Harbourfront

Is Harbourfront a good place to live?

You would never guess that Toronto's Harbourfront was once a landfill. Today, it's a vibrant residential, cultural, and recreational area that's as popular with tourists as locals.

In recent years, we've seen the addition of bike paths, the expansion of the 509 streetcar, and plenty of new local buildings. Residents also enjoy a selection of beautiful parks, access to the Martin Goodman Trail, and the Toronto Island Ferry (which provides easy access to the Toronto Islands).

Here you'll also find art galleries, festivals, local theatre, eateries, pubs, boating options, and a charming boardwalk. Put simply, there's never a dull moment in Harbourfront—and those who call the area home relish every moment. Here are some of the reasons to love the community.

• Scenic views - Stunning waterfront vistas on full display.

• Incredible location - Easy access to downtown and major highways.

• Exciting amenities - Fantastic places to eat, shop, and socialize.

• Thriving culture - Local art, theatre, and events add a dash of culture.

• Waterfront activities - Enjoy marine experiences like boating and sailing.

Harbourfront has some serious Miami energy. That vibe extends to the incredible buildings. There's no shortage of luxurious condos here (including many for rent), and they combine impressive views and high-end details. 

Many of the area's condo buildings have been built in the last few decades, and a flurry of brand new options have recently been finished. A large number of them have balconies that look out over the water and marinas.  

The Demand

Harbourfront is a favourite among young professionals who work downtown. You'll also find a variety of residents from various walks of life who appreciate the balance this area offers between a relaxed lifestyle and proximity to the city's larger core. That includes some residents who call the area their summer home.

The Opportunity

Purchasing an investment unit in Harbourfront can reap major benefits. There are plenty of Torontonians who want to enjoy the condo living lifestyle in this exciting neighbourhood—and many of them are renters. That isn't likely to change anytime soon.

Interested in buying an investment property in Harbourfront? If you're looking for a place in the area, the first step is getting in touch with a skilled local real estate agent. 

➤ For more information on investment-ready neighbourhoods read: 5 Toronto Neighbourhoods That Are Safe Bets For Investors

Who wouldn't want to live in this community? Everything locals could want or need is right in their backyard. Along Queen's Quay West (the area's main thoroughfare), you'll find a retail shopping district.

Queen's Quay Terminal is a revitalized building that offers a mix of commercial, office, and residential space. It's also home to Urban Fresh Sobeys food hall and a new Farmboy location, two expansive grocery stores offering a wide variety of products.

Where to eat in Harbourfront

• Pie Bar - This is the place to enjoy thin-crust pizzas made with high-quality ingredients on a waterfront patio.

• Joe Bird - Pitch-perfect breakfast staples and fried chicken that will leave you wanting seconds make Joe Bird worth a visit.

• Pearl Habourfront Chinese Cuisine - This is the local go-to for flavourful dim sum and a pot of Chinese tea—which you can enjoy with a view.

• We Brew Cafe - This speciality cafe serves up Italian coffee made with incredible beans, along with salads, sandwiches, and bakery items.

What to do in Harbourfront

There's no shortage of things to do in the Harbourfront area, from enjoying outdoor activities to immersing yourself in arts and culture. Here's just a small sampling of what this central community has to offer.

Harbourfront Centre, which has been in the area for 40 years, is a non-profit that provides programming in the arts, culture, education, and recreation. Visitors enjoy year-round festivals, craft and design displays, visual art, and live performances.

Within the centre, you'll find a variety of places to explore. To name a few, there's the Powerplant Art Gallery (featuring 30 years of contemporary art), the SHOP at Harbourfront Centre (where you can buy pieces made by the centre's artist in residence), and Boxcar Social (for a perfect cup of coffee or a glass of wine).

If you're looking to spend some time on the water, you can rent sail and powerboats at the Harbourfront Centre. There are also courses available for those who could learn (or brush up on) their boating skills first!

Where is Harbourfront?

Harbourfront is a downtown community on the northern shore of Lake Ontario. Its loose boundaries are the Gardiner Expressway (to the north), Spadina Avenue (to the west), and Yonge Street (to the east).

Who Lives Here?

You'll find a mix of residents in Harbourfront, from young professionals to moneyed retirees to boat enthusiasts of all walks of life. Anyone who enjoys a waterfront lifestyle in the heart of the city has the potential to be drawn to the area.

The Transit

Harbourfront is well served by buses and nearby streetcars that connect the area to Union Station. As the Waterfront Transit Network develops, transit options will further expand. Motorists enjoy quick access to the Gardiner Expressway and Lakeshore Boulevard.