Pickering Parks

Keeping parks safe and enjoyable for all – view the Parks By-law 5495/99.

Pickering is home to over 220 hectares of open space and parkland, including over 85 parks, numerous sports fields and trails, and 4 conservation areas.

Pickering is home to 3 designated leash free areas where dog owners can safely let their dog run around in fully fenced in areas.

One of Pickering's gems is its waterfront. Of the 7.6 kilometres of Lake Ontario waterfront, approximately 5 kilometres is publicly accessible - 2.7 kilometres being beach. This doesn't even include all the parkland around Frenchman's Bay and the Hydro Marsh!

Altona ForestPickering also has a number of creeks including the Petticoat, Amberlea, Dunbarton, Pine, Ganatsekiagon and Duffins Creeks, with wooded valley lands that extend from the waterfront, up through the urban areas.

Maintained by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, conservation areas in Pickering include the Altona Forest, Claremont Nature Centre, Greenwood Conservation Area, and Petticoat Creek Conservation Area.

Adjacent to the westerly boundary of Pickering is the Rouge National Urban Park. This park is a unique combination of woodlands, valleys, meadows and farmlands that were set apart to create one of the largest parks in an urban area in North America.

Accessible Playgrounds

The City has updated nine of its parks with universally designed playground features in an effort to support inclusive spaces for community members to gather:

  • Erin Gate Park
  • Rouge Valley Park
  • Sunbird Trail Park
  • David Farr Memorial Park
  • Bonita Park
  • Lynn Heights Park
  • Brock Ridge Community Park
  • Clearside Park
  • S.M. Woodsmere Park

In addition to these retrofits, four playgrounds have been reconstructed with accessibility features, including rubber safety surfacing, accessible walkways, site furniture, safety railings and/or fencing, and play equipment that is compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA):

  • St. Mary Park
  • Forestbrook Park
  • Progress Frenchman's Bay East Park
  • Southcott Park 

These accessibility upgrades will foster a more inclusive environment, enriching the experiences and opportunities available within our spaces.

Watch the video here:

Fishing

Pickering is home to many waterways that are excellent for recreational fishing.  We encourage everyone to follow best practices to ensure wildlife are not injured, the environment is kept clean, and everyone has a positive experience. 

See our Fishing page for information on the following:

  • Clear your Gear Fishing Line Receptacle Program
  • Fishing Etiquette
  • Trumpeter Swans and other Waterfowl
  • Fishing Resources 

Leash Free Areas

The City of Pickering currently has three designated Leash Free Areas in Pickering. All locations are fully fenced and provide a safe environment for dogs to run freely.  Pickering is also home to GTA's only Canine Activity Area where dogs and dog owners can participate in fun challenges they can complete together. Visit our leash free area page for more information

Smoke Free Ontario

It is illegal to smoke in publicly owned parks containing children's playgrounds and sporting areas.

Smoke-Free Ontario Act
Details at https://www.ontario.ca/page/where-you-cant-smoke-or-vape-ontario

As of January 1, 2015 it is illegal to smoke in publicly owned parks containing:

  • children's playgrounds 
  • sporting areas (including spectator areas) where the primary purpose is for:
    • soccer
    • football
    • basketball
    • tennis
    • baseball, softball, cricket
    • skating
    • beach volleyball
    • running
    • swimming
    • skateboarding
    • splash pads
  • all bar and restaurant outdoor patios (covered or uncovered)

Sports Fields and Park Rentals

Any individual, business, or organization that enters into a contractual agreement with the City of Pickering to rent an outdoor space must comply with their obligations under the Smoke Free Act as part of the permit process. 

Signage

The City of Pickering posts "No Smoking" signs in all publicly owned areas where smoking is prohibited. 

Enforcement

Region of Durham Tobacco Enforcement Officers carry out inspections and respond to complaints in order to enforce the Smoke Free Ontario Act. The Region of Durham also enforces a By-law to Regulate Smoking in Public Places and in the Workplace. For more information, see their Smoke-Free By-Law.

Penalties

Individuals who fail to comply with the Smoke Free Ontario Act may be charged and, on conviction, subject to fines ranging from $1,000.00 to $5,000.00.

Reporting Offences

Please report individuals or businesses to the Durham Region Health Department Environmental Help Line 905.723.3818 or 1.888.777.9613. 

Visit durham.ca/tobacco for more information.

Explore our parks today!

View our Parks & Facilities database, and help us take care of our parks and trails by reporting any signs of graffiti, illegal dumping, litter or vandalism.