The Waterfront: a neighbourhood guide

Fancy a trip to the beach on a summer weekday? Being steps from the city’s incredible cultural scene? Living in a condo with a killer lake view? Then you’ll probably love Toronto’s incredible Waterfront neighbourhood. Summer on the Waterfront has a definite resort vibe. Buzzy and busy, it’s a tourist favourite for a reason: water access, incredible cultural attractions, easy access to the Islands, and an exciting revitalization that’s changing how people experience life by the lake. 

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An industrial history

In the early 1900s, what’s now the Waterfront was just…water. To create deeper access for container ships and accommodate bigger wharfs in Toronto’s busy port, the area was extended with landfill. (Ever wondered why Fort York is so far away from the water? It didn’t use to be.) As shipping eventually declined and industries moved out of the area for cheaper suburban locations, they left behind polluted sites that sat derelict for decades. 

In the 1970s, the government started work to improve the waterfront, creating the Harbourfront area, with Queens Quay Terminal remodeled as a retail destination, and the Harbourfront Centre reimagined as a performing arts hub. Not long after, condos started going up, businesses began moving into the area again and more industrial buildings were converted – though the Redpath Sugar Factory is still there and is still a factory, standing as a reminder of the area’s gritty industrial past. 

The Waterfront has continued to evolve. Today, there are some exciting revitalization initiatives happening in the easternmost part of the neighbourhood, with planned, mixed-use developments with public spaces and naturalized areas that are actively building community – and connecting people with a waterfront that was inaccessible to them for so long.

It’s condo central

The Waterfront is pretty much all condos, with a few townhouses here and there: it’s actually got the largest concentration of luxury condos in Toronto. A lot of the buildings were constructed in the 80s (you’re not imagining that Miami Vice vibe), and the units in those condominiums tend to be on the larger side, with prices and maintenance fees to match. But developers have been adding to the Waterfront’s residential mix for the last 40 years, so there’s a variety of properties for interested buyers to choose from: everything from those luxe 1980s originals to smaller homes in new low-rise developments in the reclaimed portlands. 

Incredible master-planned, mixed-use communities

The new Bayside community is a key part of the area’s revitalization. Situated on 13 acres between Parliament and Lower Sherbourne south of Queens Quay, it has four residential buildings: Aqualina, Aquavista, Aquabella, and Aqualuna. The first three are complete, and Aqualuna is slated to be finished in 2024. Together, they add over 1,000 residential units to the area, and boast an innovative, sustainable design that isn’t cookie-cutter in any way. 

The community includes amazing public spaces, affordable housing, two office buildings, community amenities, and access to green space. 

Next on the books is Quayside, which will be located at Parliament and Lakeshore. Building on the success of Bayside, this will be a next-gen development that’s super-sustainable and community-focused, with a rooftop urban farm and lots of other green initiatives. This development is still in the works, but promises to be another exciting addition to the revitalized Waterfront neighbourhood. 

A place for people who love nature

Living in Toronto’s Waterfront neighbourhood, you have access to some of the most incredible outdoor spaces in the city. There’s Martin Goodman Trail, which runs through the area and is great for running, cycling, walking or just people-watching. And you’ll find innovative spaces like the Waterfront Wavedecks and the Toronto Music Garden, which interprets Bach’s First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello with appealing curves, gardens and the Giant Grass Steps, where you can see performers all summer long.

Looking for a little sun and sand? Sugar Beach and HTO Park have umbrellas at the ready, with gorgeous water views and the perfect summertime vibe. And don’t forget, you’re a quick ferry ride away from the Islands – the perfect getaway for a beach day, taking the kids to Centreville, a sail out of the RCYC, or a wander around Wards and Algonquin Islands to soak in the quaint cottageness of it all.

Live a culture-rich lifestyle

There’s a lot of culture happening in and around the Waterfront. Art galleries, free performances in various parks, and the jewel in the local crown: Harbourfront Centre, which is host to the performing arts, festivals, exhibitions, workshops, artists and designers. Plus, you’re a short walk away from nights at the symphony at Roy Thompson Hall, performances at the beautifully restored Meridian Hall and incredible plays and musicals at Mirvish Theatres. 

There’s so much to see and do in the Waterfront, like skating at Harbourfront Centre, summer camps for kids, arts workshops, sailing and boating, or just hanging out in the park, on the beach – or at one of the many popular waterfront patios. You’ll never run out of stuff to enjoy. 

Amazing dining is at your doorstep

From the hip Boxcar Social and the funky casual Joe Bird to the iconic Pearl Chinese Cuisine (in business since 1983!), there’s a great food scene in the neighbourhood. And if that’s not enough to satisfy your gourmet needs, the King West neighbourhood and the Financial District are also nearby, with no shortage of delicious destinations. Le Select Bistro, Lapinou, CIBO Wine Bar, and Buca are just a few of the amazing options you have to choose from.

The convenience factor is high

For shopping, St. Lawrence Market is within walking distance, and so is the Loblaws on Lower Jarvis – plus there’s the massive new flagship LCBO right at Queens Quay and Yonge. The Distillery District isn’t far either. 

Need to hop on a flight? How many people can say they walked to the airport? Billy Bishop is the most civilized flying experience around, with short lines, quiet lounges, and an easy-to-access location. 

And there is literally no better neighbourhood for sports fans – Scotiabank Arena and the Rogers Centre are RIGHT THERE. 

Getting around is pretty easy

The walk score in this neighbourhood is off the charts, you can take the streetcar or ride your bike, and Union and St. Andrew subway stations aren’t far. Driving can be a little more challenging, especially in the summer. While the Gardiner and the DVP are super-close, tourist-season traffic can really slow you down.