DogMapOff-leash beach · Ellicott Creek Park island · 1 Ellicott Creek Dr, Tonawanda, NY 14150 (bark park via Creekside Dr footbridge)
Ellicott Island Bark Park
A roughly 15-acre off-leash island in Ellicott Creek Park — unique in that it isn't fenced; the creek is its boundary, with access over a double-gated footbridge. Dogs roam shaded paths and a 'dog beach' with multiple points of creek access for swimming.
Off-leash · seasonalThe facts
- Off-leashOff-leash · seasonal
- FencedNo — open
- WaterCreek
- SizeLarge (~15-acre island)
- Hours7 AM–9 PM summer / 7 AM–dusk winter · closed Mar 15–May 15
- SurfaceSand / grass
Off-leash by season
JANMARMAYJULSEPNOV
May 15 – Mar 14
Off-leash all day (within posted hours)
Mar 15 – May 15
Closed for turf recovery
Parking & access
Ellicott Creek Park lots; cross the Creekside Dr footbridge.
Good to know
- Not fenced — the creek is the natural boundary, and the double-gated footbridge is the only access, so leash up before and after crossing.
- One of the few WNY spots where dogs actually swim; a living-shoreline barrier lets pets play in the water with less erosion.
- Closed every March 15–May 15 for turf, and lake-effect snow or spring flooding can shrink or close the low-lying island.
Verified off-leash rules
Rules verified · source: Erie County Parks, Recreation & Forestry
Ellicott Island Bark Park: FAQ
- Can my dog be off-leash at Ellicott Island Bark Park?
- Ellicott Island Bark Park is off-leash on a seasonal schedule (may 15 – mar 14: off-leash all day (within posted hours); mar 15 – may 15: closed for turf recovery). Check the live map for the status right now.
- Is Ellicott Island Bark Park fenced?
- No — Ellicott Island Bark Park is open/unfenced, so reliable recall is recommended.
- Can my dog swim at Ellicott Island Bark Park?
- Yes — Ellicott Island Bark Park has creek water for dogs to swim in.
- Is Ellicott Island Bark Park free?
- Yes — Ellicott Island Bark Park is free to access. Ellicott Creek Park lots; cross the Creekside Dr footbridge.