The Thousand Islands Region of Ontario is an archipelago of more than 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence River. Straddling the border of the U.S. and Canada, it’s a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and a fantastic pet friendly destination!
Before the start of each summer, our family asks the very same question: Where should we go on vacation? Normally, our clan of five (including 3 little ones) wouldn’t have any problem choosing a fun place to kick up our feet and relax. But some destinations are more appealing to the furriest member of our troupe.
Weighing in at over 100 pounds, Maya, our 13-year-old Rottweiler-Labrador Retriever mix, isn’t exactly your average purse puppy. And yet, as a loyal member of our pack, we’re not about to leave her behind!
Suddenly, picking a summer destination isn’t so straightforward.
READ MORE ⇒ Planning A Pet Friendly Road Trip
Deciding On A Pet Friendly Vacation Destination
After a bit of research, we came to the conclusion that renting a pet friendly cottage would best meet our needs. So, where do Montrealers go to get away from the hustle bustle of city living? This time around, we chose the spectacular, forested sights of the Thousand Islands Region of Eastern Ontario.
We were lucky to locate a cottage in Lyndhurst — right on serene Grippen Lake. We’ve stayed at places where the water’s edge was deep, rocky, and weedy. But this place had a shallow, sandy bottom that was easily accessible. And being quick ride from a plethora of historical attractions and museums in Kingston, it was the perfect getaway for our little people and our big pup!
READ MORE ⇒ Tips for Booking a Pet Friendly Cabin or Vacation Rental
For anyone traveling with a pit bull, or a dog that could be mistaken for a pit bull, please know that Ontario has an especially ugly Breed Specific Law that bans “pitbull-type” dogs from the province. Police and animal control officers can search for and seize any dog deemed to be a “pit bull-type” based on visual inspection.
Please avoid Ontario with your dog and check out these Tips for Traveling with Pit Bulls.
Pet Friendly Things To Do In The Thousand Islands Region
Being part Lab, Maya would have been happy if we’d spent the entire vacation playing in the lake! But there are a lot of pet friendly things to do in the Thousand Islands Region. Getting out to see some of the sights was a highlight of our trip.
Kingston – The History Of Canada In One Place
Considered on of Canada’s more pet friendly cities, you’ll still find some places in Kingston that you won’t be able to visit with your furry companion. Having said that, there are quite a few outdoor areas to take your dog while absorbing some culture.
Maya enjoyed our leisurely stroll along the streets of Kingston, admiring the historic buildings. And we ended at Lake Ontario Park, where the Waterfront Trail provided a breathtaking view.
When you visit, be sure to check out one of the many pet friendly patios, such as Chez Piggy, for a refreshing beverage before taking the 30-minute free ferry ride to Wolfe Island. And yes, dogs are welcome!
Lansdowne – Visit The Weekly Outdoor Farmer’s Market
Just a 17-minute drive down the road, Lansdowne has a fantastic weekly farmer’s market from May through October. Easily accessible with plenty of parking, we love their locally grown produce, baked goods, woven crafts, jewelry, art, maple syrup, and honey.
Most people visiting the fairgrounds bring their dogs along while they peruse the vendors’ tables. Don’t be surprised when sellers ask if they can give your furry friend a treat!
Charleston Lake Provincial Park – Dog Beach
Charleston Lake Provincial Park‘s wild beauty will leave you positively speechless. It’s clear to see why this is a favorite destination for families who like camping, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing and wildlife viewing.
Though not as large as their human-only beaches, we were nonetheless happy to find the park had a pet beach. There were several picnic tables in the area, lots of shade trees, and the entrance into the water was very low.
The moment Maya realized she could join the other dogs paddling about, she made a beeline for the refreshing lake!
READ MORE ⇒ Tips For Teaching Your Dog How To Swim
With countless places to visit in the Thousand Islands region, where will you go on your next pet friendly holiday?
Learn more about taking your pets to Canada here:
Author bio Lindsay Pereira is a pet-loving Montréal-based writer who writes about Muffy, a grumpy guinea pig with a serious attitude problem, at Animallama.com.
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