Harbourfront Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Harbourfront showing a skyscraper, a bay or harbour and a city
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 theater 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 harbor 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 jewelry and textiles or shape stunning pottery. Check out the schedule at the Fleck Dance Theater 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 center of excellence with a selection of boats and expert watersport instructors on hand. Jibe 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 center of Toronto. Most gallery exhibits are free. Sign up for courses and lessons online.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Harbourfront Hotel Deals

Pan Pacific Toronto
Pan Pacific Toronto
4 out of 5
900 York Mills Rd, Toronto, ON
The price is NZ$247 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
NZ$247
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,752 reviews)
"Good chain hotel with a good deal"

Reviewed on 23 May 2024

Pan Pacific Toronto
Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown
Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown
3.5 out of 5
249 Queen's Quay West, Toronto, ON
The price is NZ$478 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$478
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,316 reviews)
"Nice stay near the harbor and center of town. Great service, comfy rooms and nice amenities."

Reviewed on 22 May 2024

Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
4 out of 5
33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, ON
The price is NZ$250 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$250
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 indoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (7,000 reviews)
"Convenient location"

Reviewed on 24 May 2024

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
Cambridge Suites Toronto
Cambridge Suites Toronto
4 out of 5
15 Richmond St E, Toronto, ON
The price is NZ$428 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$428
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Book a stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,920 reviews)
"Very friendly people. I enjoyed my stay"

Reviewed on 26 May 2024

Cambridge Suites Toronto
Fairmont Royal York
Fairmont Royal York
4 out of 5
100 Front St West, Toronto, ON
The price is NZ$450 per night from 27 May to 28 May
NZ$450
per night
27 May - 28 May
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Toronto. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,771 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel, everyone should stay here at least one time."

Reviewed on 23 May 2024

Fairmont Royal York
Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
30 Carlton Street, Toronto, ON
The price is NZ$352 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$352
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,111 reviews)
"Small room but clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on 23 May 2024

Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, an IHG Hotel
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Harbourfront

CN Tower which includes a sunset, central business district and general coastal views

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.

Toronto Entertainment District
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Old Toronto

If you're spending time in Old Toronto, check out sights like Scotiabank Arena or CN Tower and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dundas St West at Bay St Stop or Queen St West at Bay St Stop.

Old Toronto
Downtown Toronto showing heritage architecture, a city and an administrative building

Downtown Toronto

4.5/5(123 area reviews)

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

Downtown Toronto
Old Town which includes railway items

St. Lawrence

While you're in St. Lawrence, take in top sights like St. Lawrence Market or Meridian Hall, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at King St East at Jarvis St East Side Stop or King St East at Jarvis St West Side Stop.

St. Lawrence
Fort York National Historic Site which includes signage and a city

Niagara

While you're in Niagara, take in top sights like Fort York National Historic Site or Coca-Cola Coliseum, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at King St West at Niagara St Stop or King St West at Tecumseth St Stop.

Niagara
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Trinity - Bellwoods

If you're spending time in Trinity - Bellwoods, check out sights like Trinity Bellwoods Park or Queen Street West and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dundas St West at Grace St Stop or Dundas St West at Shaw St Stop.

Trinity - Bellwoods

Harbourfront Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: