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Off-leash dog parks, access and rules in Barrie
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Barrie lists two official off-leash areas: Bayview Drive and Sunnidale Park. Both currently have access changes.
Key information
Barrie lists two official off-leash areas: Bayview Drive and Sunnidale Park. Both currently have access changes. Bayview uses its west-end gate during YMCA construction, and Sunnidale’s Coulter Street access is affected by work that began October 5, 2026.
On this page
At a glance
| Task | Key detail |
|---|---|
| Which official off-leash areas are listed? | Barrie’s official list has two: the Bayview Drive Dog Off-Leash Recreation Area at 555 Bayview Drive and the Sunnidale Park area between Sunnidale Road and Coulter Street. |
| What fenced areas does Bayview offer? | Bayview has a western one-acre pen, a middle quarter-acre pen reserved for dogs weighing no more than 30 pounds, and an eastern 1.8-acre pen open to dogs of any size. |
| How many dogs can one owner bring? | The maximum is two dogs per owner within either off-leash area. |
Sources: Dog Off-Leash Recreation Areas | City of Barrie · Pet Registration | City of Barrie
Compare locations
| Location | Address or source location | Recorded details |
|---|---|---|
| Bayview Drive Dog Off-Leash Recreation Area | 555 Bayview Drive, Barrie, Ontario | Fenced pens: 1 acre, 0.25 acre small-dog pen, 1.8 acre all-size pen; Owner limit: Two dogs |
| Sunnidale Park Dog Off-Leash Recreation Area | Between Sunnidale Road and Coulter Street, Barrie, Ontario | Setting: Rolling natural ground and earthen paths; Accessible route: City states not wheelchair accessible |
Both official off-leash areas
Bayview Drive Dog Off-Leash Recreation Area
555 Bayview Drive, Barrie, Ontario
Three fenced pens include a separate small-dog area for dogs up to 30 pounds. A natural off-leash area outside the pens has gaps under its perimeter fence.
YMCA construction currently restricts access to the west-end gate nearest Sadlon Arena. The dog area remains open, but parking is affected.
- Fenced pens
- 1 acre, 0.25 acre small-dog pen, 1.8 acre all-size pen
- Owner limit
- Two dogs
Sunnidale Park Dog Off-Leash Recreation Area
Between Sunnidale Road and Coulter Street, Barrie, Ontario
A 7.15-acre natural dog area with earthen footpaths, double gates, bridges and benches. The city says it is not wheelchair accessible.
Coulter Street access was temporarily closed from October 5, 2026 for approximately two weeks. Use the Sunnidale Road route and check the current closure notice.
- Setting
- Rolling natural ground and earthen paths
- Accessible route
- City states not wheelchair accessible
The two dog areas and current access changes
Which official off-leash areas are listed?
Barrie’s official list has two: the Bayview Drive Dog Off-Leash Recreation Area at 555 Bayview Drive and the Sunnidale Park area between Sunnidale Road and Coulter Street. These are designated dog areas; the rest of a park is not automatically off-leash.
How can I reach Bayview during construction?
The city says the off-leash area remains open during construction of the new YMCA community centre, but access is currently through the west-end gate nearest Sadlon Arena only. Parking options are affected. Follow the current signs instead of assuming every usual gate is available.
What access change affects Sunnidale right now?
Coulter Street’s city parking lot and the park trail closed for maintenance beginning October 5, 2026, with an estimated duration of about two weeks. The city says the dog park and trail network remain accessible from Sunnidale Road. Recheck before using the Coulter entrance.
Choose a pen or route
What fenced areas does Bayview offer?
Bayview has a western one-acre pen, a middle quarter-acre pen reserved for dogs weighing no more than 30 pounds, and an eastern 1.8-acre pen open to dogs of any size. Choose the correct pen and keep the leash ready when entering or leaving.
Is the natural area outside Bayview’s pens securely fenced?
No. The city warns that gaps beneath perimeter fencing result from terrain, water flow and animal movements. Although dogs may be off-leash in that designated natural area, it is not secure in the same way as the pens. Choose an area suited to your dog.
Is Sunnidale’s dog area wheelchair accessible?
The city says it is not wheelchair accessible. It has rolling natural ground and earthen footpaths across 7.15 acres, double gates and four-foot-high wire mesh fencing. Bridges and benches do not establish a step-free route. Review access needs before travelling.
Leashes, registration, behaviour and concerns
How many dogs can one owner bring?
The maximum is two dogs per owner within either off-leash area. The owner must remain present, keep the dogs in view and carry a leash for each. Dogs must be leashed while entering, exiting and anywhere outside the designated off-leash area.
What tags and behaviour rules apply?
Dogs need current registration tags and up-to-date rabies vaccination. Aggressive dogs are prohibited. Owners must pick up waste and are responsible for their dogs’ actions. People-food, breakables, spiked collars and chain-link collars are not permitted in the off-leash area.
Are these supervised play areas for children?
No. The facilities are unsupervised, and the city does not recommend them for children under 18. Parents or guardians must closely supervise any children present. Only dogs and people are allowed; the off-leash area is not for other pets.
What should I know about natural areas and reporting concerns?
Poison ivy may occur in both areas; stay on trails and follow posted treatment signs. The city does not monitor the nearby natural streams for water quality. Report animal-control concerns to Enforcement Services at 705-739-4241. Check the official page for access updates before each visit.