totally \"goes to the humans\".

The day-use area IS fenced, however the dog area is NOT. Dog could run away....far far away. So you better know that they will come back when called.
There is also a leash free trail on the campground side (off Bronte Road). Dogs are not allowed in the ravine off leash OR in the creek. Watch out for coytes.

The off leash area in Bronte Park is NOT fenced in.

 Carefree Canine Park (Glenashton Park)

carfree Park seems to be the sister park of Kingsford Gardens; it has similar gates and even the hose for the water looks the same. Yes, there is running water! The parking lot is in good condition. Other than a few benches I can't remember anything special (it's been almost 2 months since I was there), it's your regular (smaller) dog park. Feel free to add more details.

Okay small park but definitely needs to be maintained better than at present. Would be nice if it had some hills/tunnels/more bushes or trees/large rocks for climbing to give dogs more of a geographic variety to challenge them. It is in desperate need of a new load or two of shavings!!! Area near hose needs extra shavings or something as the water just makes a muddy mess. It’s too bad it couldn\'t be made just a bit bigger - take over the area closer to the new parking lot - by making it longer :(

Glenashton Park belongs to the Town of Oakville as does all the off leash parks in Oakville. It is a small park that gets muddy easily. Water is available only in the summer months.

 Kingsford Gardens

I shouldn't have waited 2 months between my visit to the park and writing the review but here's what I remember of it: The place if fully fenced (the south side has a few smaller holes where tiny dogs could slip through), has good parking and clean.

Between the gravel parking lot and the dog park there is a 200 feet long demilitarized:) zone where you are not supposed to let your dog off the leash just yet but no dogless people walk there much either. Why not make it part of the park?

The entrance is double gated and the gates are in good condition, however, the membership form holder box holds more garbage than forms. This seems to be a common problem everywhere: people! put your garbage somewhere else and it's not going to burn your fingers if you close the lid if it rains.

There are a few benches in the park and there is running water available. A couple of thick bushes/trees on the sides make the place more interesting but my favorite part was probably the nice ground. They probably just finished mowing the lawn before I got there but still, it looked really nice to me.

Ps: on the other side of the parking lot there are vegetable gardens. Do they belong to the city? Do people rent them? Own them? I'm curious, so if anyone knows the answer please share.

Kingsford Gardens is a Town of Oakville Public Park. The vegetable gardens are rented from the Town. The forest area provides lovely cool shade
and enjoyed by dogs chasing birds & squirrels. Water is available only in the summer. Four picnic benches are there for seating. The grass area in front is meant for people to enjoy an undisturbed
picnic or afternoon lunch at the benchs provided.

 Post Park

I never feel comfortable parking next to Land Rovers. This park is near the rich area of Oakville and I got the feeling that I didn't belong there but probably that's just because I'm a regular Joe.

The parking lot is in good condition and the park is at the south end of the soccer field. There is a playground just in front of the park entrance. The area is well maintained and it is surrounded by the beautiful back yards of several houses which makes it look even nicer.

As me and my doggy made our way towards the entrance (first time here) I imagined gold plated gates and a butler to take my jacket. Nope. Both gates were wide open (no dog in the park but it was a weird sight regardless) and the bulletin board, poop bag holder (which are bags inside a larger plastic bag) and the empty, broken membership form box looked like shit.
How can a nice, clean entrance exist in low to mid income neighborhoods and not here? Well, I know how but I'm not about to tell ya:)

The park has lots of shady areas with nice trees, a few benches and there is drinking water available for dogs which is great. The ground in the shady areas is covered with mulch, the open area has grass.
A mini-trail goes around the perimeter which is pretty cool, too bad the side is fenced off by plastic orange construction fence which is falling apart. If it wasn't for this fence the south side of the park shares the fence of private houses.

Overall, I recommend you try this park because it's quiet, clean, a bit small but diverse and your thirsty pup will love the running water. I won't come back again though.

Would love to see ignorant owners and aggressive dogs banned from this park (and all off-leash parks). I was there recently with my small breed dogs and an owner would not control his larger aggressive dog with my small dogs so we had to leave.

The larger aggressive dog actually pounced twice on my 5lb dog and almost severely injured him. I had to quickly intervene and get my dogs out of harms way. I agree that a seperate off-leash area is not the answer, but having well-educated owners who can control their dogs, along with only allowing friendly dogs, is the answer.

I like most of Oakville's dog parks but something I realize that everyone seems to post is the idea of seperate small breed park next to a main park. It really bugs me that people think that having a seperate area for small breeds is appropriate. I have two small terriers, between 15-20 lb each and I would never put them in a small fenced area for small breeds. I love my dogs to have experience with large dogs and yes my little ones will tell dogs off for being too rough, but thats NORMAL dog behaviour, not my dog being yappy. Seperating dogs lead to mishaps down the lines. Both large breed and small breed dogs need to know how to play and interact with eachother. Promoting seperate parks is like promoting aggression between the two sizes.

Great little park. Have only been frequenting this park for a few weeks but so far I'm very pleased. I have met people here from various socio-economic levels and everyone has been friendly. So far I have not witnessed any adverse incidents between dogs. I feel the park is quite well maintained.

This person was just making a joke about the butler etc. as it pertained to the neighbourhood and the gorgeous houses there. It is people with attitudes like yourself that give Oakville a snobby, rich people reputation. Maybe next time you shouldn't open your mouth...just remember "Just because you can talk, doesn't mean you should"

I just returned from my first trip to this delightful well shaded park (nice on a hot day). The mulch and wood chipped area is great if your dog is a digger! All I would ask is that people kindly fill up any holes your dog digs! I spent most of my time filling holes. My one concern are the smaller petite dogs that arrive and their owners want nothing to do with you or your dog! My dog is a newfie. Very gentle but loves to romp and play. I was given dirty looks by these dog owners and one even yelled at my dog.
Suggestion: fence off a small portion of the grassed area for the smaller breeds as I as an owner would hate to see a small do get hurt during a high speed chase going on with the larger breeds of dogs.
Great Park!

Your comments about a butler etc. are not appreciated. Oddly enough other parts of Oakville
are richer! But as you have opened your mouth without thinking, this park donates $55,000 to the
Oakville Humane Society each and every year for 8 years in a row. The park is 25 years old, maybe that's why things look a little tacky. It's a lovely park but it does need a tune up.

 Woof Park (inside Shell Park)

After you enter Shell Park keep driving/walking all the way to the end of the parking lot to the left and that's where the park is. Actually, there are two parks. One for small and young dogs and the main park. And they both have running water - hurray!
The smaller park has lots of trees inside and although it looks a bit small at first small and young dogs can get plenty of exercise here.

The main park used to be a baseball diamond and got converted into a dog park. It has no trees/shade except for a bus shelter at the far end which is also the only thing in the park that needs a little TLC.

The ground is half dirt half grass, the fence is in good condition and there are a few benches too.
Membership is $20/year for the first dog and $3 for each additional dog.

Neat (not so) little park in a fun environment. Recommended.
Ps: Every park has a few tennis balls lying around the ground but this one so many my dog got confused which one to play with.

I visit Shell park often with my two dogs but only because there is no other park close by. People that go to this park are lazy and don't pick up after their dogs. Not just poop but I find broken dog toys and ripped tennis balls all the time. My dogs are part Labs so everything goes in their mouths. Most times I find myself pulling pieces out of their mouths. Once I had to take one of my dogs to the emergency clinic because he swallowed a large piece and they made him vomit it up. PLEASE if people see a dog destroy an item clean up after them! I actually over heard a dog walker laugh that one her dogs is 'at it again' destroying a ball but she never picked up the pieces. It's simple... if you bring something in to the park leave with it or if it's broken throw it away! Last time I looked there were trash cans at each exit.

Has the potential to be a great park. While I have had good experiences I have had many bad experiences. In my opinion, too many people come to socialize. Dogs just roam free. My dog has been attacked on numerous occasions while the owners do nothing about it. I am also extremely concerned about the "garbage" all over the ground, water bottle caps, broken dog toys. My dog has a habit of EATING shredded tennis balls that other dogs have destroyed. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, pick up these tennis ball pieces. I am so lucky that my dog manages to vomit these pieces, but I may not be so lucky the next time. I am sick and tired of spending my time cleaning up every time I go. I will never buy a membership for this simple reason. Would you leave shredded tennis balls lying around in your own backyard? Also, PICK UP YOUR POOP!! The socializers are too busy socializing to see when their dog poops.

I have taken my dog to this park a few times. people do stand around talking and drinking coffee. yet even though this is happening people are always watching their dogs. If your dog can not handel other dogs, get them out of the park. a dog growels because it is "talking". my dog sounds very mean when she is doing this but is sweeter then pie. love it there!

I went to this park once. I took my two little dogs into the smaller area for puppies and little breeds because the larger park had several quite big dogs some of whom who were not really being attended by their owners, who seemed more interested in socializing than interacting with their dogs. Although my dogs are much smaller than the majority of dogs that were there that day, they are about 18 pounds, young and very energetic. They need more space than the little park provided. The worst part was the burrs they got covered in!

I have heard a lot of "aggressive dog" stories and "obnoxious owner" stories but I for one am grateful for this area and the people who put so much effort into maintaining it. And it's fantastic to be able to bring your dog day or night to a place that is fenced in. The aggressive dogs tend to be the ones who are shut in most of the day so they arrive after work hours full of energy and ADD. Most owners are friendly and vigilant. Even the regulars who stay amongst themselves are also friendly if you make the effort to speak to them. Unfriendliness is a sign that a neighbourhood is getting too big and overcrowded. It is a very busy area with lots and lots of people using it round the clock. This says something about the high need for places like this. We need more places like this. City planners should include pets and pet owner's needs in new development projects and preserve the green spaces and better living spaces including nature and places that promote harmonious coexistence and community building.

Hello
We go to this park all the time with our dog and we have had a few aggressive dog experiences but the owners are always there...2 nights ago was the first time we went there later in the evening and I saw all the smokers people are talking about. There were about 20 people sitting on the picnic table in the middle and the dogs were just playing around them. There was nothing bad about it other then one really really yappy dog and no one telling it to be quiet. I have a big dog who does not bark often so this little yappy dog was a little irrititaing but my dog did not seem to mind. We do laps while we are there and my dog usually stays with me or we throw a ball for him till he gets tired. I actually like this park. There is no other free park close to us so we drive from appleby/upper middle to go here...thanks!!

Totally agree with all comments. I have been there once and will never go there again for two reasons. First, the owners who frequent this park care more about their social time than watching their dogs behaviours. Second, the dogs at this park are very aggressive.

Can\'t believe what I am reading here....I have gone to this park for years.
It is well maintained...trees have been planted and a new shelter has been constructed. There are posts with bags to clean up after your dogs.

I find people are vigilant about cleaning up their dogs poop. I have heard people tell other people deep in conversation that their dog has pooped and the owner has gone and cleaned it.

Sorry to any dogs that have been injured...that has never ever been my experience. I know some people are not used to the sounds that dogs make when they play and they think it\'s aggression. Dogs use their mouths to play folks.
I was weary in the beginning as well but over time felt comfortable and learned that dogs do play in a way that might look aggressive.
I have brought my 7 year old son with me many times and never ever had a problem.
The dogs love it there...it\'s like a club for dogs. Please try it out for yourselves and form your own opinions. The people that go there are dog lovers.

My dog was attacked in this park. Owners stood around smoking and not paying attention to their dogs, the owners here don't seem to care at all.

dog walkers bring in more than ten a day at one tiome and ignore them. i thought the limit was 3 dogs per walker.

Hi folks! I visited this park for the first time last weekend. I have two 5 month old cattledogs that are full of energy. Finding this park for them was a dream come true (saved me walking them so often) My dogs being new had lots of dogs checking them out mostly all friendly and ready for some fun. My dogs were more than happy to oblige. As time went on some dogs started to become slighty agressive and growly at my dogs(because they were running and playing) and the owners were no where in site. I thought it could escalate into a dogfight quickly as this dog was doing the same to not only my dogs but others. I left the park as it was obvious these owners of the dogs would rather sit under the trees and socialize drinking coffee than looking after their dogs.

I have been going to this park for many many years. Rarely do I visit after 4:00 p.m. weekdays because I like to avoid chaos and problems. I agree that many injuries over the years have taken place involving dogs. This park is extremely cliquish - YUCK! Who likes that, really! Not many. There are daily 'regulars' who visit this park and sit around for hours smoking, talking, drinking and never interacting with their dogs. Their dogs are often menaces to others who visit the park to play fetch with their own dog and little is done to control or entertain their dogs because they're too busy talking with each other. Their dogs go about their business in the park and these regulars fail to notice that many times. Many people have commented to me about their ignorance. Another HUGE problem with this park is that many children under 10 visit, run and play in it without direct supervision by their parents. I fear the day one is seriously injured because of their parents' negligence. It will happen for sure.

To the woman who\'s dog was attacked. I hope you find the dog owner. I used to go to this particular off leash but stopped because the dog owners were more intent on sitting/standing around drinking coffee and chatting then watching their dog and checking it\'s behaviour. Their dogs would \'dump\' and it would go unnoticed (or ignored). I have a well behaved Boston Terrier that on several occasions was attacked by other dogs. I witnessed attacks on other dogs. My advice - only take your dog here if you are NOT interested in the well being of your pet. Do try out the park just off of Chartwell Road...much more in tune owners and well behaved dogs.

There are trees for shade on the south side, they have always been there. How could you miss them?
Water is only available in the summer. The park is not monitored and dog fights and injuries are common place there. for some reason the people who use this park do not care if their dog attacks or is aggressive. I would avoid this park if you have a small or timid dog.

To the woman whose dog was attacked, in the future, if you can get the license plate number of their vehicle and give it to the Oakville Humane Society (905-845-1551)they will find the offenders, attempt to collect money for your vet bill and evaluate the dog. It may be muzzled depending on the offense and number of complanits against the dog.

Hi there.
My mother and father took my dog to this park today 29.04.09 at around 7pm and my dog was attacked by another dog who belonged to a VERY rude blonde woman. She had a black medium sized sog with white on it's neck and chest. She argued with my parents and would not give any of her information out. My dog will need to see a vet since his ears are large and soft and thin (weimaraner). Part of his ear is damanged to the point that it will have to be removed.
I NEED TO FIND THIS WOMAN!
The vet bill will be over 300 dollars!
Please let me know what steps to take to find this woman and her agressive dog. She cannot bring dogs like this to a dog park that is leash free!
Bo Calic
416-688-1998

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