When I was a young tyke, my dad, an inquisitive architect exploring housing options, took me along to look at condos. At the time, we were living in a large Tudor house, but with just him, my mother, and me at home, he was exploring options. One Saturday afternoon, we drove out to the sales office of the expansive (for its time) condo at 33 Harbour Square, which had just been completed and was being marketed. I was impressed by the newness of the building and the lifestyle it offered. Even at a young age, I preferred the idea of something new compared to all the old houses my parents owned.

If you’re seeking lofty ceilings, these buildings may not have them, but they do offer generous floor plans, plenty of windows with amazing views, and several suites with balconies. However, if you’re a pet lover, these buildings are not suitable as pets are not allowed.

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The distinctive twin towers of Harbour Square, along with the Harbour Castle Hotel, have been prominent features of the Toronto skyline and have housed residents since 1975 and 1980. Designed by architects Bregman + Hamann, the towers have aged well over time, maintaining their timeless modernist exteriors. Each suite benefits from floor-to-ceiling windows that span entire walls, complemented by sliding glass doors leading to Juliet balconies, offering stunning views of the water, islands, and the city.

Is it so wrong to love older Toronto condo buildings? Read my blog about it right here.

The first tower, located at 33 Harbour Square, sits diagonally on the site, opposite the hotel which is also positioned diagonally to frame a park and provide access to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, offering rides to the islands several times daily throughout the year. The site is highly distinctive and coveted, situated directly on the waterfront at the foot of Bay Street, ensuring unobstructed views. Living here feels like being on vacation every day of the year. The tower features several large units with unique layouts. At 33 floors, it is an unusual building where corridors are only present on every second floor, and suites often include steps leading up or down, some even with split-level designs providing views of both the lake and the city. This layout not only adds uniqueness but also enhances efficiency by reducing the number of corridors.

The suites at 33 Harbour Square range from approximately 550 to 2,150 square feet, with the larger ones feeling more like homes due to their two-level designs. The tower houses a total of 539 suites, including spacious penthouses. Many residents have recently renovated their units into highly unusual and modern homes. The building benefits from relatively low maintenance fees and efficient management.

Residents enjoy a wealth of amenities such as an indoor pool, two squash courts, a gym, yoga room, library, children’s playroom, and a party room. Additionally, the rooftop terrace adjacent to the pool offers residents a place to relax, barbecue, and enjoy beautiful gardens.

The second tower, at 55/65 Harbour Square and known as Harbourside, closely resembles its sister building at 33 Harbour Square and stands 37 stories tall. Unlike its counterpart, this tower is split into two parts with separate entrances. This design feature allows for end units to run right through the building from one side to the other, offering city and water views. Similar to the suites at 33 Harbour Square, the 602 units in Harbourside start at around 550 square feet and range up to penthouses of approximately 3000 square feet.

Harbourside offers a full range of amenities including a saltwater indoor pool, fitness facilities with squash courts, a lounge, party room, and outdoor terraces. Condo fees are reasonably low compared to similar properties in the area.

Both towers offer an exclusive shuttle bus service (included the amenities covered by condo fees) with routes that traverse the city, providing residents with convenient access from their lakefront homes to the financial core, Yorkville, museums, and other parts of Toronto. Additionally, all units come with parking, and access to the highway network is straightforward, as the Gardiner Expressway connects to other freeways for easy city exits. The Queen’s Quay streetcar stops directly in front of the towers, then continues underground to Union Station, where it connects with the subway line. Alternatively, it’s a short walk to reach the financial core.

The neighbourhood offers a variety of activities, including art, culture, and education at Harbourfront Centre, The Power Plant Gallery, and numerous restaurants along the Lake shore. Just steps away, you can board a ferry to the Toronto Islands for a sublime escape. Additionally, the Toronto Island Airport is easily accessible.

Are you curious about Toronto’s other coveted communities? Read my neighbourhood guide here.