Once the hub for Toronto’s shipping and industrial import/export industry, this lengthy lakeside neighbourhood known as Harbourfront has undergone a massive transition. Stretching from Lower Bathurst Street to York Street in the east, Harbourfront is an area that sees its east/west boundaries constantly expanding. With a heavy population of condo dwellers, Harbourfront features numerous community amenities.
In previous years, Harbourfront’s most prominent features would have undoubtedly been its view. But as of recent, this area has had a grand boost of youth causing both its crowd, amenities and commercial consumer offerings to greatly diversify. Featuring two large grocery stores, Shoppers Drug Mart locations, a Beer Store and cuisine from vastly different ethnicities, Toronto’s Harbourfront is a trendy, multi-cultural and arts heavy community to say the least.
There is a wealth of paid and free programming catering to everyone – from culinary aficionados to music and theatre fanatics. Harbourfront sports a vibrant neighbourhood feel. There's always something going on - whether it’s on water or dry land. On sunny days and cool afternoons, teens, couples and families walk, bike and blade along the boardwalk while buskers and local merchants cater to their every need.
With its roots deeply set in the condo boom that began to take Toronto by storm about 10 years ago, the Toronto Harbourfront is seasoned with both the old and the new. You can catch young edgy artists, kids and senior citizens coexisting along this lakeside hot spot on any given day.
There are tons of amenities, from the prestigious art shows offered at the Power Plant to some great shopping and dining at Queens Quay Terminal, the local mall. Harbourfront Centre offers multiple music venues and festivals all summer long, while in the winter it features a skating rink overlooking the lake. You can spend a day on the water or take care of business in the areas office towers.
The area has immediate access to The Gardiner Expressway and Lakeshore Blvd., the city’s southern traffic arteries. There are marinas for boaters, the ferry terminal, water taxis and it’s a short hike to Billy Bishop Airport. Regular streetcar service along Queens Quay Blvd. now has dedicated lanes. Cycling is a great way to get around the area and the dedicated bike path is heavily utilized.
Featuring a diverse food pavilion, lakeside attractions like canoe rentals and dozens of local vendors selling both produce and their unique artwork, Harbourfront offers a wide variety of entertainment. One of the greatest things is the ease of convenience created by the close proximity of all these great amenities. From end-to-end, the wonders of this entire strip can be experienced in only a couple of hours.
Toronto Harbourfront is an all out wonderland in the summer time, but winter conditions cause its handsome outdoor amenities to go mostly unused in the colder months. Aside from the Harbourfront Centre skating rink, this area becomes more lonely. Alternatively, no matter what the weather condition, this area continues to be a photographer’s paradise year round.
A hand-picked selection of new home and condos for sale in Harbourfront. For those who love the thrill of anticipation of getting into a brand new home or condo.
A newer addition to the Harbourfront Strip, Lavazza is a cafe guaranteed to satisfy the caffeine needs of all lakeside coffee connoisseurs. Brews are eco-conscious and these caffeine experts provide the perfect cup, every time.
more infoBy merging the best of beer, food and scenery, this iconic Toronto-based brewing company quenches thirsts and brings relaxation to lake-side lovers in their tavern like brew house located in the heart of Toronto’s Harbourfront.
more infoHost to some of Toronto’s hottest free live shows and events, Harbourfront Centre’s West Jet Stage is a scenic venue that allows patrons to enjoy their concert experience right beside the beauty of Lake Ontario.
more infoLocated near the most westerly border of Toronto’s Harbourfront, Little Norway Park is a great place to get away from the Harbourfront’s bustling and tourist heavy attractions. It's a local favourite.
more infoThis peaceful enclave-turned-lush-garden is home to live performances, picnics and all around good vibes. Host to thousands of wedding photo shoots – the Toronto Music Garden is practically bursting with life and love.
more infoAs a not-for-profit, culturally ethnically diverse institution, Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre is easily the hub of this bustling neighbourhood. Featuring classes, shows and events catered towards residents of all ages, the Harbourfront Centre is an artistically-inspired community hot spot.
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