Harbourfront Centre

On the shore of Lake Ontario sits Toronto’s hub of art and culture: the Harbourfront Centre. This massive 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.

Visit the Harbourfront Centre’s website

A person skateboards on the colourful pavement in front of the Harbourfront Centre. — 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 regular 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 to buy tickets and find out where the event you want to attend is being held.

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.

See accessibility features

Things to do at Harbourfront Centre

Discover more activities and experiences.

Browse beautiful art

Visit the Centre’s many art galleries, which feature both 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 the Centre’s talented artists-in-residence work on textiles, glass, ceramics, metal/jewellery and design.

Row across the lake

Go paddling on the sparkling waters of Lake Ontario by renting 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

Try 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 or grab a bite at a food truck.

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

Get ideas and inspiration for your next trip.

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The lights inside Harbourfront Centre glow bright at night. — Harbourfront Centre | Destination Toronto

Interesting facts about Harbourfront Centre

Previously, Toronto’s central lakefront was filled with industrial buildings, with no green spaces or recreational facilities. In 1972, the government mandated a revitalization of 40 hectares of waterfront land. Centring culture, education and recreation, 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 with the mission of highlighting Toronto’s artistic and cultural landscape. This year, the Centre celebrates its 50th anniversary. The Centre hosts more than 4,000 events and 17 million visitors annually.

Accessibility Features

Accessible drop-off location

Passenger drop-off is available by an accessible entrance.

Accessible entrances/exits

A sufficiently wide, hard surfaced, unobstructed path, no steps or equipped with ramp connecting to a public entrance or exit and identified by signage. Automatic door openers, adequate manoeuvring room in front of door.

Accessible parking

At least one identified, reserved parking space with a safe, clearly marked accessible route from the designated parking area to an accessible building entrance.

Accessible recreation trails

One or more accessible trails with firm and stable surface. All slopes, ramps, handrails, boardwalks and signage comply with the technical requirements of Ontario's accessibility laws.

Accessible restaurant

Accessible entrance; adequate manoeuvring room; accessible washroom nearby. Tables with removable chairs and adequate knee clearance. Cafeteria/buffet counters reachable for mobility device users.

Accessible seating

Reserved space with a clear view of the event/activity for someone who is seated, good sound quality, and adequate manoeuvring room for a mobility device.

Accessible transportation

Accessible public transportation and/or accessible shuttle buses serve the site.

Accessible washroom

An accessible washroom stall has adequate manoeuvring room for mobility devices. Includes grab bars, transfer space, accessible door latch, sink with knee clearance, and lever handles or automatic sensor faucets.

Easy access electrical outlets

At least one electrical outlet within easy reach has clear floor space in front for charging an electric mobility device.

Elevator access

Elevator access to all public floors with adequate manoeuvring room to enter and exit the elevator.

Service animals welcome

Service animal can be identified by visual indicators (guide dog or other animal wearing a vest/harness); or documentation available from a regulated health professional to confirm the animal is required due to a disability.

Support persons welcome

Support persons are welcome to provide services or assistance with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or access to facilities. Please check with the organization about entry fees, if applicable.

Wheelchair accessible

Unobstructed path through public hallways that are wide enough to allow people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices to move easily through the building.

Last updated: July 9, 2024