Harbourfront Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A marina with boats docked, surrounded by tall residential buildings and trees.
A building with a sign labeled "Asia" and a tree in the foreground.
A marina with several boats docked, including a prominent boat named 'Archangel' with a red sail.
A city skyline with modern skyscrapers, including the Pinnacle and Toronto Star buildings, along a waterfront with boats and a bridge.
A marina with boats, a prominent tower, and high-rise buildings in the background.

Toronto’s beautiful maritime quarter has been restored and reincarnated into a haven of art and activity for all to enjoy.

Cruise the lake’s vast waters or learn how to skipper your own boat at Harbourfront. Marvel at brilliant music and theatre at the various modern performance areas or come for a fun evening at the open-air cinema.

Once a wasteland of crumbling factories, Toronto’s harbour was brought back to life with a project launched in 1972. Two decades later the 10-acre (4-hectare) site opened. Join locals and visitors to enjoy a wealth of different activities and the best of the region’s extensive cultural attractions..

Walk to multiple galleries showcasing some of Canada’s finest art and design. The Artport Gallery celebrates contemporary and abstract pieces while the Craft and Design Studio documents the work of resident experts in glassblowing and ceramics.

Book a spot in one of the regular workshops that take place with the help of experienced teachers. Discover how to make beautiful jewellery and textiles or shape stunning pottery. Check out the schedule at the Fleck Dance Theatre and Brigantine Room for live performances.

There is also plenty to do outdoors. Ice skating lessons are available all winter. Rent skates and head out onto one of the area’s most scenic rinks.

During summer, the action is on the water. Harbourfront is a Canadian Yachting Association centre of excellence with a selection of boats and expert watersport instructors on hand. Gybe and tack a small dinghy or complete various nautical courses on land. If you would rather let someone else take the helm, head out on a guided tour of the lake or spend an afternoon relaxing in style on a privately chartered yacht.

Don’t miss the regular evening and weekend events. Select from about 4,000 of these throughout the year, including free movie nights, food festivals and live music.

Harbourfront is located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, a 10-minute drive from the centre of Toronto. Most gallery exhibits are free. Sign up for courses and lessons online.


Stay near popular Harbourfront attractions

Activities


Our pick of the best Harbourfront Hotel Deals

Lum Queen Hotel DT

Lum Queen Hotel DT

2 out of 5
Toronto ON
The price is NZ$256 per night from 5 July to 6 July
NZ$256
5 July - 6 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, in-room washers/dryers and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Scotiabank Arena and Ripley's Aquarium ...
7.8/10 Good! (40 reviews)
"That is the most horrible experience if you see this DO NOT book it, save your money to a good experience not a nightmare. Thanks"

Reviewed on 3 July 2026

Lum Queen Hotel DT
Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown

Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown

3.5 out of 5
249 Queen's Quay West Toronto ON
The price is NZ$473 per night from 12 July to 13 July
NZ$473
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,122 reviews)
"This is an awesome stay. On the shore of Lake Ontario lots of activities going on in the summer stayed there for July 1 great view of the fireworks. Went to 3 blue jays games. About a 5 minute walk to Roger’s centre also very close to the ferry terminal that takes you across to the islands this was ..."

Reviewed on 3 July 2026

Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto

4 out of 5
33 Gerrard St W Toronto ON
The price is NZ$361 per night from 26 July to 27 July
NZ$361
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 indoor pools and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (365 reviews)
"Good location. Terrible service especially at check-in. I picked this hotel as it was mentioned online it got through some renovation. Well the room we got was in a bad shape. Mold on bathroom ceiling. Old bath. Awfully noisy air conditioning. And the worst of all : super noisy like the windows were ..."

Reviewed on 4 July 2026

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre by IHG

3.5 out of 5
30 Carlton Street Toronto ON
The price is NZ$287 per night from 5 July to 6 July
NZ$287
5 July - 6 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6,037 reviews)
"Clean rooom, nice staff"

Reviewed on 3 July 2026

Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre by IHG
Fairmont Royal York

Fairmont Royal York

4 out of 5
100 Front St West Toronto ON
The price is NZ$558 per night from 5 July to 6 July
NZ$558
5 July - 6 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Toronto. Enjoy 3 restaurants, 3 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (8,300 reviews)
"Stay here every summer. Not as clean as it used to be. Tub was full of hair and very musty smelling room. Needs a good renovation. Location is great."

Reviewed on 3 July 2026

Fairmont Royal York
Toronto Don Valley Hotel and Suites

Toronto Don Valley Hotel and Suites

3.5 out of 5
175 Wynford Drive Toronto ON
The price is NZ$189 per night from 12 July to 13 July
NZ$189
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
7.6/10 Good! (6,694 reviews)
"Have stayed here a few times while visiting relatives. Rates this time were extremely high - due to FIFA I believe. Room was ok but none of the lamps worked and bathroom tap did not turn on/off very easily and hard to regulate temperature. A little disappointed this time due to much increased price ..."

Reviewed on 3 July 2026

Toronto Don Valley Hotel and Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Harbourfront

Find the best Harbourfront areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Downtown Toronto

Known for its must-see aquarium and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Toronto. Check out top attractions like Ripley's Aquarium of Canada and CN Tower, and jump on the metro at Dundas St West at Yonge St Stop or Dundas Station to see more of the city.

North York

Travellers love North York for its popular shops, and you can see more of Toronto by jumping on the metro at Sheppard West Station or Wilson Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Yorkdale Shopping Centre and Rogers Stadium.

Scarborough

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Scarborough. Spend some time visiting top spots like Scarborough Town Centre, and catch the metro at Scarborough Centre Station or McCowan Station to see more of the area.

Etobicoke

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Etobicoke. Spend some time visiting top spots like Sherway Gardens, and catch the metro at Islington Station or Royal York Station to see more of the area.

Toronto Entertainment District

Travellers choose Toronto Entertainment District for its popular aquarium. Hop aboard the metro at Spadina Ave at Bremner Blvd North Side Stop or Spadina Ave at Front St West North Side Stop and check out top sights like Rogers Centre.



Harbourfront Travel Guide

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