Where are the off-leash dog parks in Markham?The City of Markham lists four permanent off-leash dog parks: Boxgrove (6780 14th Avenue), Cornell Community Dog Park (300 William Forster Road), Huntington Park in Thornhill (116 Huntington Park Drive) and Miller Avenue (560 Miller Avenue). It also runs pop-up off-leash parks in each ward, including Berczy Park South. Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated to use them, and must stay leashed on all other City property, including trails. For condo buyers, check the declaration and rules carefully, because Ontario courts have upheld condo pet restrictions, including weight limits.
Markham is a good place to have a dog, with parks, ravine trails and a growing number of off-leash areas. It also has rules every owner should know, from licensing to leash requirements, and condo buildings with very different pet policies.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, adds pets to the checklist for every buyer with a four-legged family member, because a great unit is not great if the dog cannot live there.
Permanent off-leash dog parks
| Park | Address |
|---|---|
| Boxgrove Off-Leash Dog Park | 6780 14th Avenue |
| Cornell Community Dog Park | 300 William Forster Road |
| Huntington Park Off-Leash Dog Park | 116 Huntington Park Drive, Thornhill |
| Miller Avenue Off-Leash Dog Park | 560 Miller Avenue |
From the City of Markham’s off-leash dog parks page, as of October 12, 2026.
Pop-up off-leash parks by ward
| Ward | Pop-up park | Address |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cricklewood Park | 7877 Yonge Street |
| 2 | Victoria Square Park | 2929 Elgin Mills Road East |
| 3 | Monarch Park | 99 Waterbridge Lane |
| 4 | Mintleaf Park | 240 Fincham Avenue |
| 5 | Blodwen Davies Park | 3351 Donald Cousens Parkway |
| 6 | Berczy Park South | 432 Wilfred Murison Avenue |
| 7 | Aaniin Community Centre Park | 5757 14th Avenue |
| 8 | Ada Mackenzie Park | 185 South Park Road |
Pop-up locations and schedules can change. Check the City’s page before you go.
Off-leash park rules
- Dogs must be licensed and have a current rabies vaccination.
- Dogs must be leashed travelling to and from the park and when entering or leaving the fenced area.
- Handlers must be at least 16, stay inside the fenced area and supervise their dogs.
- No more than three dogs per handler.
- Puppies six months or younger, and dogs required to be muzzled, are not permitted.
- Small-dog areas, where provided, are for dogs 20 pounds or less and no more than 12 inches at the shoulder.
- No dog treats, food or glass containers. Pick up after your dog.
Shopping for a home with your dog in mind?
Michael John Lau can check condo pet rules, yards and nearby parks for every home on your shortlist.
Book a buyer consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Leashed walks and trails
Outside designated off-leash parks, dogs must be on a leash anywhere on City property and in parks. Popular leashed walks include Milne Dam Conservation Park on McCowan Road, Toogood Pond and the Rouge Valley Trail in Unionville, and Rouge National Urban Park, where Parks Canada also requires leashes. Watch for ticks after walks in long grass and wooded areas. For more routes, see Markham’s walking trails and green escapes.
Seasonal tips for Markham dog owners
Winter: road salt can irritate paws, so rinse or wipe feet after walks, and consider booties on long outings. Spring: trails can be muddy and ticks become active, so check your dog after walks in grass and woods. Summer: walk early or late to avoid hot pavement, and never leave a dog in a parked car. Fall: shorter days mean more walks in the dark, so a reflective leash or light-up collar helps on neighbourhood streets.
Dog-friendly patios
Ontario has allowed dogs on restaurant patios since 2020, at each operator’s discretion. Many cafes and restaurants on Main Street Unionville and Main Street Markham welcome well-behaved dogs on their patios in warmer months, but policies vary. Ask before you sit down, keep your dog leashed and close, and bring water on hot days. See the Markham Village vs. Unionville coffee guide.
Condo living with a dog
Condo pet rules come from two places. A pet ban in the declaration is presumed valid unless it breaches human rights law. Rules passed by the board must be reasonable; in one well-known Ontario case, Palace Pier, the Court of Appeal upheld a 25-pound weight limit in 1997. Human rights law can require a building to accommodate a service animal.
| Check before you buy | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Declaration and rules | Pet bans, weight limits and number of pets |
| Elevator and common-area rules | Where dogs must be carried or leashed |
| Nearby green space | Daily walks without a long trip |
| Recent enforcement | Board minutes can show how rules are applied |
In rental housing, Ontario law generally makes a lease clause banning pets void, but tenants in condos must still follow the building’s declaration and rules.
Choosing a home with your dog in mind
- Map the nearest off-leash park and leashed walking route.
- For freehold homes, check fencing, yard size and gate access.
- For condos, read the declaration and rules before you firm up.
- Look for nearby vets, groomers and pet supply stores.
- License your dog with the City after you move.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information.
The best home for your family is one that works for every member of it, including the one with four legs. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How many off-leash dog parks are in Markham?
The City lists four permanent off-leash parks: Boxgrove, Cornell Community, Huntington Park in Thornhill and Miller Avenue, plus pop-up parks in each ward.
Where is the Miller Avenue Off-Leash Dog Park?
It is at 560 Miller Avenue in Markham.
Do dogs need a licence to use Markham’s off-leash parks?
Yes. Unlicensed dogs are not permitted, and all dogs must have a current rabies vaccination.
Can my dog be off-leash at Milne Dam?
No. Outside designated off-leash parks, dogs must be leashed on City property and in parks, including trails.
Can a Markham condo restrict dogs by weight?
Yes, if the rule is reasonable. In the Palace Pier case, Ontario’s Court of Appeal upheld a 25-pound weight limit. A ban in the declaration is presumed valid unless it breaches human rights law.
Are dogs allowed on restaurant patios in Ontario?
Since 2020, Ontario has allowed dogs on restaurant patios at the operator’s discretion. Always ask first.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Off-leash park locations and rules are from the City of Markham, as available on October 12, 2026. Condo pet case law is summarized from published legal commentary by Bob Aaron. This is general information; confirm current rules with the City and your condo corporation. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
