Harbourfront Centre TorontoHarbourfront Centre Toronto: parkland, cruises, concerts, and more
From the highway or from the water, the Toronto harbourfront may look like a concrete and glass forest of condominiums. But tucked into this bland, high-density space is a piece of land that has been saved for public enjoyment: an oasis known as Harbourfront Centre. This 10-acre park along the shore of Lake Ontario is just a short walk from Union Station in downtown Toronto. It stretches from the Queen’s Quay Terminal in the east to the Nautical Centre in the west. The area includes several buildings housing art galleries, performance spaces, shops and restaurants. The outdoor space – the main draw – also includes performance areas and green space for relaxing. Attend a Performance When I think of the Toronto Harbourfront, I think of music first. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been swept away by Celtic fiddles, sexy saxophones or Aboriginal drums from its outdoor stages. The price is right (free) and the music is varied and interesting. During the summer, outdoor buskers also perform in the park. There are some indoor concert spaces as well, and some of the concerts are free and some charge a fee. The indoor concerts run year ‘round. Fans of contemporary dance might want to catch a show at the Fleck Dance Theatre (previously called Premiere Dance Theatre) which features hot-ticket troupes from Canada and abroad. In October, there’s a celebrity buzz down by the water with the annual International Festival of Authors, but if you miss that week, watch for other readings throughout the year. Get Physical with Outdoor Activities The pond for paddle boats behind the York Quay Centre turns into an ice skating rink in the winter. Indoor lockers and change rooms are available on-site.
Go Boating at Harbourfront Toronto From the shore you can board boats offering tours of the harbour. Some offer meals as well. For a cheap(er) tour, you can take the ferry over to the Islands and just ride back without getting off. A marina is available. Enjoy Some Art Art lovers can check out Bounty for fine Canadian crafts in the York Quay Centre, or the latest Power Plant exhibit of contemporary art. The Museum of Inuit Art in the Queen’s Quay Terminal is a must for fans of this incredible art from the North. Explore the history and contemporary practice of sculptors, textile-workers and print-makers. The Museum has a shop where they sell work by artists as well. Dine Lakeside EATS is a food court offering fast food at the York Quay Centre facing the pond/ice rink. You’ll find restaurants elsewhere as well: in Queen’s Quay Terminal, at the Pier 4 Storehouse Restaurant, and in the Radisson Admiral Hotel. For a quick bite, look for the hot dog stands and chip trucks scattered around the park. Shop The International Marketplace during the summer features booths selling handcrafted materials from local artisans and imported works from craftspeople from around the world. Queen’s Quay Terminal is basically a big shopping mall inside a converted warehouse. It tends to have more “boutiquey” shops than a regular shopping mall, though. You can buy clothes, jewelry, gifts, art work, tourist souvenirs, etc. Visitor Information To find out what’s on and for a map of Habourfront Centre, see http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com In the Neighbourhood Toronto Islands return from Harbourfront Centre Toronto to Ontario Travel Secrets home page
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