Dogs only get to experience the world we choose to show them. So why limit their adventures to their usual neighbourhood walk or the same familiar park when there’s so much more to explore and enjoy with a visit to Northumberland County?
This area is bursting with small-town charm, scenic lakeside trails, beautiful waterfront views, and welcoming local businesses, so what are you waiting for? Grab the leash, pack a few treats, and discover your next great adventure together.
Cobourg and Port Hope are two of my favourite places to spend the day with my black lab, Tucker. I know it can sometimes feel a little intimidating trying to figure out where dogs are welcome, but thankfully it’s becoming easier than ever. Keep an eye out for the blue DOG-FRIENDLY – Dogs On Leash Are Welcome Here window stickers on participating businesses, and you’ll know your pup is welcome to come inside with you.
Canines in Cobourg
Located just over an hour east of Toronto, Cobourg is the kind of town that’s easy to fall in love with.
Start Your Day with Coffee
Every great road trip starts with coffee, and Cobourg has no shortage of great places to grab a drink before you start exploring.
The Pink Café (205 Third St.) is exactly what it sounds like, a Barbie girl’s dream. Bright pink décor, fun floral wall art, and cheerful vibes make it one of the most Instagram-worthy cafés in town. Their menu is packed with both sweet and savoury crêpes, including favourites like the Curry Crêpe, Smoked Salmon Crêpe and my personal go-to, the Nutella, Banana and Strawberry Crêpe. Once you’ve ordered your coffee and breakfast, head out to the patio where you and your pup can relax together and soak up the sunshine.
If you’re looking for something unique, Lollygags (91 King St. W.) is another must-visit. Their dirty sodas are delicious, but the real reason I keep coming back is because this shop is simply fun! It’s packed with cheeky gifts, hilarious greeting cards, dog-themed treasures, and plenty of items that are guaranteed to make you laugh. Tucker always gets excited when we stop in because they always have a dog treat or two waiting behind the counter.
Browse Downtown
One of my favourite parts about Cobourg is simply wandering through downtown. There are so many locally owned businesses, and you’ll often find something you weren’t expecting.
A stop at Pink Lemon Decor (43 King St. W.) is always worth making. This beautiful boutique is filled with stylish home décor, seasonal displays, and an incredible selection of Canadian-made brands. Even if you’re only browsing, it’s hard to leave empty-handed. It makes me contemplate trying to teach Tucker how to carry my bags.
If you’re visiting on a Saturday between May and December, don’t miss the Cobourg Farmers’ Market in Rotary Harbourfront Park (35 Albert St.). Running from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., the market is a wonderful place to shop for local produce, baked goods, and handmade art while enjoying the beautiful park.
A few weeks ago, I found the most beautiful handmade mug with two black paw prints on it, and it immediately reminded me of Tucker. You never know what treasure you’ll find there. Meanwhile, your dog gets to enjoy all the exciting sights, sounds, and smells that make the market so much fun.
A Sweet Treat
Before heading out for a scenic walk, stop by Harbourlight Delights (164 Division St.) for a little treat.
Grab yourself an ice cream cone and don’t forget to order a pup cone for your furry friend. On a warm summer afternoon, it’s the perfect excuse to slow down for a few minutes before continuing your adventure. Watching how big Tucker’s eyes get when he sees his pup cone always makes this stop worth it.
Enjoy Cobourg’s Waterfront
Cobourg is known for being one of Ontario’s best beach towns, and while dogs aren’t permitted on Victoria Beach, there are still plenty of beautiful places nearby where you can enjoy the waterfront together.
West Beach is one of my most visited places for a walk. The newly renovated boardwalk offers incredible views of Lake Ontario, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll. Dogs are welcome here as long as they’re on a leash, and it’s a wonderful stop to take in the scenery.
Another one of my favourite places to walk is along Monk’s Cove, a peaceful waterfront spot that’s perfect for a picnic. Tucker and I stumbled upon it on one of our very first day trips together.
Victoria Park is another lovely place to stretch your legs. Throughout the year it hosts a variety of community events and festivals, making it a lively place to explore while still offering plenty of green space to enjoy.
If your dog still has energy to burn, visit the Cobourg Dog Park (777 Ontario St.), a great off-leash dog parks in the area. It’s a perfect place for your pup to run, play, and make a few new furry friends.
Before You Leave…
If you need to stock up on any essentials before heading home, Cobourg also has some fantastic locally owned pet stores.
Whether you’re looking for a new toy, healthy treats, a leash, or just want to spoil your dog a little, the staff at Justin’s Pet Store (471 Division St.) and All Creatures (30 King St. W) are happy to help you and your pup find the best options.
After a full day of shopping, walking, snacking and exploring, both you and your dog will be ready for a well-earned nap!
Paws in Port Hope
Port Hope is right next door to Cobourg but with a personality all its own. Filled with historic architecture, scenic river views and plenty of dog-friendly businesses, it’s another fantastic destination to spend the day with your pup.
Stretch Those Legs
Before you start shopping, let your dog burn off some energy with a walk.
The Waterfront Trail is perfect for dog walkers, offering beautiful views of Lake Ontario along the way. If you’re looking for a shorter, easier walk, Garden Hill Conservation Area is another great option. Prefer to stay close to downtown? Take a stroll through Port Hope Rotary Park, where you’ll find beautiful green space and one of the town’s most picturesque bridges. It’s the perfect way to start your day before wandering the shops.
Shop Local
One of my favourite things about Port Hope is how many small businesses welcome dogs inside.
Canoe & Lake (99 Walton St.) is always our first stop when we’re in town. If you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by Mabel, the adorable French Bulldog who proudly holds the title of “Shop Dog”. Canoe & Lake is a Canadian-founded brand inspired by those who continue to “Paddle On,” creating cozy cottage-inspired clothing including dockside cardigans, cabin beanies, lake jackets, and more. Alongside their own collection, they’ve carefully curated a wonderful selection of brands, from around the world and thoughtfully chosen gifts, making it the kind of store where you’ll always discover something you didn’t know you needed.
Just down the street you’ll find Dwellissimo (78 Walton St.), a beautiful home décor shop filled with unique furniture, local artwork, and one-of-a-kind pieces. The owner is a huge dog lover, and you’ll probably notice their excitement the moment your four-legged friend walks through the door. They even have an entire Instagram page dedicated to dogs who visit the store, and they always keep a stash of treats behind the counter.
Another must-see stop is the Capitol Theatre (20 Queen St.), one of Port Hope’s most iconic landmarks. You might even recognize the exterior from your favourite TV shows like Schitt’s Creek or IT: Welcome to Derry. While your dog can’t join you for a performance, the box office is dog-friendly, so you can stop in to browse upcoming shows, purchase tickets, or learn a little about the history of this beautiful theatre.
If you let your pup’s nose lead the way, chances are you’ll end up at Duke’s Pet Store (95 Walton St.). Tucker somehow always knows exactly where it is. This locally owned pet store carries everything from toys and gear to a fantastic selection of locally made treats!
Grab a Bite
After all that exploring you’ll be ready for lunch.
Head over to Beamish House Pub (27 John St.) for one of the juiciest burgers in town, and a great selection of local brews including options from Ganaraska Brewing Company. Dogs are welcome on the patio, making it a great stop on a nice day. Just keep in mind that patio seating is weather dependent.
A Unique Stop Worth the Short Drive
Before heading home, make one last stop that’s unlike anything else in Northumberland County.
Just a seven-minute drive from downtown Port Hope you’ll find Primitive Designs (2762 Northumberland County Rd. 28). The moment you arrive you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Massive handcrafted sculptures, some standing more than 20 feet tall, fill the property. From towering dragons and dinosaurs to Optimus Prime, there’s something around every corner that will make you stop and stare, and of course, snap a few pictures!
Inside the main shop, you’ll find smaller handcrafted pieces, and one-of-a-kind items like swords, thrones, and home décor that’s guaranteed to start some conversations. It is an incredibly fun place to wander, and they’ve been welcoming dogs for more than 25 years.
A Few More Dog-Friendly Stops
There are far too many wonderful dog-friendly businesses in Northumberland County to include them all in one article, but a few more worth checking out include BonBon Vintage (with locations in both Cobourg and Port Hope), We Made It in Cobourg, Rosie Young Design Studio in Cobourg, GypsyRose Artisan & Co.in Port Hope and Authenticity, also in Port Hope.
No matter which town you choose to visit, or if you decide to explore both, you’ll quickly discover that Northumberland County is full of welcoming businesses that love seeing four-legged visitors almost as much as their owners.
Tucker and I hope this guide helps you explore Northumberland County with a little more confidence and a lot more excitement. Some of our favourite memories have been made discovering new shops, enjoying lakeside walks and, of course, stopping for the occasional pup cone.
If you visit any of these places with your own dog, we hope you enjoy them just as much as we do.
A Quick Reminder
We all play a part in keeping these wonderful businesses and parks dog friendly.
Please be a respectful pet owner by keeping your dog on a leash unless you’re in a designated off-leash area, cleaning up after them and being mindful of your dog’s comfort level in busy environments. While businesses displaying the blue DOG-FRIENDLY sticker welcome leashed dogs, it’s always courteous to check with staff before entering, as there may be another dog inside or a customer with allergies.
By showing a little extra kindness and consideration, we can help ensure these amazing dog-friendly spaces continue welcoming pups for years to come.
Pics & Paws
