Photography and Writing by Cheryl Smyth

Tessi didn’t know what to make of this unfamiliar type of transportation; however it didn’t take her long to accept it as part of another adventure. Fortunately, because of all our escapades she is generally open-minded. On this particular day, she lapped up all the sights and sounds, along with the attention she received, in this crowded city so unlike her home in our quiet village.

 

Toronto is filled with busy people fitting work and play into their daily lives. Sometimes it can be difficult to find enough time for play with family, including the family pet. The city is not only a remarkable place to have a dog; it is also an excellent place to visit with a dog. It’s easy to travel to all the pet friendly spots, of which there are many. Dogs are allowed on the subway, buses and streetcars (Toronto Transit Commission—TTC) during non-rush hour times, as long as they are leashed or crated.

 

One day Tessi and I, along with my friend Helen, spent a day exploring Toronto. Since I don’t care for big city driving, the TTC offered a perfect way for us to tour around. Toronto has assorted metro parking for commuters. Vehicles can be left in one for the day while the owner uses public transit to reach his or her destination. Metro parking lots not only make driving less hassle but can be cheaper than other locales in the city, such as downtown. These lots do vary in price but are free on weekends. Yorkdale Mall, which is close to highway 401, has one such parking area.

 

We found our way to the subway station from where we parked. We each opted to buy a day pass for riding the rail since we were probably going to spend just as much on multiple single ride fees. Tessi’s trip didn’t cost anything. While getting ourselves organized, we were called over by the security guard at the gate. I was half expecting him to demand to know what we were doing bringing a dog on public transportation. But he didn’t, he was just curious to know what breed she is.

 

As we were waiting on the platform, I chatted with a fellow passenger, who mentioned he was from Newfoundland. His response to my question on how different he found the city from his home province was not surprising. He said that people generally have a bad attitude in Toronto, though everyone was in a good mood on this delightful early spring day.

 

Many pleasant people were relishing the sunshine and warmth in the 400 acre High Park, which is one of many parks in Toronto that have an off-leash dog area. I chose to visit this particular natural oasis, since it is close to a subway stop. Inside the entrance of the park we discovered a large information map that included an illustration of the off-leash area. The map helped us find this area easily in the huge park. Since the off-leash zone is not fenced in, signs are posted as to where dogs are allowed. Benches can be found in the centre for the comfort of the owners.

 

After Tessi had a satisfactory romp, I leashed her up again for a wander through the rest of the park, aiming for Grenadier Pond. We came across Grenadier Restaurant on our way. The restaurant has a patio; however signs indicate that dogs are not allowed. A few concession stands are located around the park, giving canine accompanied people an opportunity to buy refreshments. Since we were walking by the restaurant, Helen went inside to buy lunch.

 

While I waited outside with Tessi, I had an interesting conversation with a woman sitting on one of the benches. Displayed beside her was a Christmas wreath which she gladly moved so I could sit. She had found the wreath by the side of the road. At this point she was tired of carrying it and asked if I wanted it. Considering I had enough to carry (and I really didn’t want a wreath), I passed on her offer. She also had a beat up orange leather bag beside her and in a plastic bag she had a beautiful cream crochet blanket, which she also offered to me. Again, I told her I had enough to carry. Helen, when she returned, was offered these items as well, of which she also declined. The woman decided to leave the blanket and wreath spread out on the bench in hopes someone would take them.

 

We left the woman and the restaurant behind to continue to the pond. There we found a variety of waterfowl, including a beautiful swan that seemed to like Helen taking its picture. I’m glad I had my telephoto lens with me, since every time I moved closer to the swan it would hiss at Tessi. I guess it sensed she is a hunter and always in search of a meal.

 

As we continued on the trail hugging the pond we discovered more birds. Eventually, we came across a friendly small dog, waiting patiently while his mistress was watching the ducks in a marshy area. While I petted her dog, the woman told us she was checking on a certain duck that had been wounded. After frequent checks she had come to the conclusion that it seemed to be slowly healing. We left them and continued on the trail that eventually led us back to the street where we made our way to the subway platform.

 

Before heading back to Yorkdale Mall, we took the subway downtown, where a smothering crowd filled the sidewalks. I’m glad Tessi was on a lead; I would have lost her for sure.

 Outside of the Eaton Centre we came upon an Elvis impersonator performing in the staggered motions of a moving statue. He stood out in the crowd as he was covered in silver paint from head to shoes.

 

We watched the show for a bit, and then headed inside. A photography customer once told me she had taken her cute little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel into the Eaton Centre. Even though a small animal is easier to get away with in public places, my customer did say she had seen bigger dogs in the building. So I had to try a mall excursion with Tessi. We weren’t the target of any nasty looks and, as usual, a couple of people came over to ask about her and pet her. When we stopped at a kiosk selling canine paraphernalia, Helen asked the saleswoman if animals were allowed in the mall. She thought not. No one ever did tell us to leave and the mall did make a couple of sales off us (I ended up buying a cute item at the kiosk and Helen bought batteries for her camera). Later I realized I probably should have looked at the signs on the entrance doors to the mall—you know, the ones saying “no shoes, no shirt, no service” along with “no dogs allowed.” My photography customer had gone to Toronto during Woofstock (Toronto’s annual festival for dogs). I have a feeling the rules were probably relaxed that weekend. From an email to Toronto Tourism I sent later, I did learn pets are not allowed in the Eaton Centre (other than service animals).

 

 

After our mall tour we found the subway heading north to Yorkdale Mall. Tessi had a good sleep sprawled on the floor of the subway on the way back. This brought a smile to the faces around us. Luckily, there weren’t too many people for her to be in the way of. Helen and I were pretty beat ourselves. As we passed what we thought should have been our Yorkdale stop, we realized we hopped on the wrong northbound train. The north-south/south-north part of the system is U-shaped, with downtown being at the bottom. The whole system is very simple to navigate as it is well signed; yet it’s easy to get on the wrong car if you’re not paying close attention. The underground railway experience was not only new to Tessi, but also to Helen and me. We knew we’d get where we wanted eventually, it just ended up taking longer. I felt more awake for the drive home anyway after a needed rest.

 

We only tackled the subway that day. Someday, when I feel really adventurous, I’ll challenge myself to figure out the bus and streetcar system.

 

I would never envy living a big city life (I lived in London, Ontario for many years—it was too big for me), but if I had to live in Toronto at least I know Tessi would have a good life. With all its parks for dogs to run, play, and socialize; and an easy way to get to them, we have another reason to envy a dog’s life.

 

More information can be found at www.torontodogs.com and www.toronto.ca

 

 

 

(c) Cheryl Smyth, 2008

 

 

 

Sadly, since I’ve written this article, a couple of dog deaths have occurred in High Park, along with a few injuries. It is such a shame to hear of this happening in such a beautiful park or anywhere for that matter, especially when our pets need off leash parks to play and socialize. My heart goes out to those who lost their pets. (Information about the dog deaths can be found by googling “High Park dog deaths.”)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The scenery was spectacular, especially with the added touch of the black vultures gliding effortlessly on the air currents. Tessi became excited when one of the birds soared right in front of us. It seemed to be teasing her to run after it. Luckily, I had heeded the warning signs and had her leashed. The 41 metre fall from Dundas Peak, where we were standing, presented a dangerous chase.

Dundas Peak is on the Niagara Escarpment in the Dundas/Hamilton area of southern Ontario. Helen, Tessi and I were out for the day exploring the open ledge, along with the nearby Tews Falls and Webster’s Falls. Signs in the parking area of each of the natural water attractions indicate that dogs are to be leashed. Not only the peak can be dangerous, but also the trail that follows the edge of the tree carpeted escarpment.

From the parking area at Tews Falls we hiked along the shaded path which eventually splits. We followed it to the right where the vista opens to reveal the sky and the flat rock that is Dundas Peak. The ledge commands a view of the cities of Dundas and Hamilton. A brick barrier partially blocks the way and is easy to walk around. There is ample room between the barrier and the edge to comfortably observe the scenery, yet I still kept a tight hold on Tessi.

Back at Tews Falls, we found two lookouts where we could safely observe the falls and Spencer Gorge from behind guardrails. On this hot dry summer day, the normally narrow ribbon of Tews Falls was like a leaky tap dripping 41 metres into the chasm of the impressive gorge.

On the trail between Tews Falls and Webster’s Falls, the path hugs the top of the escarpment and awards amazing views of the tree carpeted Spencer Gorge below. Dundas Peak emerges in the distance, along with a sliver of the city of Dundas beyond the walls of the gorge.

We observed the scenic curtain of the 21 metre Webster Falls from behind a fence at the top of the cliff near its parking area. The path along the fence leads down to a charming cobblestone bridge. This bridge spans Spencer Creek which feeds the falls. We stopped to eat at one of the picnic tables on the other side of the creek; and make use of the portable toilets also located there.

Once our physical needs were taken care of, we descended the123 steps to the base of the falls; pausing partway to take pictures of Baby Webster’s Falls on right side of the stairs. The steps are well spaced and most of them are made of stone and cement, with only one small section constructed of the steel grating that can bother a dog’s paws. On this hot summer day, the bottom of the falls was littered with people. They were climbing on the large diverse rocks scattered along and throughout the creek. We enjoyed some climbing ourselves. Tessi was distracted by the swift moving water threading its way between the rocks. I think she was trying to figure out if there was something alive under the water. Climbing was precarious with Tessi at the other end of the leash. She didn’t want to wait for me as her four paws could easily conquer the rocks. Although her naked furry feet are fine for climbing, we humans should wear proper footwear (not like the sandals I was wearing) to negotiate the rocks and slick mud.

I could see Helen exploring the area behind the falls. I, of course, had to check it out myself. With a bit of a struggle, I clambered up the rocks after Tessi and was rewarded with an unusual perspective of the scenery seen through the seasonably sparse waterfall.

As I was struggling my way back to the stairs, I met up with a woman that expressed how much her sons love coming here. The cost of five dollars per vehicle keeps her boys busy all day. I think the Webster’s Falls area is an outstanding place to enjoy the outdoors. We benefited from a lot of exercise while exploring the natural wonders of the escarpment.

(c) Cheryl Smyth, 2008