Off-leash dog areas and visitor rules in Thunder Bay, Ontario

Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

Thunder Bay lists four free off-leash areas, open 6 a.m.

Key information

Thunder Bay lists four free off-leash areas, open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. A dog must be over four months old, licensed and have current vaccinations.

On this page

How the service works

The four areas have different boundaries. A natural buffer or drainage ditch is not a secure fence for every dog. Choose an area based on the dog’s recall and the source’s boundary description, and remain responsible for supervision.

The city’s off-leash designation applies to the stated area, not an entire adjoining park, road or parking space. Leash the dog for arrival and departure and keep valuables secured in the vehicle. This guide lists the designated areas; it is not a list of private boarding or dog-exercise businesses.

Sources: Off-leash dog areas and visitor rules in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Compare the options

All four city off-leash areas
AreaPublished sizeBoundary/access feature
Centennial Park6.5 acresNatural habitat;0.6 km loop
Beverly Street1.4 acresFormer ball diamond near stadium
Hillyard Lands3.5 acresNatural buffers and drainage ditches
Neebing PlayfieldAbout 1 acreChain-link boundary

Sources: Off-leash dog areas and visitor rules in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Steps to use the service

Steps to use the service
  1. Check eligibility

    Bring a licensed dog over four months old with current vaccinations.

  2. Choose the right area

    Read the access and boundary description before travelling.

  3. Stay in control

    Leash for entry/exit, supervise and clean up.

Sources: Off-leash dog areas and visitor rules in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Eligibility and local rules

Which four off-leash areas does the city list?

Centennial Park, the Beverly Street former ball diamond, Hillyard Lands and Neebing Playfield. Their access descriptions and sizes are listed below.

Source: Off-leash dog areas and visitor rules in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Is admission charged and what are the hours?

The city describes all four as free of charge. Off-leash-area hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; temporary maintenance or other conditions can still affect use.

Source: Off-leash dog areas and visitor rules in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

What is the Centennial Park area like?

It is about 6.5 acres off Arundel Street, with a 0.6-kilometre walking loop. Its boundary is natural habitat, so do not assume every city dog area is a chain-link enclosure.

Source: Off-leash dog areas and visitor rules in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Using the service

Where is the Beverly Street area?

It is the former ball diamond south of Port Arthur Stadium at Beverly Street and Winnipeg Avenue. The listed area is about 1.4 acres.

Source: Off-leash dog areas and visitor rules in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

How do I reach Hillyard Lands?

Turn north from Central Avenue at Carrick Street. The area is just north of Kal Tire, between Memorial Avenue and 8 thAvenue. Natural buffers and drainage ditches bound the roughly 3.5-acre site.

Source: Off-leash dog areas and visitor rules in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

What is different about Neebing Playfield?

Its roughly one-acre off-leash area is at Neebing Avenue and Mary Street West and is bounded by chain-link fence.

Source: Off-leash dog areas and visitor rules in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Which dogs may not enter?

The city excludes puppies under four months, females in heat, sick dogs and aggressive or out-of-control dogs. Dogs need up-to-date shots and a licence.

Source: Off-leash dog areas and visitor rules in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Exceptions and help

When must the leash be on?

Keep the dog leashed while entering and leaving the off-leash area. Inside, keep it in sight and under verbal control; do not let it chase wildlife.

Source: Off-leash dog areas and visitor rules in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

May I bring food, toys or a child?

Glass containers, food and toys are prohibited. Children must be supervised by an adult. The area itself is unsupervised by city staff.

Source: Off-leash dog areas and visitor rules in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

What cleanup is expected?

Pick up dog waste, fill holes your dog digs and respect other trail users and adjacent property. Watch for maintenance activity rather than allowing a loose dog to approach workers or equipment.

Source: Off-leash dog areas and visitor rules in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

All four city-designated off-leash areas

The access descriptions below follow the complete four-area list on the city page. Intersection or park-road descriptions are not verified accessible entrances.

Centennial Park off-leash area

Off Arundel Street, Centennial Park, Thunder Bay, Ontario

The largest listed city off-leash area has a 0.6-kilometre walking loop bounded by natural habitat.

Size
About 6.5 acres
Boundary
Natural habitat

Sources: Thunder Bay off-leash dog areas

Beverly Street off-leash area

Beverly Street and Winnipeg Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario

A former ball diamond south of Port Arthur Stadium, now listed for off-leash use.

Size
About 1.4 acres

Sources: Thunder Bay off-leash dog areas

Hillyard Lands off-leash area

North of Central Avenue at Carrick Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Access is north of Kal Tire, between Memorial Avenue and 8 thAvenue. The site uses natural buffers and drainage ditches as boundaries.

Size
About 3.5 acres
Boundary
Natural buffers and drainage ditches

Sources: Thunder Bay off-leash dog areas

Neebing Playfield off-leash area

Neebing Avenue and Mary Street West, Thunder Bay, Ontario

A roughly one-acre area enclosed by a chain-link boundary within Neebing Playfield.

Size
About 1 acre
Boundary
Chain-link fence

Sources: Thunder Bay off-leash dog areas

Google Maps uses the named destination and recorded address. The map is not proof of an accessible entrance, current opening or available service.

Sources: Off-leash dog areas and visitor rules in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Official contacts and forms

Sources: Off-leash dog areas and visitor rules in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information