Harbourfront Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Harbourfront with this comprehensive tour guide covering the best attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drink, accommodations, and more!


Introduction to Harbourfront

Located in Toronto’s Greater Toronto Area, Harbourfront is a popular tourist destination for its many attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, and local culture. As the name suggests, Harbourfront is situated along the waterfront, providing beautiful scenic views of the harbour and Lake Ontario.

List of Places to Visit in Harbourfront

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Harbourfront. Here are some must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Harbourfront Centre: This arts and cultural center hosts year-round events, including concerts, theatre productions, and art exhibitions.
  • The Toronto Music Garden: Designed by cellist Yo-Yo Ma and landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy, the garden is meant to represent the six movements of Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major.
  • The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery: This contemporary art gallery showcases local and international artists.

Natural Attractions of Harbourfront: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Toronto Islands: Accessible by ferry, the Toronto Islands offer beautiful beaches, cycling trails, and a children’s amusement park.
  • Ontario Place: This park features scenic views of the harbour, a marina, and a waterfront trail.
  • The Water’s Edge Promenade: A picturesque trail that provides stunning views of the harbour and the skyline.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Harbourfront

There are several biking and hiking routes in Harbourfront that offer scenic views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.

  • The Martin Goodman Trail: This trail stretches over 56 km and offers scenic views of the lake and the city skyline, making for a perfect outdoor adventure.
  • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Pedestrian Tunnel: The airport’s tunnel offers beautiful views of the waterfront on both sides, making for a quick and picturesque hike.

Best Things to Do in Harbourfront: Activities and Tours

Whether you prefer indoor activities or outdoor adventures, Harbourfront offers plenty of activities and tours to choose from.

  • Boat tours: Take a boat tour to explore the harbour and see the city skyline from a different angle.
  • Ice skating: During the winter, the Natrel Rink offers free public skating with a beautiful view of the city.
  • Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre: Rent a canoe or kayak and explore the harbour on your own or join a guided tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Harbourfront

If you’re planning to spend a week in Harbourfront, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Harbourfront Centre and The Toronto Music Garden
Day 2 Take a boat tour and explore the harbour
Day 3 Visit the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery and the Ontario Place
Day 4 Rent a canoe or kayak and explore the harbour
Day 5 Visit the Toronto Islands and enjoy the beaches and cycling trails
Day 6 Go ice skating at the Natrel Rink
Day 7 Explore The Water’s Edge Promenade and visit the local shops and restaurants

Food and Drink Scene of Harbourfront

The food and drink scene in Harbourfront is diverse and reflects the city’s multiculturalism. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poutine: A Canadian classic, poutine consists of french fries topped with gravy and cheese curds.
  • Peameal Bacon Sandwich: A Toronto specialty, the sandwich is made with peameal bacon, which is a type of back bacon that’s been cured in brine and rolled in cornmeal.
  • Fish and Chips: A classic dish that’s popular in Harbourfront, the fish and chips are made with fresh fish and served with tartar sauce and fries.

Local Beverages

  • Caesar: A popular Canadian cocktail made with vodka, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a celery stick.
  • Ice Wine: A dessert wine made from grapes that have frozen on the vine.
  • Steam Whistle Pilsner: A locally brewed beer that’s crisp and refreshing.

Where to Stay in Harbourfront: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several accommodation options in Harbourfront, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels.

  • Radisson Admiral Hotel Toronto-Harbourfront: This hotel offers stunning views of the harbour and is walking distance from several popular attractions.
  • HI Toronto Hostel: A budget-friendly option for travelers, the hostel offers comfortable dorms and private rooms.
  • Airbnb: There are several Airbnb options in the area that offer a local experience while being budget-friendly.

What to Buy in Harbourfront: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maple Syrup: A popular Canadian souvenir, maple syrup is made from the sap of maple trees and is a delicious addition to pancakes and waffles.
  • Hockey Gear: As Canada’s national sport, hockey gear is a popular souvenir for sports enthusiasts.
  • Canadian Whiskey: As a country known for its whiskey, it’s a great souvenir to bring home and enjoy with friends and family.

Local Culture and Customs of Harbourfront

Canada’s official languages are English and French, but English is the more commonly spoken language in Harbourfront. Tipping is customary in restaurants and bars, with 15-20% being the norm. Canada is known for being a safe and welcoming country, so visitors can expect a pleasant experience while in Harbourfront.

Best Time to Visit Harbourfront

The best time to visit Harbourfront is during the warmer months between June and September when there are several outdoor activities and festivals happening. The winter months can be quite chilly, but there are still some indoor activities to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Harbourfront

Do:

  • Do try some local dishes and beverages.
  • Do visit the local museums and galleries.
  • Do explore the outdoor adventures and scenic views.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave trash behind.
  • Don’t forget to tip servers in restaurants and bars.
  • Don’t forget to pack warm clothes if visiting in the winter months.

Safety and Health

Safety in Harbourfront

Harbourfront is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists, but visitors should still take precautions, such as:

  • Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.
  • Follow traffic rules and be cautious when crossing busy streets.

Health in Harbourfront

The healthcare system in Canada is reliable and affordable for visitors. However, it is still recommended to purchase travel health insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses.

Getting to Harbourfront: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Harbourfront

  • Toronto Pearson International Airport: The largest airport in Canada, and located about 30 km from Harbourfront.
  • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport: Located on the island just south of Harbourfront, offering easy access to the area.

Bus Stations Near Harbourfront

Greyhound and Megabus buses stop at the Toronto Coach Terminal, which is located about 3 km from Harbourfront.

Other Options

  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available and can be hailed from any of the main streets.
  • Public Transportation: The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates buses and subways throughout the city, including Harbourfront.

How to Get Around in Harbourfront

The best way to get around in Harbourfront is on foot or by bike. The Martin Goodman Trail offers stunning views of the lake and the city skyline and is accessible by bike or foot. There are also several bike rental options in the area, making it easy to explore the waterfront on two wheels.

Where to Go Next from Harbourfront: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations that are worth visiting, such as:

  • CN Tower: Located about 2.5 km from Harbourfront, the CN Tower is an iconic landmark and offers stunning views of the city.
  • Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: Located about 2 km from Harbourfront, the aquarium is home to over 20,000 aquatic animals.
  • Kensington Market: A bohemian neighborhood located about 5 km from Harbourfront, Kensington Market is known for its vibrant street art, vintage markets, and multicultural food scene.

Conclusion

Harbourfront is a beautiful and vibrant neighborhood that offers something for everyone. From outdoor adventures to world-class museums and galleries, to a diverse food and drink scene, Harbourfront is a great destination for travelers looking for an authentic Canadian experience.

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