Covid has been a very trying time for many of us. With shutdown and stay at home orders in effect, the only way to feel good is by exercising and getting vitamin D from the sun. There are many places along Toronto’s harbourfront that would make for a perfect hike. Many of the places are located along Queen’s Quay West, downtown Toronto. Here are my top places to hike and explore along Toronto’s harbourfront.
SHERBOURNE COMMONS PARK-61 DOCKSIDE DR, TORONTO, ON M5A 1B6
Located south of Queen’s Quay East between Lower Sherbourne and Bonnycastles Streets lies Sherbourne Commons Park. Parking is plentiful in front of the park. There is parking in front of George Brown College as well, next to Sherbourne Commons Park.
Head south toward the waterfront until you arrive to this walkway as shown in the picture below. There is plenty of park benches and chairs to sit and take in the waterfront views. This pathway will lead you to Toronto’s Harbourfront Sugar Beach. All great places for instagramming and taking in the calming views.
There is a Loblaws open across the street from Sugar Beach. They have a Starbucks in there and washrooms facilities open on the second floor.
HARBOUR SQUARE PARK-25 QUEENS QUAY WEST, TORONTO, ON, M5J 2G4
Major intersections is Bay Street and Queen’s Quay W. There is a map of Toronto waterfront (page 10/15) located by the intersection. Take a picture for reference and easy of mind. Head south, pass Jack Layton Terminal, and keep to the right. Walk towards the waterfront and unto the wooden deck. There is an abundance of seats and benches along the broad walk, to sit and enjoy the sunset. This park is nestled between and behind The Westin Harbour Castle buildings and other buildings, providing good cover from the winds.
POWERPLANT GALLERY-211-225 QUEEN’S QUAY W, TORONTO, ON M5J 2G8
Heading west toward 211 Queen’s Quay West condo building, lies is a pathway that leads to the waterfront. This open area is interconnected with Ontario Square. Ontario Square is made of a 10 acre park consisting of PowerPlant Gallery (Contemporary Art Gallery, Nautical Centre, and Harbourfront Stage) Once there, this pathways turns into a brick covered walkway. To the left, there are bars and outdoor patios to stop and eat. There you will enjoy people walking and talking. Moreover, you get to take in the magnificent views of ships docked by Toronto’s Habourfront. To the right, the brick pathways leads you to Harbourfront Stage. There is an abundance of places to sit and enjoy the serenity.
NAUTICAL CENTRE-275 QUEEN’S QUAY W, TORONTO, ON M5V 1A2
Further along Ontario Square is the Nautical Centre. Here you can rent sailboats and powerboats. Click for further information. Beside the Nautical Centre, moving a little further to the west, and to the left, you have a sandy beach, with umbrellas and chairs. This is south of the Toronto Fire and Marine Station. Here you have the view of the waterfront , with the backdrop of the CN TOWER and ROGERS CENTRE. A beautiful place to watch the sunset and to experience the Toronto harbour. See picture below.
Parking can be found directly across from the Nautical Centre.
TORONTO MUSIC GARDEN -479 QUEENS QUAY W, TORONTO, ON, M5V 3M8
Head back towards Queens Quay W, turn left and follow the until you arrive at the Spadina WaveDeck. Stop and look around and you will notice a little further away from the Spadina WaveDeck, that there is a pathway to your left. There is a map of the waterfront (take a picture if you have not done so). Follow the pathway that leads to the lake (turn right) which will lead you to the Toronto Music Garden. Toronto Music Garden can also be accessed off of Queen’s Quay W.
Toronto Music Garden is a beautifully, curated park consisting of flowers and architectural design surrounded by trees and Toronto’s waterfront. There is seating along the waterfront trail and seating in the garden. Sit and relax, read a book or just listen to birds flying by you. Just a great place to enjoy.
CORONATION PARK-711 LAKE SHORE BLVD W, TORONTO, ON M5V 3T7
Coronation Park is a beautiful park nestled between the Toronto’s waterfront and south of LakeShore Boulevard. In 1937, trees planted in Coronation Park served as a living war memorable to commemorate the sacrifice and service of Canada’s military. There is ample seating in the park and there is washroom facilities open during covid shutdowns. Coronation Park is located near the Canadian National Exhibition and beside the HMCS York Naval Station.
TRILLIUM PARK-955 LAKE SHORE BLVD W, TORONTO, ON M6K 3B9
This is probably one of my best parks to visit and enjoy. They have bike and walking trails throughout the park and magnificent breathtaking views of the Toronto Skyline. Get out your camera and instagram. Just a reminder to wear addition layering because you are near the water.
Parking can be found at Ontario Place.
From Sherbourne Commons Park to Trillium Park is roughly about 4.6 kilometers one way. This is a great way to enjoy the day hiking and exploring.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT. WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.