Hallo! I’m Behzhig 🐾, an intrepid German Shepherd from Gemline German Shepherds who now calls Thunder Bay home.
Let me take you on a tail-wagging tour of my favourite off‑leash territories around town—it’s a pawsome place for dogs of all sizes, shapes, and temperaments!
Remember always with our humans we as dogs need to listen and learn. Make sure of course at all the off leash parks our humans clean up after us, and bring water, and of course treats with them so we can keep up our boundless energy.
🐶 Centennial Park (Off-leash loop)
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Size & Setting: A lush 6.5‑acre meadow with a 0.6 km loop trail hugging the scenic Current River.
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Why I love it: I can sprint, sniff the woods, splash in the water, and greet friendly faces—it’s like a never‑ending backyard!
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Insider Tip: This park is great because its open to running! And at the end of the park is a great loop toward Trowbridge Falls that is an adventure in itself!
- Human tip: This park as a loop is a good walk with reasonably good trails. Dogs get short breaks of socializing then on with the walk.
🐕 Port Arthur Dog Park (Beverly Street)
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Where it’s at: In the old ball diamond beside Port Arthur Stadium, covering about 1.4 acres.
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Perks: Fully fenced, well-loved by local doggos. I can dash to my heart’s content and make new pals. There are times there are some more aggressive dogs, and that is when me and my friends count on our human friends to keep the peace.
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Cool Fact: Nature-loving dogs will enjoy exploring the small woodsy corners around the field.
- Be aware when the Northwoods League Thunder Bay Border Cats are playing it can be loud. On some nights there are fireworks, and most of my doggo friends and me, don’t like the noise.
🌲 Hillyard Lands (Carrick Street)
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Location: Tucked between Memorial Ave and 8th Ave near Central Ave—about 3.5 acres, with natural buffers.
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Trail Vibes: This is more of a woodland trail than a field—sharp noses like mine love the smells and quiet shade.
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Community Tip: Reddit pals say it’s “nice” and a solid off‑leash option right in town.
Neebing Playfield (Neebing Ave)
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Details: A cozy 1‑acre fenced play space at Neebing & Mary St.
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Why it’s handy: Great when you want a shorter blast of off‑leash fun—compact, fenced, and easy to reach.
🚦Off-Leash Doggo Park Rules (Citywide!)
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Open daily from 6 am to 11 pm as per thunderbay.ca.
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Dogs must be 4+ months old, licensed, vaccinated, and under your control.
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Pick up after your pup, no puppies in heat, and leash up when entering/leaving .
🌄 Off-Leash Trails & Hidden Gems
Beyond the fenced parks, there’s adventure to be had:
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Centennial Park trails: the bench trails along the river make for longer, leashed adventures.
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Rabbit Mountain & Marlwood Road: Great spots for exploring off‑trail under supervision.
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Chippewa Park loop: Past the turnoff, you’ll find peaceful woodland off‑leash stretches.
Meet Behzhig
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I’m the playful adventurer—always the first to dive into water and the last to leave a stick behind.
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I adore making new doggy friends, but I need a park that’s big enough for energetic romps.
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My human friends cherish the scenic beauty and sense of community in each spot.
🗺️ Quick Comparison Table
Park Name | Size | Fenced | Trail Style | Best For |
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Centennial Park | 6.5 acres | No | Loop & river trails | Variety‑loving, adventurous pups |
Port Arthur Park | 1.4 acres | Yes | Open field | Social dogs |
Hillyard Lands | 3.5 acres | No | Natural trail | Quiet, small‑pack hikes |
Neebing Playfield | 1 acre | Yes | Field | Short, easy play sessions |
🐾 Parting Woofs
Thunder Bay is doggo heaven! Four official off‑leash parks, scenic trails, and hidden forest gems make this place perfect for pups like me. Whether you crave wide-open fields, shaded woodland paths, or riverside runs, there’s a spot waiting to fill your heart and wag your tail.
You might see me around town in my Burley Bark Ranger that my humans got at 3Ride bike shop on Red River Road inside Goods and Co. Its usually me barking at James to make sure we get to the park faster!
Want advice on where to go depending on the season, or tips on dog‑friendly cafés nearby?
Just bark—I’m here to help!
Behzhig