Toronto’s Harbourfront Neighborhood: Live It Local In Tourist Central
There are tourists and then there are travelers. A tourist will follow guidebooks, hotel brochures, and popular online travel sites. The traveler tends to avoid these recommendations. Instead she would rather seek out what locals do and discover where the city’s pulse truly lies. Therefore, a traveler visiting Toronto during the summer may choose to not venture to the Harbourfront Neighborhood for the simple reason that it truly is the city’s prime tourist destination. This would be a mistake because amidst all the tours and distractions are wonderful experiences that capture the essence of Toronto, experiences that keep its residents mesmerized by the city.
Torontonians are fairly active people and they love sports. The city is littered with gyms, it contains several North American sports franchises, its citizens have been trying desperately to get an NFL team, and even the Ultimate Fighting Championship has targeted Toronto as a critical market for its global expansion. Gosh, even the people look pretty fit. The Harbourfront reflects this aspect of the city’s DNA. It has a boardwalk that rivals that of Miami’s South Beach. Trees pepper the miles of pedestrian trails, complimented by quaint marinas and spacious patios. The view onto Lake Ontario is equally soothing. It truly is a visual gem that sparkles that much brighter when freed from the clutter of the crowds. If you make your way to this area in the morning you will find local joggers and cyclists. To them, this lovely neighborhood is their morning getaway. You will also find the more daring fitness fanatics that start their day with a paddle around the harbor. If you’re up for it you can easily join them, the Toronto Canoe & Kayak Center welcomes members and non-members alike.
As much as Toronto has a healthy side, it equally revels in the more indulgent side of life. Again, the Harbourfront delivers for its citizens. During each summer the Harbourfront Centre hosts World Routes, a celebration of global cultures brought to life through their food, art, music, and creativity. Torontonians from all corners of the city make their way here to savor the cuisine and take in the entertainment. The World Café is a favorite. Think Disney’s Epcot Center meets a NYC street Fair. Yup, true international flavor served up with a good dose of authenticity and honest prices. I absolutely love it. A word of advice, avoid the weekends since it gets a bit crazed with waves of families and attention-grabbing roller-bladers. An exception to this warning can be taken on select weekend nights. As part of the World Routes festival is a constant stream of late-night concerts and performances. Most of the annoying body traffic will have ceased allowing you to really take in the entertainment. Granted, a popular performer, which is common during the regular Canada Day and Beats, Breaks, and Culture weekends, will draw a notable local crowd. Nonetheless, the experience is awesome. Why? The outdoor stage coupled with the lake breeze and flickering lights from houses on Center Island make the moment so sensory and emotionally riveting.
Fortunately, the evening doesn’t have to stop after the stage lights are turned off. One of Toronto’s legendary nightclubs is just down the road – The Guvernment. Most of the world’s top DJs have performed at this established dance Mecca so it continues to draw the city’s “scenesters”. More eye-candy for either sex will be hard to find anyplace else. Therefore, you may be in for a long night. So a bit of fuel is likely in order. Harbourfront easily delivers. Right across the street from the Harbourfront Centre is Habeebe’s Shawarma, arguably one of the tastiest late-night Mediterranean places in the city. A great way to enjoy his tasty dishes is to sit on the waterfront benches. They are only a few minutes away and are on the way to the club. Once at the Guvernment you will have a plethora of vibes to choose from. The place has multiple rooms, each with different artists playing different music styles. There is even a rooftop patio that would be the envy of New York City hotel bars.
In addition to late-night excess, Torontonians also enjoy daytime pampering. Harbourfront ensures that this desire is thoroughly met. The traditional solution is a stroll through Center Island, a beautiful land strip just off the mainland. Massive ferries chug back and forth several times per hour. However, there are other more local daytime retreats: beautifully designed lakeside man-made beaches. Design and renovation are defining attributes of this ever-growing city. Once again, Harbourfront is a key contributor to this dynamic. Previously unattended docklands are being transformed into Chicago-style pedestrian oases. A personal favorite is Sugar Beach. Built right beside the old RedPath Sugar factory, it has a stunning view onto the water and the sandy surface is spotted with cottage-inspired wooden lawn chairs and sun umbrellas. You may find yourself drawn in for the entire day.
Harbourfront truly is a micro-representation of the energy, diversity, and cultural richness of Toronto. However, it is important to see beyond all the tourist trappings to walk among the locals. Only then the magic of Toronto becomes apparent. Only then do you start to feel the love that the citizens have for this great city. Only then can you experience a true travelers delight.
