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 ForestClaremont Nature CentreGreenwood 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

Pickering is bringing inclusive, universally designed playground updates to nine of its parks:

  • 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 will be reconstructed to be accessible with the addition of rubber safety surfacing, accessible walkways, site furniture, safety railings and/or fencing, and play equipment that is fully compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA):

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

Accessible playgrounds provide the community with opportunities to socialize, play, and exercise, regardless of ability. 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. Visit our Smoke Free Ontario web page for information about the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.

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.