The short answer
Cedarvale Park's off-leash area is on the west side of the park, off Strathearn Road just east of the Phil White Arena lot, near Bathurst and St. Clair West. There are two fenced runs: one large fully-fenced area plus an adjacent partially-fenced one. The fences are low, so watch athletic jumpers, and there is no dedicated small-dog pen. Out the back, the park opens onto the on-leash Cedarvale Ravine trail (often cited around 7 km), which is the real draw. Free parking at the arena lot (about 50 spaces); transit is limited (roughly a 20-minute walk from Eglinton West / Cedarvale station). No lighting, so it is a daytime space. Off-leash is allowed only inside the fenced boundary; leash up everywhere else, including the ravine.
Where Cedarvale Park is, and what makes it different
Cedarvale Park sits in the Cedarvale and Forest Hill area of midtown-west Toronto, near the Bathurst and St. Clair West intersection. The off-leash area is on the west side of the park, reached from Strathearn Road just east of the Phil White Arena parking lot. It is not a manicured square of grass tucked in a downtown corner. It is a green space that backs directly onto a wooded ravine, and that is exactly why dog owners seek it out.
Most Toronto off-leash sites are either a small fenced pen on a flat field or an open, unfenced ravine trail. Cedarvale gives you both in one place: a fenced run for off-leash play, and direct access out the back to the forested Cedarvale Ravine trail for a longer on-leash walk. That combination is the hidden-gem appeal. The City of Toronto signs the off-leash boundary, and off-leash is permitted only inside it. On the streets, the connecting paths, and the ravine trail itself, dogs must be leashed.
The two fenced runs, and the low-fence catch
There are two off-leash areas here: one large fully-fenced run, plus an adjacent partially-fenced area. Having an enclosed space is a real advantage over the open ravine parks elsewhere in the city, because you can let a dog off the lead without the bolt risk. The runs use bark-chip surfacing in places, which cuts down on the mud you get on a worn grass field after rain.
Here is the catch, and it is worth knowing before you go: the fences are low. A determined, athletic jumper can clear them. So while Cedarvale is a fenced run, it is not a bombproof one for a dog that treats fences as a suggestion. Keep an eye on the leapers. And despite what some park listings imply, there is no dedicated small-dog area inside the runs, so if your dog is small or shy, you will need to manage size and play-style mismatches yourself, or pick a quieter window.
The ravine trail out the back
The real reason regulars love Cedarvale is what sits behind the fenced runs. The park opens onto the Cedarvale Ravine trail, a forested route often cited at around 7 km that ranks among the nicer ravine walks in Toronto. The usual pattern is to do an off-leash play session in the fenced run first, then clip the leash back on and head into the ravine for a proper woodland stroll.
The key thing to remember: the ravine trail is on-leash, not part of the off-leash zone. Off-leash play happens inside the fence; the trail is a leashed walk. The ravine connects into the wider Toronto ravine network, so it is a lovely outing, but your dog stays leashed the whole way. If your dog loves a long walk over a flat dog-park session, Cedarvale's fenced-run-plus-ravine pairing is hard to beat in this part of the city.
Hours and lighting
The off-leash area follows the City of Toronto standard for designated zones, generally 6 a.m. to midnight, open year-round. Do not assume dawn to dusk; the City uses that 6 a.m. to midnight park-hours window. That said, there is no lighting at the runs or in the ravine, so in practice Cedarvale is a daylight space. Heading into an unlit ravine after dark on uneven footing is a sprained-ankle waiting to happen, for you and the dog. Read the signs at the off-leash boundary for current rules and any seasonal closures.
Getting there and parking
Cedarvale rewards owners who can drive or walk to it. The options:
- By car (best for most): there is free parking at the Phil White Arena lot on Strathearn Road, roughly 50 spaces, and the off-leash runs are just east of it. It can fill on busy arena days and sunny weekend mornings, so come early.
- Street parking: the surrounding residential streets are restricted in places. Read the signs; tickets are common in this area.
- By transit (longer): the nearest subway is Eglinton West (also signed as Cedarvale) on Line 1, but it is roughly a 20-minute walk from the station. Bus routes near Bathurst and St. Clair West get you somewhat closer. Expect a walk at each end.
Coyotes and ravine wildlife
The Cedarvale Ravine connects into the broader Toronto ravine network, which is coyote habitat across the city. This is general ravine awareness rather than a specific warning posted for Cedarvale, but the same precautions apply anywhere a park backs onto a ravine. Keep your guard up more than you would in a flat fenced field, especially once you leave the run for the leashed trail:
- Keep your dog close, and leash up the moment you see a coyote.
- Make yourself big and loud (clap, shout, wave your arms) and back away calmly. Do not run, and do not turn your back.
- Never feed coyotes, and pack out any food scraps that would draw them in.
- Small dogs are at higher risk; keep them close, especially at dawn and dusk.
Coyotes are most active and defensive in late winter and spring during denning season, so be extra attentive on the ravine trail in those months. If your dog loves water, the off-leash dog beach at Cherry Beach on the waterfront is the better choice for a swim.
What to bring
- Poop bags, always. The City fines for failing to scoop, and the ravine is a natural area worth keeping clean.
- Water and a collapsible bowl in summer. There is no reliable dog water fountain at the runs.
- A leash you keep on you even in the off-leash run, because you will need it the moment you head into the ravine.
- Sturdy footwear for the trail, which gets muddy in spring, and a towel for paws afterward.
- A current city dog licence tag with your phone number. Anywhere near a ravine, a lost dog needs to be reunited fast.
- A tick check after spring and summer walks. The brush and tall grass along the trail are tick habitat.
Etiquette every Cedarvale regular follows
- Watch the low fences. If your dog is an athletic jumper, keep it in sight; the fences will not stop a determined leaper.
- Manage size mismatches. There is no small-dog pen, so step in early if play gets too rough for a smaller or shyer dog.
- Leash up for the ravine. The trail behind the runs is on-leash; clip the leash on the moment you leave the fence.
- Watch your dog, not your phone, especially near the open back edge of the runs.
- Scoop every time, in the run and on the trail. Officers do check the ravine parks.
Looking for a rescue dog ready for a fenced run and a ravine walk?
Toronto rescues list adoptable dogs daily, and foster homes know which dogs do well in a busy fenced run and which ones would rather have the quiet leashed ravine first.
See Adoptable Toronto Dogs →Winter and summer at Cedarvale
Toronto winters change how Cedarvale works. The fenced runs stay usable in the cold, though the bark-chip and dirt sections get packed with snow and ice. The ravine trail is the real footing challenge, with slick slopes and no lighting in the early dark of midwinter. Wear boots with grip, keep walks shorter in a deep cold snap, and rinse road salt off your dog's paws at home, since it irritates the pads. The upside of winter is solitude: the regulars who show up tend to have well-socialised dogs, so the run is calmer than a packed summer weekend.
Summer brings shade in the ravine, which is a real plus in a Toronto July, but also mud on the trail after rain and ticks in the brush. The bark-chip surfacing in the runs keeps the worst of the mud down. Early mornings and the early evening are the most comfortable windows. Carry water, since there is no reliable fountain, and check your dog over for ticks when you get home.
City of Toronto bylaw recap
The rules that apply everywhere except inside the posted Cedarvale off-leash runs:
- Dogs must be leashed at all times outside the marked off-leash area, including the ravine trail.
- Off-leash is allowed only inside the posted fenced boundary; read the signs to know where it starts and ends.
- You must carry a leash even inside the off-leash run, and your dog must come when called.
- Pick up after your dog every time. Officers issue fines for failing to scoop.
- Off-leash fines in non-designated areas can run into the hundreds of dollars under the City's animal bylaw.
- Toronto requires dogs to be licensed; keep a current tag on the collar.
For the official rules and the list of every designated zone in the city, see the City of Toronto's dog off-leash areas page, and the City's dogs off-leash strategy page for how the City plans and manages these areas.
If Cedarvale is not the right fit
Cedarvale is great if you want a fenced run paired with a ravine walk, but the low fences and lack of a small-dog area do not suit every dog, and the transit access is limited. If that is not your situation, you have other options:
- Trinity Bellwoods off-leash is a busy, central west-end option with strong transit access.
- High Park off-leash is the west end's big off-leash area, with room to roam.
Our full Toronto off-leash parks guide covers the designated off-leash areas across the city, with notes on which are fenced, which allow swimming, and which fit different dogs best.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the off-leash area in Cedarvale Park?
Cedarvale Park is in the Cedarvale and Forest Hill area of midtown-west Toronto, near the Bathurst and St. Clair West intersection. The off-leash area is on the west side of the park, accessed from Strathearn Road, just east of the Phil White Arena parking lot. Walk in from Strathearn and you reach the fenced runs quickly. The off-leash zone is the fenced area itself, marked by City signs. Everywhere else in the park, including the ravine trail out the back, dogs must be leashed. Leash up on the surrounding streets and connecting paths until you are inside the posted off-leash boundary.
Is Cedarvale Park off-leash fenced?
Yes, and this is one of its draws. There are two off-leash areas here: one large fully-fenced run plus an adjacent partially-fenced area. That gives you a secure space to let a dog off the lead, which makes Cedarvale a safer bet than the open ravine trails elsewhere in the city. One caveat worth knowing: the fences are low. A determined, athletic jumper can clear them, so keep an eye on dogs that like to test boundaries. The fenced runs are not a separate small-dog area; despite what some listings suggest, there is no dedicated small-dog pen here, so manage size mismatches yourself.
What are the off-leash hours at Cedarvale Park?
The off-leash area follows the City of Toronto standard for designated zones, generally 6 a.m. to midnight (the same as park hours), open year-round. Do not assume dawn to dusk; the City uses that 6 a.m. to midnight park-hours window. In practice, though, there is no lighting at the off-leash runs or in the ravine, so Cedarvale is really a daytime space. Picking through an unlit ravine after dark is not a good idea for you or the dog. Read the signs at the off-leash boundary for current rules and any seasonal closures, since the City posts those at the gate.
Can I park at Cedarvale Park?
Yes. There is free parking at the Phil White Arena lot on Strathearn Road, holding roughly 50 spaces, and the off-leash runs are just east of it. That is the easiest way to arrive by car. The lot can fill on busy arena days and sunny weekend mornings, so come early if you want a spot. Street parking on the surrounding residential streets is restricted in places, so read the signs before you leave the car. Many people who live in Cedarvale and Forest Hill simply walk in, which is the simplest option if you are local.
How do I get to Cedarvale Park by TTC?
Cedarvale is not especially transit-convenient. The nearest subway is Eglinton West (also signed as Cedarvale) on Line 1 (Yonge-University), but it is roughly a 20-minute walk from the station to the off-leash area. Bus routes in the Bathurst and St. Clair West area get you somewhat closer. If you do not have a car, plan for a walk at each end. For a quick off-leash trip with stronger transit access, a more central park may suit better. Cedarvale rewards owners who can drive to the Phil White Arena lot or who live within walking distance.
Is Cedarvale good for a newly adopted rescue dog?
The fenced runs, yes, with care. Because Cedarvale has an enclosed off-leash area, it is a reasonable place to let a newly adopted dog stretch its legs without the bolt risk of an open ravine. Just remember the fences are low, so watch an athletic dog closely, and keep first visits short and quiet. The ravine trail out the back is on-leash, which is perfect for a decompressing dog still in the 3-3-3 window (3 days to settle, 3 weeks to learn the routine, 3 months to fully trust). Walk the leashed ravine to build your bond, then use the fenced run once the dog is comfortable with other dogs.
Are there coyotes in Cedarvale Park?
Treat it as a yes for planning. The Cedarvale Ravine connects to the broader Toronto ravine network, which is coyote habitat across the city. This is general awareness rather than a specific posted warning, but the standard guidance applies in any ravine: keep your dog close, leash up the moment you see a coyote, make yourself big and loud, never run, and never feed wildlife. Coyotes are most active and defensive in late winter and spring during denning season. Small dogs are at higher risk, so keep them close, especially at dawn and dusk and on the leashed ravine trail.
What is special about Cedarvale Park for dogs?
The combination. Cedarvale is a bit of a hidden gem because you get a fenced off-leash run for a safe warm-up, then direct access out the back to the Cedarvale Ravine trail, one of the nicer forested ravine walks in Toronto (often cited around 7 km). So a typical outing is an off-leash play session in the secure run, then leash up and walk the ravine for a real woodland stroll. Few Toronto off-leash sites pair an enclosed run with a trail this good right next door. The off-leash runs also use bark-chip surfacing in places to cut down on mud, which helps after rain.
Is the Cedarvale Ravine trail off-leash?
No. The ravine trail is an on-leash walk, not part of the off-leash zone. The off-leash area is the fenced runs near Strathearn Road; the ravine out the back is a leashed trail. That distinction is the whole point of how regulars use Cedarvale: do the off-leash play inside the fence, then clip the leash back on and head into the ravine for a longer woodland walk. The trail runs through forest and connects into the wider ravine network, so it is a lovely outing, but your dog stays leashed the entire way. Off-leash anywhere outside the posted fenced boundary can draw a fine.
What should I bring to Cedarvale Park?
Poop bags, always, because the City fines for failing to scoop and the ravine is a natural area worth protecting. Water and a collapsible bowl in summer, since there is no reliable dog water fountain at the runs. A leash you keep on you even in the off-leash area, because you will need it the moment you head into the ravine. Sturdy footwear for the trail, which gets muddy in spring. A towel for paws afterward. A current city dog licence tag with your phone number, useful anywhere near a ravine. And a tick check after spring and summer walks, since the brush and tall grass along the trail are tick habitat.
When is Cedarvale quietest?
Weekday early mornings before 9 a.m. and weekday late afternoons are the calmest windows, mostly local regulars and settled dogs. Sunny weekend mornings draw a crowd to the fenced runs, and the Phil White Arena lot fills up. Rainy weekdays are nearly empty if you do not mind a bit of mud, and the bark-chip surfacing keeps the worst of it down. If your dog is still learning play manners or needs space from other dogs, aim for the quiet weekday windows, or do an off-leash session early and save the ravine walk for when the runs get busy.
What is the off-leash bylaw fine in Toronto?
Toronto requires dogs to be leashed everywhere except inside posted off-leash areas, and fines for off-leash dogs in non-designated areas can run into the hundreds of dollars under the City's animal bylaw. Officers do patrol the ravine parks. At Cedarvale that matters because the fenced runs are off-leash but the ravine trail right behind them is on-leash. It is easy to forget and let the dog stay loose as you head into the trees. Keep your dog leashed until you are inside the signed fenced boundary, and leash up again the moment you leave it for the ravine.