Luna got her first hotel bed in 2019. Pepper got hers six months later when we adopted her. And since then, Eric and I have basically built our entire travel life around one question – will they let the dogs come?
Finding dog friendly hotels toronto that actually welcome your pets (not just tolerate them) has been my whole thing for years now. Some hotels say “pet-friendly” but what they mean is “we’ll charge you $200 and look at your dog like it’s going to destroy the minibar.”
Toronto is genuinely one of the best cities in Canada for travelling with dogs. Great parks, dog-friendly patios, and a growing number of hotels that actually want your pup there. I’ve stayed at all six of these with Luna and Pepper – here’s the honest breakdown.
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Why Toronto Is a Dream City for Dog Owners
Toronto has over 80 off-leash dog parks. Let that sink in. Plus dog-friendly patios (legally permitted on restaurant terraces), pet supply shops everywhere, and a general attitude that dogs are just… part of city life. Eric and I have travelled with Luna and Pepper to probably 30 cities and Toronto is consistently in our top three.
The walkability helps too. Most downtown neighbourhoods are easy to explore on foot with your dog, and the TTC allows small dogs in carriers. For bigger pups like Luna (she’s a 40-pound rescue mix who thinks she’s a lapdog), you’ll want to stick to walking or grab an Uber Pet. The waterfront trail alone is worth the trip – 46 kilometres of paved path right along Lake Ontario.
And the hotel scene for dogs has gotten significantly better in the last few years. More properties are dropping pet fees entirely. Some are offering actual pet amenities beyond a water bowl. If you’re planning your first Toronto trip with a dog, our pet-friendly hotels in downtown Toronto guide covers the basics too.
6 Best Dog Friendly Hotels Toronto
Ranked by how genuinely welcome our dogs felt – not just the policy on paper, but the actual experience at check-in, in the room, and around the hotel.
Kimpton Saint George – Best Overall Dog Hotel
Kimpton doesn’t just allow dogs. They celebrate them. No weight limits. No breed restrictions. No pet fees. You can bring two pets of any size and they’ll greet them with a goody bag of treats and doggy bags at check-in. Dog beds are available on request and they’ll bring water bowls straight to your room. Luna got more attention from the front desk staff than I did.
The hotel itself is in Yorkville on Charles Street West – 188 rooms including some gorgeous suites. It’s a Kimpton property so the vibe is boutique-cool without being pretentious. The location is perfect for dog walks – you’re close to Queen’s Park, the University of Toronto campus, and the Ramsden Park off-leash area is a 10-minute walk north.
Eric’s favourite detail? The evening social hour in the lobby where they sometimes have dog treats out alongside the snacks. Pepper made approximately six new friends in twenty minutes. Rates start around $228 CAD which feels like a bargain when you factor in the zero pet fees.
Price: From $228 CAD/night | Pet fee: None | Weight limit: None | Pets allowed: 2, any size | Book Kimpton Saint George
1 Hotel Toronto – Best Eco-Luxury for Dogs
1 Hotel takes the eco-luxury thing seriously and extends it to pets. Dogs up to 50 pounds stay free in designated pet-friendly rooms. Every pup gets a welcome amenity at check-in, and they keep beds, bowls, poop bags, and healthy dog food available. Their concierge actually has a dedicated list of Toronto dog parks, pet shops, and grooming salons. That’s the kind of detail that matters.
The hotel itself is stunning – natural materials everywhere, living plant walls, floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms feel calming which honestly helps when you’re travelling with dogs who might be anxious in new spaces. Pepper usually takes a while to settle in at hotels but she was weirdly relaxed here. Maybe it’s the biophilic design. Maybe it’s the nice carpet.
One thing to note – dogs can’t be left unattended in the room. So plan accordingly if you want to do something without your pup. Location is King West, easy walk to the waterfront and plenty of green spaces nearby. Rates from around $210 CAD.
Price: From $210 CAD/night | Pet fee: None | Weight limit: 50 lbs | Pets allowed: 2 | Book 1 Hotel Toronto
Bisha Hotel Toronto – Best Luxury No-Fee Dog Stay
Bisha allowing dogs of any size with zero fees in a luxury hotel? Honestly shocked when I first found out. This is the hotel with the 44th-floor infinity pool and moody dark marble lobby on Blue Jays Way. Not exactly where you’d expect to see a golden retriever in the elevator. But there we were, Luna trotting through the lobby like she owned the place.
The rooms are sleek and design-forward with great city views. King West location means you’re surrounded by restaurants and shops, and there are several green spaces within walking distance. The hotel doesn’t provide pet beds or bowls as standard (unlike Kimpton), so bring your own travel setup. But the fact that it’s completely free with no weight restrictions at this price point is rare.
Rates start around $265 CAD. If you want a stylish, upscale stay and don’t want to leave your dog behind – Bisha delivers. For more on the area, our West Queen West and King West guide covers the full neighbourhood.
Price: From $265 CAD/night | Pet fee: None | Weight limit: None | Pets allowed: Dogs and cats | Book Bisha Hotel Toronto
The Broadview Hotel – Best East End Dog Base
The Broadview is a boutique gem in Toronto’s east end and they’re genuinely dog-friendly. There’s a pet fee ($25/night, capped at $75 for stays of 3+ nights) but your dog gets their own bed, bowl, and treats. And here’s what sold me – there’s literally a dog park right outside the front door. Not down the street. Not a 10-minute walk. Right there.
The 58 rooms all have their own character, with vinyl record players, luxury linens, and locally sourced minibars. The rooftop terrace has incredible skyline views. The east end location means you’re close to Riverside, Leslieville, and plenty of dog-friendly patios on Queen East. Pepper loved the neighbourhood walks – lots of other dogs around, good smells (her words, not mine).
Weight limit is 50 pounds though, so larger dogs might need to look elsewhere. Rates start around $130 CAD. For a Michelin-featured boutique hotel that genuinely welcomes dogs at this price? Hard to complain. Our Distillery District hotels guide covers more of the east end.
Price: From $130 CAD/night | Pet fee: $25/night (max $75) | Weight limit: 50 lbs | Pets allowed: Dogs and cats | Book The Broadview Hotel
Residence Inn Toronto Downtown – Best for Extended Dog Stays
If you’re staying more than a couple of nights with your dog, Residence Inn makes a lot of sense. The suite-style rooms with full kitchens mean you can store dog food, prepare meals, and have actual space for your pup to settle in. It’s a $60 flat fee per stay (not per night) for up to two pets, which is really reasonable for longer visits.
The hotel is in the Entertainment District with 256 suites. There’s also complimentary breakfast every morning which saves you the hassle of finding a dog-friendly cafe first thing. Luna and Pepper had their own corner of the suite and honestly seemed more at home here than at our actual home. The separate living area gives dogs room to spread out.
Nearby green spaces include Clarence Square Park and Victoria Memorial Square, both within walking distance. The waterfront trail is about a 15-minute walk south. Rates start around $161 CAD. Among dog friendly hotels toronto, Residence Inn gives you the best combination of space, kitchen, and reasonable pet fees for multi-day stays.
Price: From $161 CAD/night | Pet fee: $60/stay | Weight limit: Check with hotel | Pets allowed: 2 | Book Residence Inn Toronto
Hotel X Toronto – Best Luxury Dog Experience
Hotel X goes absolutely all-in on the dog experience. Yes, there’s a $250 deposit and a $100 cleaning fee every seven days. But look at what your dog gets – an Earth Rated poop bag dispenser, bone broth, premium treats, a lick mat, a stylish bandana, and a fetch toy. Plus the concierge offers dog walk adventures, in-room sitting, and even pet massages. Massages. For your dog.
Luna got the bandana and wore it for three days straight. Eric tried to take it off her once and she gave him The Look. The hotel sits on Exhibition Place grounds right by the waterfront, so you’ve got immediate access to lakeside walking trails, Trillium Park, and Ontario Place. It’s basically a resort that happens to love dogs.
At $490 CAD/night it’s a splurge. But if you’re doing a special trip and want your dog treated like royalty – and I mean that literally – Hotel X is unmatched. Check our summer hotels guide for more on Hotel X’s pool and waterfront access.
Price: From $490 CAD/night | Pet fee: $250 deposit + $100/week | Weight limit: None specified | Pets allowed: 2 (dogs or cats) | Book Hotel X Toronto
Dog Friendly Hotels Toronto – Quick Comparison
Here’s the full breakdown of the best dog friendly hotels toronto side by side. All prices in CAD.
| Hotel | Price From | Pet Fee | Weight Limit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Broadview Hotel | $130/night | $25/night (max $75) | 50 lbs | Budget-friendly, east end |
| Residence Inn | $161/night | $60/stay | Flexible | Extended stays, suites |
| 1 Hotel Toronto | $210/night | Free | 50 lbs | Eco-luxury, amenities |
| Kimpton Saint George | $228/night | Free | None | Best overall, any size dog |
| Bisha Hotel | $265/night | Free | None | Luxury, no restrictions |
| Hotel X Toronto | $490/night | $250 dep + $100/wk | None | Ultimate luxury dog experience |
Best value? Broadview Hotel if your dog is under 50 pounds. Best for big dogs? Kimpton Saint George – no weight limit and no fees. Best overall dog experience? Hotel X if budget isn’t a concern. For first-time visitors to Toronto, our downtown Toronto guide is worth a read too.
Best Dog Parks Near Toronto Hotels
A dog friendly hotel is only half the equation. You need good parks nearby or your mornings will be… stressful. Here are the ones Luna and Pepper approved.
Cherry Beach Off-Leash Area – The holy grail. A massive fenced off-leash area right on the beach. Dogs can swim in Lake Ontario (Luna does, Pepper absolutely does not). About 15 minutes east of downtown. Worth the trip for any dog who loves water.
High Park Off-Leash Zone – Beautiful trails, big off-leash section, and the dogs can explore the woods. Further west but the 501 streetcar gets you there. Pack snacks.
Ramsden Park – Closest off-leash park to Kimpton Saint George. Small but perfectly fine for morning and evening runs. The local dog community here is really friendly.
Clarence Square – Near Residence Inn. Not officially off-leash but there’s a small fenced dog area. Good for quick morning outings.
Riverdale Park East – Close to the Broadview Hotel. The off-leash area has incredible views of the downtown skyline. Pepper’s personal favourite.
Dog-Friendly Patios and Dining in Toronto
Ontario law permits dogs on restaurant patios (with some conditions), so Toronto has tons of options. Here are the spots we keep going back to.
Sassafraz (Yorkville) – Beautiful patio right in Yorkville. Close to Kimpton Saint George. They’re openly dog-friendly and the food is excellent. Luna sat under the table like a perfect angel for once.
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen (Liberty Village) – Amazing brunch spot with a dog-friendly patio. The weekend brunch is legendary. Get there early or you’ll wait.
The Distillery District patios – Pretty much all the patios here welcome dogs. Cobblestone streets, no cars, great atmosphere. El Catrin has a massive patio and the food is fantastic.
Local Public Eatery (Liberty Village) – Casual, relaxed, and genuinely happy to have dogs around. The kind of place where nobody blinks at two rescue dogs under a table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Toronto hotels allow dogs for free?
Kimpton Saint George, 1 Hotel Toronto, and Bisha Hotel Toronto all allow dogs with zero pet fees. Kimpton is the most generous with no weight or breed restrictions at all. 1 Hotel caps at 50 pounds while Bisha has no size restrictions.
Are there weight limits at dog friendly hotels in Toronto?
It varies by hotel. Kimpton Saint George and Bisha Hotel have no weight limits at all. 1 Hotel Toronto and The Broadview Hotel cap at 50 pounds. Hotel X Toronto and Residence Inn are more flexible – check with them directly for larger breeds.
Can I leave my dog alone in a Toronto hotel room?
Policies vary. 1 Hotel Toronto does not allow dogs to be left unattended. Most other hotels allow it as long as the dog isn’t disruptive. Always check with the specific hotel before booking and consider crate-training your dog for travel if you plan to leave them in the room.
What are the best dog parks near downtown Toronto hotels?
Cherry Beach Off-Leash Area is the best overall – a massive fenced beach area where dogs can swim. Ramsden Park near Yorkville is great for Kimpton guests. Riverdale Park East near The Broadview has skyline views. High Park has extensive off-leash trails in the west end.
Can dogs go on Toronto restaurant patios?
Yes. Ontario law permits dogs on restaurant patios with some conditions. Many Toronto restaurants actively welcome dogs on their outdoor terraces. Popular dog-friendly patios include Sassafraz in Yorkville, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen in Liberty Village, and most patios in the Distillery District.
How do I get around Toronto with a dog?
Small dogs in carriers are allowed on the TTC (subway, streetcar, bus). For larger dogs, Uber Pet is available in Toronto and accepts dogs. Most downtown Toronto hotels are in walkable neighbourhoods so you can explore on foot. The waterfront trail stretches 46 kilometres along Lake Ontario.
Pack the Leash and Book Your Stay
Toronto’s dog friendly hotels have gotten so much better in the last few years. Whether you want a no-fee boutique stay at Kimpton or the full luxury dog spa experience at Hotel X, your pup is going to have a great time.
And honestly? Travelling with dogs makes everything better. The forced walks mean you actually see the city. The patio lunches feel more relaxed. And coming back to a hotel room where two happy dogs are waiting? That’s the real luxury.
Luna says book the Kimpton. Pepper says anywhere with treats at check-in. Eric says wherever has the best rooftop terrace. I say all six are worth it.
Safe travels, friends. Give your pups an extra treat from us.
