Toronto Neighbourhoods
Discover some of the many unique neighbourhoods Toronto has to offer. From the history to shopping, schools and recreation – see why so many call these areas home.
Select Toronto Neighbourhood:
Harbourfront (Downtown)
History
Harbourfront Real Estate
Toronto’s Harbourfront district was created from landfill in the early 1800’s. It quickly developed into a tangled web of industry that included shipping facilities, warehouses, railway tracks, grain silos, and factories, all dotting the shoreline. Unfortunately, these physical barriers cut Harbourfront off from the rest of Toronto.
It wasn’t until 1972, with the creation of the federally sponsored Harbourfront Corporation, that Toronto citizens began to reclaim their waterfront. Harbourfront has been undergoing a renaissance ever since. A shining example of Harbourfront’s transformation is the Queens Quay Terminal. This building was one of the largest warehouses in North America when it opened in 1927. The Terminal was re-modeled in 1980, and today includes a successful mix of high end residential, commercial, and retail space all under one roof.
Overview
Harbourfront Homes
Harbourfront also serves as Toronto’s playground by the lake. It is enjoyed by all Toronto residents, as well as being a popular destination point for tourists.
Shopping
Harbourfront’s main shopping district is located along Queens Quay West. The shopping here is mixed, being geared towards both the local residents and tourists. Queens Quay West is anchored by the Queens Quay Terminal, located at the foot of York Street. The terminal is open seven days a week, and features two floors of shops, galleries, and restaurants. The Harbourfront is conveniently located within walking distance of the St. Lawrence Market, Toronto’s oldest and largest food market. The St. Lawrence Market offers a cornucopia of culinary delights, including farm fresh eggs, exotic herbs, organic chicken, and an assortment of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, deli meats, and seafood. A recent addition to Toronto’s Harbourfront is the giant Loblaws food and retail centre located on Queens Quay at the foot of Jarvis Street. In addition to groceries and a pharmacy this three storey complex features a variety of retailers, a popular restaurant, and a community meeting place were workshops, cooking classes and public meetings are held.
Recreation
Harbourfront has more recreational opportunities than any other Toronto neighbourhood. The Air Canada Centre, Skydome, C.N. Tower, and the Harbourfront Antique Market are all located within this neighbourhood. The Canadian National Exhibition, the Marine Museum, and Old Fort York are all just minutes from Harbourfront, while the Toronto Islands are ten minutes away by ferry boat. The social, cultural, and recreational hub of the neighbourhood is the Harbourfront Centre, located at the York Quay at 235 Queens Quay West. This popular lakeside venue hosts close to 4,000 events per year, ranging from craft workshops and sailing lessons to jazz festivals and food fairs.
Schools
Please note that the schools listed below have very definite enrollment boundaries.
The Waterfront School Jr. & Sr., 635 Queens Quay West, (416) 393-0684
(Public School)
Jarvis Collegiate Institute, 495 Jarvis St., (416) 393-0140
(Public High School)
Central Technical School, 725 Bathurst St., (416) 393-0060
(Public High School)
Legend:
(P) Public School
(PH) Public High School
(CA) Catholic School
(PR) Private School
(PC) Private Catholic School
(PJ) Private Jewish School
(C) College
(U) University
Source: David Dunkleman, TorontoNeighbourhoodGuide.com