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A Guide to Dog-Friendly Hikes, Parks, Beaches and Hotels in London, Ontario

  • By admin
  • June 10, 2022
  • 3 minutes read

London, Ontario is a dog-friendly city with lots of beautiful, wide-open spaces for your pups to frolic in. Explore all of the options for you and your fur baby, from dog parks to hikes, pubs and pet-friendly hotels. Here’s a guide with everything you need to know.

The Best Dog Parks

 

An off-leash dog park is ideal for a quick romp and lots of entertaining dog watching.

 

Off-leash Parks:

 

At Pottersburg Off-Leash Dog Park, there’s plenty of space for your pups to stretch their legs. As a bonus, the park features larger-than-life dog bone structures, bird watching, and during the wintry months, the space looks like a winter wonderland.

 

Hit the Hiking Trail With Your Dog

 

If you’re new to hiking or are looking for an easy to moderately easy hike where you can take your dog, there are plenty of spots to visit near and around London, Ontario. Out of respect for other hikers, it’s always good to keep your dog on a leash the entire time.

 

You’re likely to meet other people on the trail, and the best practice for making everyone feel safe and comfortable is to keep your dog on a leash. Remember, always consider your dog’s needs before hitting the trail.

 

Things to consider before the hike:

 

  • Have you mapped out the area?
  • Do you have enough water for you and your dog?
  • Have you checked the weather to ensure the safety of you and your dog?
  • Do you have a secure leash that attaches safely to the harness or collar?

 

Relatively Easy On-leash Hikes: 

 

  • Westminster Ponds Loop 3.6 miles — heavily trafficked
  • Fanshawe Lake Trail — moderate — 12.2 miles — heavily trafficked
  • Meadowlily Trail — two miles — heavily trafficked
  • Thames River Trail — 10.6 miles — heavily trafficked
  • Upper Trail and Orange Blaze Loop — 1.1 miles — lightly trafficked

 

The Best Dog-friendly Beaches for a Frolic With Your Dog

 

If you have a hankering to flee the city, and enjoy the lake views. The closest beach is less than an hour away. Your four-legged companion will enjoy the freedom of running in the sand and swimming in the water at the dog-beach and pet friendly exercise area. Plus, your dog will love the car ride on the way there. The beach is an enjoyable and therapeutic experience for people and dogs, too.

 

Enjoy the beautiful, pet-friendly sandy beach at Port Burwell Provincial Park, located on the Northern shore of Lake Erie. On the way home, take a tour through the pet-friendly town of Port Stanley. Even though the Port Stanley Beach doesn’t allow dogs, there are many restaurants and pubs, like The Barnacles Beerhouse, that welcome dogs. It’s worth the detour!

 

Have Dog, Will Travel

 

If you’re visiting the city of London, Ontario, there are quite a few options to lodge with your pet that are all within a short driving distance of dog parks, hikes and restaurants. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability.

 

Pet-friendly hotels 

  • Knights Inn London
  • Delta Hotels by Marriott London Armouries
  • TownePlace Suites by Marriott London
  • Four Points by Sheraton London
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton London Ontario
  • TownePlace Suites by Marriott London

In case of an emergency or if your pet needs a medical evaluation, schedule a virtual vet appointment in London, Ontario. Vetster works around the clock and will connect you with some of the best licensed veterinarians at your convenience. Booking an online appointment takes less than five minutes.

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