dog-friendly

We know docktails are an easy happy hour choice, but some beautiful summer days call for venturing into town to enjoy a patio. The hardest part? Figuring out what to do with your pup. We’ve rounded up a few pet-friendly restaurants and patios in cottage country so you never have to leave Fido back at the cottage again. Grab the leash, and let’s go.

El Pueblito in Bracebridge, Ont.

Bring your pooch to El Pueblito’s patio to indulge in delicious and authentic Mexican food like tostadas, tacos, and mole poblano. It’s open Tuesday through to Saturday from 3:00 to 9:30 p.m. While you’re there, make sure to keep your pup on a leash, and bring a water bowl for those hot, sunny days.

Frosty Pint Pub in Gravenhurst, Ont.

Grab your furry friend (both cats and dogs!) and head down to the Frosty Pint Pub, Gravenhurst’s trendiest pub patio, open all year. Enjoy pub fare and local music events while sipping on what Frosty’s calls “beer so cold, it’s hard to hold!”

Sawdust City Brewing Co. in Gravenhurst, Ont.

If you’re a beer enthusiast, you won’t want to skip out on Sawdust City Brewing Co’s pet-friendly restaurant and patio when the warm weather arrives. Not only do they brew their beer in-house, but they also offer cider, plus craft cocktails from Georgian Bay Spirit Co.

Bonus: this brewery is a huge supporter of our furry friends and holds events in support of shelters like Carter’s Rescue in Dogtober. Stay tuned for when their patio opens.

Carey’s Irish Pub in Gravenhurst, Ont.

Carey’s Irish Pub claims to have the best wings in town—but we’ll let you and your pup be the judge of that when you visit their outdoor patio. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., stop by and check out the features that rotate each week.

On the Docks in Huntsville, Ont.

For a waterfront experience in the heart of downtown Huntsville, check out On the Docks when the weather gets warm. Enjoy the largest selection of draught beers or try a dish off of their ‘no fry’ menu while you and your dog soak up the sun on the lower deck patio. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Plan ahead of time because it’s walk-ins only.

The Bobcaygeon Inn Restaurant in Bobcaygeon, Ont.

The Bobcaygeon Inn Restaurant welcomes you and your furry friends to the largest waterfront patio in the Kawarthas everyday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy fish and chips, hamburgers, and hand-cut fries on their private dock with a garden.

Murphy’s Lockside Pub and Patio in Kawartha Lakes, Ont.

Murphy’s Lockside Pub and Patio is no stranger to the pups in the area and always invites furry friends to enjoy a cold one (a cold bowl of water, that is!) on their patio in the spring and summer. Enjoy this fun and casual spot right on Lock 34 and taste their rotating special or brunch on the weekends.

Quayle’s Brewery in Coldwater, Ont.

For a unique, all-year experience, head down to Qualye’s Brewery, which has outdoor seating for you and your pooch from Thursday to Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. or 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Not only will you drink the beer at the farm where the hops are grown, but you’ll have a blast attending their family-friendly events. Plus, they offer jumbo pretzels, charcuterie boards, and soup and sandwich combos when you need a salty snack from all the sun.

Carthew Bay Pub & Scoops in Orillia, Ont.

Cool down in the summers at Carthew Bay Pub & Scoops with some ice cream, a cold one, and a pup cup for your furry friend. And, if you need a bigger bite to eat come lunch or happy hour, grab some chicken tenders or fish and chips here too.

Tailwinds Georgian Bay in Parry Sound, Ont.

Don’t miss out on Tailwinds Georgian Bay in Parry Sound. This pet-friendly restaurant has waterfront views and a wraparound patio for you and your four-legged friend to sit back and relax seven days a week, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy a variety of vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. Plus, catch the float plane landing out back.

A voice from the wilderness

Get The Great Outdoors, our biweekly brief on all things nature

A visit to a theme park is a summertime ritual for many North Americans, however, keep in mind when planning your trip, Rover may or may not be welcome.

Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan, Ontario – Grade: B+
Located about 25 miles north of Toronto, the park is home to the nation’s biggest roller coaster, the Behemoth. As for pets, for a daily fee of $6, the park provides an air-conditioned self-serve kennel facility equipped with a water faucet, bowls and kennel cages up to 28” height. Although it’s not exactly doggie daycare – guests are responsible for feeding, watering and exercising their pets – at least your four-legged family member will be cool and comfortable on a hot summer day.

Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio – Grade: B+
Cedar Point, known as the roller coaster capital of the world, is similar to Canada’s Wonderland, with a self-serve kennel facility called Pet Chek. For $15 per animal, per day, your pet will be provided a cage or run, dry dog food and fresh water. Owners may return to feed their pet throughout the day; overnight lodging is not available.

Knoebels Amusement Park, Elysburg, Pennsylvania – Grade: A+
Offering free admission since 1926, Knoebels is a classic theme park with a nearby campground of 550 sites and 36 log cabins. Dogs are welcome at the park: “It has long been the policy of the park to allow dogs to visit with their families,” according to an e-mail from the park. “We do insist that all dogs be on leashes and kept under control, and of course all pet owners are required to clean up after their pets.”

Noah’s Ark, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin – Grade: D
Billing itself as America’s largest water park, Noah’s Ark offers 51 water rides, 2 giant wave pools, two rivers, and 4 children’s water play areas, however pets are not allowed and nearby pet boarding facilities are available.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfels, Texas – Grade: F
Family-owned and operated, Schlitterbahn Waterparks operates three parks in Texas, but the best is in New Braunfels, according to Lonely Planet. Unfortunately, the onsite resort does not allow pets.

Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, New Jersey – Grade: D
As the largest park in the Six Flags system, Six Flags Great Adventure – home of the tallest and fastest roller coaster in America. Other than service animals, pets are not permitted in the park. The park website offers information on nearby pet boarding kennels.

Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles – Grade: A
From theme park rides and shows to a real working movie studio, visitors can enjoy a full day of action-packed entertainment. Complimentary kennel services are available during park hours. Only water is provided, so visitors are advised to bring pet food and toys or belongings to help make their pets’ stay comfortable.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida – Grade: C
Magic Kingdom theme park – Disney’s Orlando original – covers 107 acres including classic displays like Main Street, U.S.A. and Tomorrowland. Other than service dogs, pets are not permitted. Kennel facilities located across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort offer accommodations, activities and amenities for pets like grooming and doggie day camp.

Research your pet-friendly vacation online
Whether you choose to spend your summer vacation at the cottage or campground, or sightseeing on road trips, the main thing is enjoying quality time with your furry family members. For more information on pet-friendly vacations, check out websites like bringfido.com or dogfriendly.com.

Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net