Whether you’re searching for outdoor activities, food, or a festival, you don’t need to look any further.
It’s always a good time to visit Toronto’s Waterfront neighbourhood. The 5-km stretch along Lake Ontario from Cherry Street in the east to Bathurst Street in the west in particular packs a big punch and is a bustling, year-round destination.
Here are some of my top picks for visiting this part of Toronto’s Waterfront, season by season.
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Summer
Things to do
Outside of exploring on foot, there is no better way to experience the waterfront and skyline than by boat.
Catch one of the many harbour cruises offered, including day and sunset cruises on sailboats, powerboats, tall ships, and even pirate ships that your little ones will appreciate.
Rent canoes and kayaks, and catch a ferry over to the Toronto Islands where you can do additional things on the water, like stand-up paddleboarding.
If you want to make water adventures a regular part of your summer activities, then the world’s first boat-sharing app and smart fleet, Skipperi, offers unlimited boating for a monthly subscription fee.
With direct access to Lake Ontario at our doorstep, hitting up one of Toronto’s beaches is a must in the summertime—whether from the mainland or the Toronto Islands.
Many have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag designation, including Cherry Beach, Centre Island Beach, Hanlan’s Point Beach, Gibraltar Point Beach, and Ward’s Island Beach.
Toronto’s urban beaches, HTO Beach and Sugar Beach—known for their bright yellow and pink umbrellas—are the perfect place to hang outdoors and catch some sun.
Events & festivals
Toronto’s Waterfront is especially abuzz during the summer months. You could easily fill your weekends with all the programming at the main hub of attraction, Harbourfront Centre, which hosts more than 4,000 events a year, including theatre, dance, music, film, and visual arts.
If you like free activities and fancy a free summer concert, check out the Summer Music in the Garden series at the Toronto Music Garden (June to September).
In September, bid farewell to summer with the Toronto Waterfront Festival, an annual summer event at Sugar Beach featuring on-land and on-water entertainment including live music, food, kids activities, nautical programs, and more. There’s even a Canine Watersports Competition, so bring your furry friends!
Where to eat and drink
If gastronomy is your main priority, you can dive into Toronto’s diverse culinary scene at one of the many bars, cafés and patios along the waterfront, like newly opened Simona, IRENE, Boxcar Social Harbourfront, The Slip, Pie Bar, Joe Bird, Goodman Pub, or Amsterdam Brewhouse.
Fall
Things to do
Fall is one of my favourite times of year to visit the Toronto Islands. It’s one of the best locations in Toronto to witness the Fall colours in Toronto.
Immerse yourself in nature, go on a bike ride, or check out one of the many dining options on the islands—there’s no shortage of things to keep you busy at the Toronto Islands. Ferries operate daily between the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, and Ward’s Island, or opt for a water taxi instead.
Events & festivals
Catch an opening game for the Raptors or the Maple Leafs at the Scotiabank Arena or a playoff game for the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. These major sports arenas are just steps away from the Waterfront, so you’ll want to note where you can dine, drink, and stay close by.
For art lovers, Nuit Blanche is an all-night celebration of contemporary art, happening annually in Toronto since 2006 in collaboration with local and international arts communities. Several installations are on display along the waterfront.
Where to eat and drink
If you’re visiting from out of town, extend your stay overnight at The Westin Harbour Castle or the Radisson Blu, which offers luxurious accommodation and some of the best views of the skyline and Lake Ontario.
Inside the Westin Harbour Castle is MICHELIN-starred restaurant Don Alfonso 1890, and within a stone’s throw is one of my favourite places to get sushi in Toronto, Miku.
Winter
Things to do
No need to hibernate when winter rolls around. There are loads of attractions at the Waterfront that will make the colder months enjoyable.
Start the day by fueling up with a Honey Cardamom Latte or the Lazy B Latte from Lazy Barista, a café that opened in the Waterfront Innovation Centre building. Then lace up your ice skates and head over to Sherbourne Common.
Its 920 square metre skating rink (which doubles as a splash pad in the summer) features views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline, and you can skate for free from the end of November to mid-March.
Events & festivals
Sugar Shack TO is an annual festival at Toronto’s Waterfront dedicated to all things maple. Sample freshly made taffy and maple-infused comfort food, take home a bottle of artisanal maple syrup, and more.
Where to eat and drink
Warm up with a piping hot bowl of egg drop soup and some of the best dim sum in Toronto at Pearl Harbourfront, which offers incredible views of Lake Ontario.
Spring
Things to do
Take a stroll along the Harbourfront, stopping for a break at sites like Sugar Beach, HTO Park, Love Park, and Harbour Square.
Events and festivals
Spring is a great time to enjoy the city's arts and culture. The Powerplant Contemporary Art Gallery has several free Spring exhibitions. Each May, Doors Open offers exclusive access and a behind-the-scenes look at hundreds of sites normally closed or hidden from the public.
Where to eat and drink
To fuel up, head to chic Café Le Neuf. The space is inviting, and you can get various drinks and satisfying pastries, like Pistachio Croissants and Chocolate Kouign Amanns.
Bubble tea lovers will be happy to know that Gong Cha has a waterfront location. For those craving a warming meal, Momo Loco serves an array of steamed and stir-fried momos, rice and noodle bowls, and other Indo-Chinese dishes.
