The Harbourfront neighbourhood incorporates a unique blend of residential, cultural, recreational, and commercial uses, all within the same community

Harbourfront also serves as Toronto's playground by the lake. It is enjoyed by all Toronto residents, as well as being a popular destination point for tourists.

Toronto's Harbourfront district was created from landfill in the early 1800's. It quickly developed into a tangled web of industry that included shipping facilities, warehouses, railway tracks, grain silos, and factories, all dotting the shoreline. Unfortunately, these physical barriers cut Harbourfront off from the rest of Toronto.

It wasn't until 1972, with the creation of the federally sponsored Harbourfront Corporation, that Toronto citizens began to reclaim their waterfront.

Harbourfront has been undergoing a renaissance ever since.

A shining example of Harbourfront's transformation is the Queens Quay Terminal. This building was one of the largest warehouses in North America when it opened in 1927. The Terminal was remodelled in 1980, and today includes a successful mix of high end residential, commercial, and retail space all under one roof.

Harbourfront has the highest concentration of luxury condominium apartment buildings in the City of Toronto. Most of Harbourfront's condominiums were built in the 1980's.

At present, a number of new condominiums are being built with an emphasis on making sure every unit has at least a partial lake view and a balcony.

Harbourfront also has a handful of Marinas that provide seasonal moorings on a rental basis for local and out of town boaters. Many of these hearty souls make Harbourfront their summer home.

Harbourfront has more recreational opportunities than any other Toronto neighbourhood.

The Air Canada Centre, Skydome, C.N. Tower, and the Harbourfront Antique Market are all located within this neighbourhood. The Canadian National Exhibition, the Marine Museum, and Old Fort York are all just minutes from Harbourfront, while the Toronto Islands are ten minutes away by ferry boat.

The social, cultural, and recreational hub of the neighbourhood is the Harbourfront Centre, located at the York Quay at 235 Queens Quay West. This popular lakeside venue hosts close to 4,000 events per year, ranging from craft workshops and sailing lessons to jazz festivals and food fairs.


The Toronto neighbourhood text profiles, sketches and maps displayed on this web site were originally published in "Your Guide to Toronto Neighbourhoods", are © Maple Tree Publishing Inc. and have been reproduced by Toronto Real Estate Board under license.