St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands
Where Toronto's history meets the waterfront and island escapes
About St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands
St. Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands is a neighbourhood that spans some of Toronto's most historic and iconic territory. The St. Lawrence neighbourhood, centred on the legendary St. Lawrence Market, is one of the city's oldest districts, with a mix of carefully preserved 19th-century buildings and the pioneering mixed-income development that became a model for urban planning worldwide. The market itself, regularly ranked among the best food markets globally, draws visitors and residents alike for its weekend farmers' market and daily food halls. South of the railway corridor, East Bayfront is the newest chapter: a waterfront district being built on former industrial lands along Queens Quay, with condominium towers, the Sugar Beach urban park, and the Corus Entertainment building anchoring a new stretch of city life. And then there are the Toronto Islands, accessible by ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, offering car-free beaches, picnic grounds, and skyline views that make postcard photographers weep. Together, these three areas form a neighbourhood of extraordinary range, from heritage brick to glass towers to sandy beaches.
Key Highlights
Walkability
95/100 — Among the most walkable areas in the city, especially along the waterfront
Transit
TTC streetcar 509 Harbourfront, streetcar 504 King; Union station (Line 1, Line 2, GO Transit)
Vibe
Historic, waterfront, iconic
What Makes St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands Special
Liveability Scores
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Great Transit
Bike Score
Very Bikeable
Local Favourites in St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands
The best-rated spots right in the neighbourhood, from cosy cafes to beautiful parks.
Parks & Green Spaces
Toronto Island Park Olympic Island
4.7Toronto, ON, Canada
Toronto Island Park - Hanlan's Point
4.6Lakeshore Ave #464, Toronto, ON M5J 2W2, Canada
Centreville Amusement Park
4.49 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3, Canada
Bars & Pubs
Toronto Island Marina
4.540 Avenue of the Island, Toronto, ON M5J 2W2, Canada
The Upper Deck
4.140 Avenue of the Island, Toronto, ON M5J 2W2, Canada
Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Co.
3.6120 Centre Island Dock, Toronto, ON M5J 2E9, Canada
Restaurants
Island Yacht Club Toronto
4.32 Muggs, Toronto Island Park Olympic Island, Toronto, ON M5J 1X9, Canada
Hanlan's Snack Bar
3.6800 Lakeshore Ave, Toronto, ON M5V 1A1, Canada
Bakeries
BeaverTails
3St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands, Toronto, ON M5J 2E9, Canada
Happening in Toronto
Upcoming events, festivals, and community gatherings across the city.
Hamilton at the Princess of Wales Theatre
Princess of Wales Theatre
St. Lawrence Market Saturday Artisan Market
St. Lawrence Market
AGO Exhibit: Canadian Modernism Reimagined
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Toronto Tech Meetup: AI & the Future of Work
MaRS Discovery District
Jazz Nights at The Rex Hotel
The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar
Improv Comedy Night at Second City Toronto
The Second City Toronto
Nearby Neighborhoods
Explore the communities surrounding St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands.
Guides & Articles
Helpful resources for anyone exploring Toronto neighbourhoods.
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