Pet-Friendly Hotels in Pickering and Durham Region

Tru by Hilton Oshawa keeps a family stay simple: the air-conditioned family rooms are modern, the continental buffet breakfast is included each morning, and parking and WiFi are free. The hotel is pet-friendly, so the dog can come along, and there is a fitness room for parents who want a workout. The front desk is open 24 hours, which helps with late arrivals after a long drive. Guests rate it above 9.

Toronto Marriott Markham suits families who want a modern hotel with something for children after a day out: the elevated indoor infinity pool and the hot tub are the evening draw. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and keyless entry, the fitness centre is open 24 hours, and the hotel is pet-friendly. It sits a minute's walk from Enterprise Boulevard and Birchmount Road in downtown Markham, about 34 minutes by taxi from the airport.

Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites is an all-suite hotel, so families get more room than in a standard double, and some suites include a kitchen. The indoor pool keeps children busy, adults can book the full-service spa, and two restaurants and a lounge are on site. Pets are welcome. Local restaurants are a short walk away, and the airport is about 34 minutes by taxi. With more than 5,400 reviews at 8.4/10, it is a well-tested choice.

Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Ajax is an easy, relaxed choice for families east of Toronto. The indoor pool and hot tub are available whatever the season, the hotel is listed as kid-friendly and accessible, and an on-site restaurant and bar save a drive at dinner. Free parking and free WiFi keep things simple, and pets are welcome. Lynde Shores Conservation Area is a short drive for a nature outing. Over 1,300 reviews give it 8.4/10.

Homewood Suites in Ajax is built for longer family stays: every unit is a suite with a kitchen, so you can cook simple meals instead of eating out three times a day. Breakfast is included, the indoor pool keeps children busy in any season, and pets are accepted. The local conservation areas are within easy reach for a walk. Rooms are described as unfussy, so expect function over style. I would pick it for a week, not a night.

Delta Hotels Toronto East has an atrium with a saltwater indoor pool and a hot tub, the feature I would mention first to families, since it works whatever the weather. The on-site Japanese restaurant offers a change from standard hotel menus, which can please curious young eaters. Rooms are modern and air-conditioned, and pets are welcome. Village Green Square at Metrogate Park is a short walk away, giving children some outdoor space between outings.

I would recommend the Residence Inn Whitby to families planning a longer stay east of Toronto. Studios and suites are colourful, some with kitchenettes, which helps with simple meals. The free hot breakfast covers mornings, and the indoor pool and hot tub give children an evening plan. Parking and Wi-Fi are free, and pets are accepted. Note that the hotel is in Whitby, a short drive east of Pickering.

Pickering Casino Resort is built around a casino and its restaurants and cocktail bars, so I see it more as an adults' address than a family one, but there is a pool, a hot tub and a fitness centre for everyone. Rooms come with free WiFi, parking is free, and pets are accepted. Ajax Waterfront Park is close by for an outdoor break. Guests rate it 7.8 from 4,612 reviews.

Quality Suites Whitby gives a family more space than a single hotel room, since every unit is a suite. The hot breakfast is free, as are parking and Wi-Fi, and the full-service laundry is handy after a few days on the road. Pets are accepted. There is a fitness centre but no pool listed, so children will need their fun elsewhere. The guest score of 7.4 is middling, so I would treat it as a practical base.