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

One King West Hotel & Residence
One King West Hotel & Residence
4 out of 5
1 King Street West, Toronto, ON
The price is NZ$246 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$246
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
9/10 Wonderful! (7,521 reviews)
"Favorite place in town my go to every trip"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

One King West Hotel & Residence
Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown
Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown
3.5 out of 5
249 Queen's Quay West, Toronto, ON
The price is NZ$390 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$390
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,179 reviews)
"didnt like the extra 50 bucks for early checkin"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 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$290 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
NZ$290
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 indoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (6,596 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
Cambridge Suites Toronto
Cambridge Suites Toronto
4 out of 5
15 Richmond St E, Toronto, ON
The price is NZ$293 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
NZ$293
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Toronto. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,563 reviews)
"It was great, the service was great and the spa was really nice and clean and the bed was very comfortable"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Cambridge Suites Toronto
Fairmont Royal York
Fairmont Royal York
4 out of 5
100 Front St West, Toronto, ON
The price is NZ$393 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$393
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Toronto. Enjoy 3 restaurants, 3 bars/lounges, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (7,254 reviews)
"This hotel was really convenient location wise. I was a solo traveller and had no safety issues here. Union Station backs onto the back entrance of the hotel. The hotel staff were helpful and friendly. My room was clean, lovely and spacious. Transport links by the hotel were brilliant, hotel is close ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Fairmont Royal York
Town Inn Suites Hotel
Town Inn Suites Hotel
3.5 out of 5
620 Church St, Toronto, ON
The price is NZ$273 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
NZ$273
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Toronto. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,692 reviews)
"Water in shower is not warm enough Heater in room is under power I need to wear my jacket indoor."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Town Inn Suites 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
Default Image

Old Toronto

If you're spending time in Old Toronto, check out sights like CN Tower or Rogers Centre 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 CN Tower and Rogers Centre, and jump on the metro at Dundas St West at Yonge St Stop or Dundas Station 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 Coca-Cola Coliseum or Queen Street West, 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
Downtown Toronto which includes a city

Garden District

While you're in Garden District, take in top sights like Ed Mirvish Theatre or Yonge-Dundas Square, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dundas St East at Church St Stop or Dundas St East at Jarvis St West Side Stop.

Garden District

Harbourfront Travel Guide

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