Early in the 19th Century, between Yonge and Bathurst Streets just south from Front Street, the Harbourfront neighbourhood was developed from the local landfill. For the following 150 years, it was a commercial port with cranes, freight yards, railroad tracks, warehouses, and factories, as well as the huge Queens Quay Terminal. Due to the port activities, this lake shore stretch of real estate was separated from the city but all that changed in 1972 with the emergence of the Harbourfront Corporation.
The most dramatic change came to the Queens Quay Terminal building itself. It was completely renovated from the largest North American warehouse into a conglomeration of offices, restaurants, chic boutiques and shops, and elite condominiums combined under one roof.
Today, waterfront neighbourhood real estate includes the renowned Roger's Centre (formerly the Skydome), Air Canada Centre, the CN Tower, and the Harbour Antique Market. Toronto’s “playground by the lake” is now a wonderful mix of art galleries, theatres, Queens Quay West specialty shopping, and a large array of cultural and recreational activities including Ontario Place. In fact, the Harbourfront Centre alone hosts close to 4000 yearly events from jazz festivals to sailing lessons. The Canadian National Exhibition (known also as the CNE or "The Ex") also marks the end of summer each year at Exhibition Place. Then too, tourists and local residents can take a quick ferry ride to the beautiful Toronto Islands to Centreville Amusement Park, or take a leisurely walk to visit the St. Lawrence Market.
A great resource for all things "Toronto Waterfront" is the Business Improvement Association, known as The Toronto Waterfront BIA which is located right in the heart of the Waterfront.
The largest concentration of condo buildings in Toronto is located in the Waterfront area with almost all having been built since 1980. However, the construction continues. With the Queen’s Quay streetcar connecting Harbourfront with Union Station, GO transit, and the subway, and making stops at most condo buildings, and with Gardiner and Lake Shore Blvd. giving quick access in and out of Toronto, the condo lifestyle is very popular in this magnificent city.
Listed below you will find more detailed information about the individual Condo & Loft buildings along the Toronto Waterfront, including the wide variety of amenities offered:
For more Condo & Loft Information
For more Listings in the Toronto Waterfront Area
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