Pet-Friendly Sudbury: A Practical Guide to Exploring Northern Ontario With Pets

For many pup (or cat) parents, the worst part about travelling is leaving their furry family member at home. So why not bring them along on your next trip to Sudbury, Ontario?

The city has plenty to offer both two- and four-legged travellers, especially when it comes to outdoor adventure. There are hundreds of lakes and kilometres of trails to explore, easy walks in city parks, off-leash areas and casual eateries that open their doors to furry friends. This no-fuss Northern Ontario hub has an outdoors culture that welcomes pets rather than tolerates them.

Pet-Friendly Places To Stay in Sudbury

Where can I stay with my pet? What are the rules? Can I leave my pet alone in the room? Where can she go to the bathroom in the morning?  These are key questions pet owners have when travelling with a pet. Fortunately, Sudbury has plenty of pet-friendly hotel and motel rooms, though each has slightly different protocols. 

Look for hotels with outdoor space, main-floor suites, and a welcoming approach to pets for a comfortable Sudbury stay. Generally, pets must be kept on a leash at all times when in public spaces on hotel properties, including hallways and outdoor areas. A few pet-friendly options:

Hilton Garden Inn

Dogs and cats are welcome at this higher-end hotel, for a fee of $70 for one to four nights and $100 for five nights or more. Two pets maximum are allowed per room, at a maximum weight of 75 pounds.

Homewood Suites by Hilton

Dogs and cats can stay for $50 (one to four nights) or $125 (more than five nights). Some sites report good outdoor spaces on the property for potty breaks.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott

Pets of any size (up to 200 kilograms) can stay for $30 a night (to a maximum of $150) at this Sudbury hotel that bills itself as a great spot for longer stays. A grassy area at the edge of the parking lot offers easy access for potty breaks. The hotel is just north of a network of lakes and a conservation area.

Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham

A maximum of two pets can stay for $35 a night per pet. Each pet must weigh 200 pounds or less. For additional details, visitors should contact the hotel directly. Some reviewers say the hotel’s main-floor rooms make potty breaks a breeze.

Pet-Friendly Patios and Places To Eat in Sudbury

Sudbury has a ton of pet-friendly patios, so if you’re looking to dine out with your pup the warmer months are your best bet. Dogs are generally required to be leashed and under control at all times while in public settings, including at these pet-friendly patios:

• Laughing Buddha
• Fionn MacCool’s
• Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill
• Rosy’s Corner
• Peppi’s Ristorante and Lounge
• 46 North Brewing
• Crosscut Distillery
• Wander Food and Wine

Note: The information in our list comes from businesses, reviews, social media and other sources. Please double-check with the restaurant before going. If crowds overwhelm your pup, consider ordering takeout and enjoying it together in one of Sudbury’s many pet-friendly parks.

Best Parks and Outdoor Spaces for Dogs in Sudbury

An active, outdoorsy city, Sudbury has plenty of pet-friendly urban parks and off-leash dog areas to enjoy. Here are a few local spots we think you and your dog will love:

Bell Park 

Located near Laurentian University and Science North, Bell Park is the city’s largest urban waterfront park, offering a place to relax and play on the shores of Ramsey Lake. The public park has grassy areas, paths, gardens and shaded rest areas.

Lily Creek Boardwalk

Just down the road is Lily Creek Boardwalk is a well-known spot for dog walking and bird watching. Head down the boardwalk and try to spot wildlife in the surrounding marsh.

Kalmo Park Conservation Area

Just outside of Sudbury in Val Caron, the park on Whitson Lake is a popular spot to cool off on hot summer days. The park has two beaches, one frequented by local dog owners.

Windy Lake Provincial Park

An off-leash beach where dogs can play, swim and run draws pet owners to this provincial park just outside of Sudbury. The beach is sandy, and the water is shallow, making it the perfect spot for pets and their owners to swim and relax. A nearby hiking trail gives active pups a chance to exercise.

Sudbury Dog Parks: Azilda, Minnow Lake and the South End

Sudbury is home to three dog parks at Azilda, Minnow Lake and the South End Dog Park. This one is more for Fido than for you. All three parks have separate enclosures for large and small dogs, garbage bins for waste, and long hours from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., giving you lots of hours to let them blow off steam.

Pet-Friendly Trails Around Sudbury

Sudbury is wrapped in nature. It’s one of the things that draws more than a million visitors a year to the city. Sudbury is home to an expansive network of uncrowded trails that wind through forests, around lakes and over rocky outcrops, offering adventurous pets and owners a taste of the Northern Ontario wilderness. Remember: Unless otherwise noted, dogs must be leashed in public areas. Look for signage and be sure to follow rules.

• Kivi Park: Located in the South End, this park has a network of trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Run and walk with your pup on 18 kilometres of well-groomed trails. Trail lengths range from one to 15 kilometres. The park also has biking and skiing trails.
• Lake Laurentian Conservation Area: For avid hikers and their adventurous canines, a 10-kilometre loop around this wooded lake will satisfy the need for nature, just a few minutes from downtown. Check out the shorter Point Trails for a scenic loop with a steep climb and panoramic lake views, or put in at the public canoe launch and spend the day exploring the shores nooks and crannies.
• Moonlight Beach Trail: Located in the same conservation area, this popular out-and-back trail includes a boardwalk over wetlands and is about seven kilometres long.
• Loach's Walking Trail: This quiet trail is clean, wide and connects to the university campus and other trails in the city. Well-maintained year-round, it’s a great place for winter walks and fall colour viewing.

Pet-Friendly Travel Tips for Visiting Sudbury

Your hotel is booked, and you’re ready to go. What else should you know before you hit the road? Here are some tips to help ensure your Sudbury trip is a success:

• Be aware of leash bylaws. Most trails, parks, beaches and other public spaces require dogs to be tethered.
• Pack the essentials for your pup, like water, poop bags and a towel for wet hikes and swims.
• Share the trail. Be mindful of cyclists and other pedestrians on the trails, and remember that not everyone is comfortable with dogs.
• Respect wildlife. You and your pup will be sharing space with the creatures of the boreal forest, like white-tailed deer, moose, bears, foxes, beavers, porcupines and chipmunks. Keeping your dog in control and on a leash keeps her and the forest critters safe.
• Be sure to notify hotels you’ll be staying with a pet and confirm pet policies before booking. Not all hotels list detailed rules online.

Why Sudbury Is a Great Basecamp for Pet-Friendly Travel

Northern Ontario’s pristine wilderness and outdoorsy communities are a draw for many pet owners who want to adventure with their four-legged friend. A regional hub for culture and tourism, Sudbury has plenty of walks and hikes within minutes of the city, offering pups the space to run, sniff and swim and owners a chance to unwind. When it comes to pet-friendly lodging, Sudbury punches above its weight with several options and more relaxed policies. Hike, stroll, camp, canoe and even dine with your dog in pet-friendly Sudbury—emphasis on the “friendly.”

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