High-priced condos dot the waterfront, where highlights include specialty shops at Queen's Quay Terminal, art, theatre and cultural facilities at Harbourfront Centre and a terrific lakeside walking trail. Cruises of the harbour and ferry services run from here.

A massive redevelopment of the city's 46-kilometre waterfront is underway in the city, and the results are sure to be stunning. Toronto's waterfront is already quite spectacular, with galleries, walking trails and art, film and theatre complexes. An extensive plan to re-green this are will ensure that Toronto's waterfront is utilized to its full potential by residents and visitors alike.

But that's the brochureware version. The reality is a bit different.