Exploring the New Toronto Harbour
- By Adrianna Noton
- Published 10/12/2011
- Travel
- Unrated
Toronto is Canada's largest city and is located along the major waterway of Lake Ontario. The Toronto Harbour was not always the most attractive spot, but over the last few decades it has been getting a makeover.
The area began as marsh and wetlands, then as a place where city residents dumped their trash. Later the area was made hospitable for large container ships as it evolved into a heavily used industrial port for ship and rail transport. Now much of the rail and ship yards, parking lots, and storage warehouses have been replaced with residences and places for recreation and entertainment.
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.
Designs and resulting projects preserve the city's history and culture while incorporating green building concepts. The quality of not only human life, but that of aquatic and animal species is also taken into consideration when building structures and open spaces.
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.
Getting out to play or watch sports is easy too. Boardwalks shaped like waves have been incorporated along the water to provide easier access to the water and trails. Several parks offer ice rinks in winter and wading areas in summer. Walk along the water, eat dinner and attend a major league baseball game all in one evening at the harbour.
To get out on the water, ferry boats take tourists and residents from the harbour to the Toronto Islands. There is also a small commuter airport on the island, and more park spaces to explore by rented bike or peddle boat. Many people also live there, commuting daily to jobs downtown.
Queen's Quay is an area often mentioned and is the central-most spot along the waterfront. There are several named quays, or wharfs, that each offer something unique in the way of shopping, dining or recreation. Where there were ugly parking lots, and industrial storage areas, there are now condominiums, hotels and restaurants. There are shops filled with antiques as well as fine art, and some longtime places that still cater to the fisherman and boaters.
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.
The area began as marsh and wetlands, then as a place where city residents dumped their trash. Later the area was made hospitable for large container ships as it evolved into a heavily used industrial port for ship and rail transport. Now much of the rail and ship yards, parking lots, and storage warehouses have been replaced with residences and places for recreation and entertainment.
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.
Designs and resulting projects preserve the city's history and culture while incorporating green building concepts. The quality of not only human life, but that of aquatic and animal species is also taken into consideration when building structures and open spaces.
The decades-long evolution has been a team effort between the
Getting out to play or watch sports is easy too. Boardwalks shaped like waves have been incorporated along the water to provide easier access to the water and trails. Several parks offer ice rinks in winter and wading areas in summer. Walk along the water, eat dinner and attend a major league baseball game all in one evening at the harbour.
To get out on the water, ferry boats take tourists and residents from the harbour to the Toronto Islands. There is also a small commuter airport on the island, and more park spaces to explore by rented bike or peddle boat. Many people also live there, commuting daily to jobs downtown.
Queen's Quay is an area often mentioned and is the central-most spot along the waterfront. There are several named quays, or wharfs, that each offer something unique in the way of shopping, dining or recreation. Where there were ugly parking lots, and industrial storage areas, there are now condominiums, hotels and restaurants. There are shops filled with antiques as well as fine art, and some longtime places that still cater to the fisherman and boaters.
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.
Adrianna Noton
Enjoy a luxurious vacationing experience on these boat cruises. Whether you are a tourist or adventure seeker, these Toronto fireworks cruises offer you with breathtaking scenery and boundless excitement.
View all articles by Adrianna Noton