24 May The Ultimate Guide to Waterfront Toronto: The Best Areas to Own or Rent a Condo

There’s something different about the Toronto waterfront area. Suburbs like Etobicoke, Mississauga, and Scarborough still feel very “Toronto,” but they all seem to have a little something extra. 

Real estate here ranges from impressive waterfront estates to charming bungalows that are part of the rich history of the city. But it’s the luxury high rise condos that bring the business travelers and the affluent vacationers to the water.

With all the artisan marketplaces, boat tours, waterfront parks, and miles of walking and biking trails, Waterfront Toronto is a vibrant community of art, culture, music, and outdoor recreation. If you’ve been looking for a luxury waterfront property in a modern yet authentic suburb, check out some of the most popular areas for luxury living and profitable real estate investments.

Etobicoke

Etobicoke is one of those areas that always feels like it’s growing but never feels overpopulated. It’s the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, known for its beautiful parks, open green spaces, and miles of hiking trails. Etobicoke is where you live if you want to experience the authentic country club lifestyle. The city is home to some of the area’s best golf courses too. Real estate in Etobicoke is mostly single-family detached homes, but there are also gorgeous condominium communities like Islington Terrace that add an element of luxury and style to the waterfront real estate market. South Etobicoke is close to downtown, making it a popular choice for busy professionals who want to be close to Toronto’s bustling financial district. 

Something to try when you’re in Etobicoke

Eden Trattoria. This impressive Italian restaurant, part of the Toronto waterfront for 20 years, specializes in Italian cuisine that tastes like it came straight out of an Italian kitchen. You can find locals gathered here for cocktails on the patio or families popping in to make their own pizzas. This place is such an essential part of Toronto’s story that you’ll often find players from the Toronto Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, and Raptors enjoying dinner here.

Helpful tip: Etobicoke ranks as one of the hardest words to pronounce in Toronto. People often refer to it as “Etobee-COKE,” but the correct pronunciation is “Eetoe-Bee-Ko.” There, now you sound like a local. 

Mississauga

Mississauga ranks as one of Toronto’s fastest-growing and safest cities. This ever-evolving suburb feels like many different cities all in one. 

The Streetsville area is known for its highly anticipated street festivals each year, and there’s Port Credit, home to stunning high rises like Parkside Village that overlook the Mississauga skyline. 

Each neighborhood within Mississauga has its own style and personality. Meadowvale is a peaceful, natural retreat away from the lights and traffic of the City Centre, and the Erin Mills suburb is a popular option for families that want easy access to local amenities but still appreciate their space. 

Locals describe Mississauga as a diverse and busy hotspot for working professionals, especially those who like to be close to local sporting events, live music performances, and entertainment.

Something to try when you’re in Mississauga

Holy Smokez BBQ. This little hole-in-the-wall restaurant is in an unassuming shopping center. It’s commonly overlooked by tourists, but locals are okay with that. This no-frills southern BBQ joint serves creamy mac and cheese, fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoked meat sandwiches, and all of your favorite comfort foods. They’ve got different daily specials and even offer catering. Mississauga locals love this place. 

Helpful tip: Again, not the easiest city in Toronto to pronounce. It doesn’t necessarily roll off the tongue. The correct way to pronounce it is “Miss-A-Sawg-A.” 

Scarborough

Scarborough is a multicultural melting pot. It is home to people from different countries, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Its surprisingly affordable real estate, easy access to public transit, and gorgeous natural landmarks like the Scarborough bluffs make it an excellent option for those starting a new life in Toronto. 

Scarborough is colorful and charming but sometimes feels like the “forgotten middle child” of Toronto’s neighborhoods. The community within Scarborough is tight-knit and takes care of one another. The countless options for outdoor recreation make it a peaceful getaway from the busier Toronto cities. 

The real estate in Scarborough is as diverse as the people who live here, ranging from multi-million dollar homes near Unionville High School to ranch-style homes that have been part of Scarborough’s story since the ’60s. You can also find luxury condos in Tidel-built communities like Mondeo Springs and Markham Place II. 

Something to try when you’re in Scarborough

Bluffer’s Park Restaurant. This restaurant redefines waterfront dining. They pride themselves on buying only locally sourced ingredients and offer a breathtaking dining venue in the middle of Bluffers Park Marina. They’ve got an impressive brunch menu and wine list too. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water create a peaceful, ambient place to enjoy cocktails at sunset, a business lunch, or a family dinner on the water. 

Helpful tip: Transit in Toronto costs around $3 per trip. Taking Uber or other rideshare services for a standard trip ranges from $10-$20 depending on distance and whether you share the ride.

Midtown

Midtown may not be near the waterfront, but it’s still an excellent location for both professionals and families. With easy access to Downtown Toronto, it has its fair share of public parks and playgrounds, public and private schools, local shops, tennis clubs, and countless entertainment amenities to keep locals busy all year long. 

Midtown is eclectic and artsy, and its location is convenient for students who attend the University of Toronto. On any given day, you can attend wine tastings, take a yoga or art class, bike down the Moore Park Ravine, enjoy drinks with friends in the Village of Yorkville Park, or take a tour of Casa Lama, Canada’s majestic castle and one of Toronto’s most famous landmarks. 

Each neighborhood within Midtown has its own personality. You can find luxury high rises like the Republic in the Yonge and Eglinton area, gorgeous million-dollar estates in Rosedale, and historic homes in Davisville Village. 

Something to try when you’re in Midtown

Joso’s. The first thing you’ll notice about Joso’s is the way the greenery creeps up the entire outside walls, combining nature with classic Toronto architecture. Inside, small tables are placed close together under simple string lights, and well-dressed waiters help you navigate the expansive menu. Locals love the impressively plated fish dishes and the bowls of pasta that seem to go on forever. For a romantic date night, locals love Joso’s.

Helpful tip: Shopping is top-notch in Midtown. You could spend the whole day browsing shops and still not see all of the charming sidewalk boutiques and high-end shopping venues in Midtown. If you’re looking for something larger, try the Toronto Eaton Centre. If you want something a little more unique, try either the Lawrence or Kensington Markets.  

Things To Do on the Waterfront

People living in Toronto’s Waterfront District enjoy events and activities all year long designed to bring the community together. During the warmer months, locals stroll the boardwalk, picnic on Toronto Island, or schedule boat tours for a fun day out on the water. 

Here are just a few things you can do on or near Lake Ontario:

• The Martin Goodman trail, 22 km of scenic paths along the waterfront, is a popular place for walkers and bikers who want to stay active and enjoy the breathtaking views of the water. 
• The Harbourfront Centre has been a Toronto landmark for more than 30 years. Locals and tourists gather here to celebrate not only Canadian culture but also the melting pot of cultures that make Toronto the diverse place it is today. It is a non-profit cultural organization that offers innovative programming for all ages in art, music, culture, education, and recreation. You can watch an educational lecture, take an art class, sign up for coffee or wine tasting, or browse the immersive visual art exhibit. 
• The Rogers Centre is home to the Toronto Blue Jays and is the go-to spot for sports enthusiasts in Toronto. With over 53,000 seats, it is also one of the best places in Canada to see your favorite musicians put on a concert.
• High Park is Toronto’s biggest public park and provides acres of hiking trails, natural vegetation, outdoor recreational opportunities, a dog park, a zoo, and a gorgeous lakefront that’s perfect for picnics. Public transit runs right into High Park from most of Toronto’s neighboring cities, making it easy to get here, spend the day, and get back home without dealing with rush hour traffic. The free mini-zoo features a handful of exotic animals. There are also sports courts and fields throughout the park, as well as an outdoor swimming pool open in the summer and a skating rink in the winter. High Park is also home to The Jamie Bell Adventure Park, one of Ontario’s largest outdoor playgrounds. 
• The Budweiser Stage is a popular venue for A-list concerts and events. This modern amphitheatre is located right on the water and close to local restaurants and bars, making it easy to grab dinner and drinks before a show. The top names in country, rock, pop, and alternative almost always stop at Budweiser Stage during their time in Toronto.

Waterfront Toronto in Ten Years

Investing in Toronto is an investment in the future. Since the 1950s, Toronto has dramatically evolved in every way: physically, politically, economically, socially, and culturally. What was once an industrial hub is now a multicultural hotspot, the financial capital of the country, and a home to over 230 unique neighborhoods that all have something for everyone. The Waterfront District is no different. This affluent area continues to see upgrades and improvements that draw families, students, professionals, and retirees to the water. 

While nothing is set in stone, some things you can expect to see change within Toronto and the Waterfront District include:

• Improved transit. While Toronto’s public transit system currently consists of a subway system, streetcar lines, and bus routes across the city, more options will make it easier for people to get to and from Downtown, Yonge, and the Waterfront. 
• The PATH system. This underground system of pedestrian tunnels and elevated walkways make it safer and easier for Toronto residents to get across some of the city’s busiest streets. Planners are considering future PATH development and linking construction to the basement levels of key new buildings.

Owning Property in the Waterfront District

Toronto’s Waterfront District is a vibrant, eclectic, and growing part of the city. Investors purchase property in luxury towers on the waterfront to expand their investment portfolio and have a place to call home when they’re passing through Toronto. Condo owners who don’t use their condos as their primary residence choose experienced property management companies to take care of their properties when they aren’t around.

Del Condominium Rentals is a full-service property management company in Toronto, specializing in high rise condos on the waterfront. Their in-house legal team and extensive network of professional contractors make them the leader in Toronto property management. 

Owners can reap the benefits of owning property in one of Toronto’s most affluent suburbs without worrying about taking care of the day-to-day responsibilities that come with it. 

If you are interested in working with Del Condominium Rentals, please call us today at 647-952-3644 or email us at sales@delrentals.com

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