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Harbourfront CentrevsFort York National Historic Site
Both Harbourfront Centre and Fort York National Historic Site are rated very highly by travel writers. On balance, Harbourfront Centre ranks slightly better than Fort York National Historic Site. Harbourfront Centre comes in at 83 with approval from 6 publications like Lonely Planet, Frommer's and Concierge.
Harbourfront Centre
Fodor's
Concierge
Frommer's
Time Out
Michelin Guide
Travel + Leisure
Lonely Planet Travel + Leisure
235 Queens Quay West, at Lower Simcoe St., Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8, Canada
From $0/night
Fodor's "Stretching from just west of York Street to Spadina Avenue, this culture-and-recreation center is a match for San Francisco's Pier 39 and Baltimore's Inner Harbor." Full review
Concierge "Once the site of railroad yards, docks, and warehouses, this waterfront area was reclaimed by the government in the '70s and turned into the Harbourfront Centre."
Frommer's "This cultural center encompasses a 38-hectare (94-acre) strip of waterfront land, once-abandoned warehouses, charming piers, and an old smokestack." Full review
Time Out "An annual event from January through May, New World Stage hosts a choice selection of theatre and dance companies from around the world." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"A focal point of the city's cultural life, especially in summer, Harbourfront is also the scene of year-round recreational, educational and commercial activities." Full review
i
Ice-skating is a popular winter pastime.
Travel + Leisure "Harbourfront Centre is a 10-acre site located along the city's stunning lakeshore that serves as the scene for many contemporary arts, community and cultural events"
Toronto City Guide
August 5, 2021
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"The 4-hectare not-for-profit Harbourfront Centre exists to educate and entertain Toronto's diverse community." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The non-profit Harbourfront Centre puts on all sorts of public cultural events throughout the year, from international writing festivals to contemporary art exhibitions."
20 Best Things to Do in Toronto, According to Local Experts
November 2, 2023
Fort York National Historic Site Fodor's Frommer's Time Out Michelin Guide Time Out Travel + Leisure Frommer's Travel + Leisure
100 Garrison Rd., At Bathurst St., Toronto, Ontario M5V 3K9, Canada
From $0/night
Fodor's "The most historic site in Toronto is a must for anyone interested in the city's origins." Full review
Frommer's "For those interested in history -- especially military history -- this is a treat." Full review
Time Out "The museum offers guided tours and historical re-enactments, and performances of period music and dance." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"Fort York was the primary guardian of Toronto's harbour." Full review
i
Events on Canada Day plus Simcoe Day (Aug 1) represent special opportunities for kids.
Time Out "A chic and award-winning new Visitor Centre and exhibition space, tucked away under an expressway, gives street cred to this venerable historic site." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Fort York National Historic Site is 43 acres of history...visitors can explore the grounds year-round to experience guided tours, exhibitions, and seasonal demonstrations"
Toronto City Guide
August 5, 2021
Frommer's "Fort York was used by the military until 1880 and was pressed back into service during both world wars.You can tour the soldiers’ and officers’ quarters; clamber over the ramparts" Full review
Travel + Leisure "Now preserved as a national historic site, it’s a great place to visit to get an idea of how the relations between Canada and the United States once were and the evolution of that relationship."
20 Best Things to Do in Toronto, According to Local Experts
November 2, 2023
