Writer Colin Campbell takes George, a 140-pound Newfoundland landseer, to the R.C. Harris Filtration plant for a walk on Dec. 15, 2015.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail
When Colin Campbell's marriage fell apart in 2008, a friend suggested he get a dog to pull him out of his funk. The 53-year old Torontonian made sure he got a canine big enough for the job. George, a 140-pound Newfoundland landseer, is a rescue dog who was abused by his former owners.
Mr. Campbell spent a year coaxing George out of the doggie blues, and in the process rediscovered the joys of a relationship with another sentient being. He writes about that experience in Free Days With George, a national bestseller to be published in the United States in May. In the book, Mr. Campbell covers a lot of emotional – as well as actual – ground as he and George journey from Toronto to Los Angeles and back again, an itinerary dictated by his job as a marketing executive. It's a dog's life, you could say, and Mr. Campbell makes the most of it by staying tethered to his furry friend on long walks across the city. Here, he says, is where they romp.
Harbourfront: Start at the west end of Harbourfront Centre, south of Queens Quay. The stroll offers an opportunity to meet lots of friendly people who stop to give George pats and hugs. They always comment on how big he is. Continue east past the Toronto Island ferry terminal, the Westin Harbour Castle and then past the big ships unloading their cargo by Sugar Beach – in the right weather, you'll be tempted by hot dog vendors along the way. The walk ends at Corus Quay, at a flat concrete fountain that randomly shoots up water for any dog to try and catch. It's fun for humans and pooches alike. One of the best big-city dog walks anywhere.
Leslieville: Jimmie Simpson Park at Queen East and Logan is a central gathering point where coffee-carrying, yoga-attired couples with young kids and friendly dogs go to socialize and catch up on the neighbourhood gossip. It's key to know each of the dog's names, but never more than the first names of their humans. The park yields great friendships and insights into where the hottest new restaurants and coolest new boutiques are. It is also where you find out who has a reliable dog sitter. A bonus: Many of the shops along Queen politely place water bowls out front for your canine companion.
Ryerson University Quad: Tucked a block away from crowded Yonge-Dundas Square is one of Toronto's hidden, tranquil gems for walking your dog. Bounded by Gould Street to the south, Gerrard to the north and Church to the east, the Ryerson University Quad is a grassy field completely surrounded by university buildings, which mute the cacophony of downtown. Lie down for a rest while your mutt chases a Frisbee and wags his tail.
R.C. Harris Water Filtration Plant: Located at the very last stop of the eastbound Queen streetcar, the plant is one of Toronto's coolest historic buildings. Most importantly, it has expansive amounts of lake-fronting green space accessible to the public. Many of the city's designated dog beaches tend to be crowded on weekend mornings, which is why I and George tend to hang here when we want to enjoy the serenity of the lake. Often the only distractions are the stand-up paddle boarders, slowly gliding by – they occasionally prompt George's nautical DNA to make him think he needs to swim out to try and rescue them.
High Park: We go here when we venture west. George loves romping through trails that run through beautiful High Park. There are always tons of other dogs to run and play with. In addition to the trails, there is a huge off-leash area for dogs to romp around in. Be aware, though: For those with energetic, long-haired dogs, there will be lots of dirt, twigs and leaves to comb and wash out after – followed by the contented snores of a blissfully happy, but tired, pooch.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
Editor's note: An earlier digital version of this story incorrectly spelled the name of Jimmie Simpson Park. This digital version has been corrected.