The waterfront area of Canada’s largest city is undergoing a complete makeover. While some things remain the same, like longtime antique markets and a popular amusement park, many others are changing along the Toronto Harbour.
The waterfront area has been adapting to each new need as time goes on. From wetlands, to a dump for the growing population, and then a welcome spot for large container ships to dock. Once home to the world’s largest distillery and heavily used as a rail and ship port for industry. Now, the area is transitioning to a center for waterfront condominiums, theatre, and outdoor recreation.
Many cities all over the world are transforming their waterfronts to increase tourism and improve the quality of life for inhabitants. Since the beginning of the 1970s the harbour area has been adapting from a place to stay away from, to one that draws more and more people to explore, live and recreate.
The transition started with the construction of an amusement and entertainment venue at one end, followed by the completion of the world’s tallest tower near the center harbour area. At the top of the tower a revolving restaurant offers a 360 degree view of the city, while diners sample wine from the world’s highest wine cellar.
Many of the most recent changes pay homage to the city and country’s history and culture. Projects incorporate the latest in environmentally conscious design. Buildings and public spaces are constructed to enhance habitat for human, aquatic and wild life.
The decades-long evolution has been a team effort between the government, residents, architects and urban planners. The resulting spaces are useful as well as exciting. One such space offers people a spot to watch tankers full of sugar docking and offloading at a refinery just across from an urban beach and park, or cruises. This not only allows people to recreate, but to also understand and view the commercial uses on the waterfront.
Watching major sporting events or partaking in sports and fitness is now encouraged in the harbour area. A major league ballpark is located under the shadow of the world’s tallest tower. Several park spaces include a water feature that allows for winter ice skating and summer splashing or wading. Boardwalks that are shaped like waves have been constructed in several locations to allow access to the water, or to sandy or cobblestone beaches.
There is a ferry terminal that takes commuters to and from work and home on the Toronto Islands. Tourists can hop the ferry as well to spend a day biking or walking in the open spaces there. Peddle boats can be rented to play on the water.
Wharfs in Toronto Harbour are referred to as quays. Queen’s Quay is the most central, but each quay offers a different feel and experience. Along the harbour are areas full of shops for antique hunters, or fine arts. Many restaurants and pubs offer opportunities for casual or fine dining. There are hotels and residential condominiums located where warehouses once stood.
Toronto’s waterfront is now an attraction and a gateway to one of Canada’s most cosmopolitan cities. There were always many wonderful neighborhoods and districts to explore throughout the city, and now Toronto Harbour is one that should not be missed.
Enjoy a luxurious vacationing experience on these Toronto boat cruises. Whether you are a tourist or adventure seeker, these fireworks cruises offer you with breathtaking scenery and boundless excitement.