Harbourfront Centre
On the shore of Lake Ontario sits Toronto’s hub of art and culture: the Harbourfront Centre. This facility is open year-round with programming, shops, restaurants, exhibits and communal spaces.
Harbourfront Centre is a wonderful place to spend the day surrounded by vibrant artistic talent. Stroll along downtown Toronto’s waterfront or leisurely peruse the shops and restaurants. This ten-hectare site hosts a combination of indoor and outdoor events in its many venues, focusing on promoting contemporary Canadian visual arts, crafts, literature, music, dance and theatre.
Harbourfront Centre | Destination Toronto
How to get to Harbourfront Centre
Location: 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
By car: Underground parking is available on-site or above-ground one block west at Rees Street and Queens Quay West.
By transit: GO Transit and the TTC provide transit service to Union Station in downtown Toronto. From Union Station, the Harbourfront Centre is a 15-minute walk south down York Street.
Know before you go
The Harbourfront Centre in Toronto hosts festivals and events in multiple venues across the Centre grounds. Check the event calendar for more info and tickets.
Due to the Centre’s location by Lake Ontario, the temperature can be cold, especially in the winter. Remember to wear extra layers or bring a jacket.
Things to do at Harbourfront Centre
Discover more activities and experiences.
Browse beautiful art
Visit the Centre’s art galleries, which feature permanent and temporary exhibits. Experience contemporary art at The Power Plant and attend one of their workshops or events.
Watch art come to life
Explore the Craft & Design Studio, an open-concept creative space where talented artists-in-residence work on textiles, glass, ceramics, metal/jewellery and design.
Row across the lake
Rent kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards from the Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre. Tours and lessons are available.
Visit an enchanting music garden
Stroll through the Toronto Music Garden, where music and landscape combine into a beautiful garden bursting with colourful flowers. Free concerts are held from June to September.
Treat your taste buds
Enjoy craft brews and comfort food at the Amsterdam BrewHouse or coffee and cocktails at Boxcar Social. Sample cuisines from around the world at Food Labs.
Shop local products
From mid-May to late September, find handcrafted items from local vendors and a diverse array of international goods at the bustling Lakeview Market, located at the heart of the Centre.
Articles and itineraries
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Interesting facts about Harbourfront Centre
In 1972, the Ontario government mandated a revitalization of 40 hectares of waterfront land. The Harbourfront Corporation was formed to rejuvenate Toronto’s waterfront scene and attract local and global visitors.
Harbourfront Centre officially opened in 1974 and became a non-profit in 1991 to highlight Toronto’s artistic and cultural landscape. The Centre hosts more than 4,000 events and 17 million visitors annually.
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Last updated: July 23, 2025