15 Wonderful Waterfront Wateringholes

For those that enjoy the Toronto waterfront, and surrounding areas. You may be surprised that there are many places to stop to get a beverage or a bite to eat. 15 Wonderful Waterfront Wateringholes. These range from the thirsty cyclists clad in the traditional riding attire (Spandex friendly) to the more sophisticated amongst us, at least when we are off of our bicycle.

We looked at some personal haunts, and soon to be hangouts from Port Credit in the west to “The Beach” in the east. Comprised, this is the “Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.” This more extensive trail is broken down into smaller portions, the bulk of which is the Martin Goodman Trail. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/ontario/martin-goodman-trail

Got on your Bikes and ride

 This will take you through the core of the city on the waterfront and is approximately 40 KM’s/ 25(ish) miles depending on what path variation you decide to take. Most, if not all, are paved, but there are some outliers for the adventuresome. Please note that these are shared paths, cyclist please watch for pedestrians. Bi-peds take your eyes off of your phone and look for cyclists. If you can avoid it, don’t drink and cycle.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Goodman_Trail

Waterfront Trail

Snug Harbour

As we begin our Journey from Port Credit, this restaurant is an excellent start off point. The food and beverages are delightful, and the people-watching is superb. Port Credit is located at the base of the Credit River as it empties to Lake Ontario, a small community surrounded by shops and restaurants. Although I have not verified this, I believe it to be “spandex friendly.” 

https://www.snugharbourrestaurant.com/

Lake Promenade Marina and Patio

It has to be one of my favourite low key places to sit and watch the yachts on a warm summer’s afternoon. Here you can get a burger and fries and enjoy a local beer while drying off from a long days ride. A perfect spot to indulge yourself for the kilometres that you have just ridden. I have it on competent authority that the Western sandwiches are a house specialty. This is a “spandex friendly” environment. Unfortunately, it is seasonal.

https://www.bing.com/search?q=lakefront+promenade+marina&FORM=QSRE2

The MapleLeaf House

Located as the path turns north to meet Lakeshore road, here you get your first taste of urban street riding. Fortunately, the bike lane is well marked and safe from other vehicular traffic. The Maple Leaf could be an ideal place to rest, sit on the patio and enjoy some local ‘Canadian” food. For your long and short-haul rides, The Maple Leaf is an experience that may seem very familiar that you do not want to miss

https://www.mapleleafhouse.ca/

Humber Park east Trail

Here we have five restaurants that could make up the “village” of Humber Park east, although it is not named as such. The restaurants and bars cater to the number of modern condominiums in the area. As luck would have it, they are on a newly developed portion of the bike path. Please note that it can be extremely congested in this area.

Krazy Roll

Krazy Roll is a local, family-owned business that has been serving traditional Japanese cuisine for over twenty years. Their menu includes sushi pizza, sushi and sashimi a la carte, and vegetarian maki combinations. With an incredible selection of specials and combinations created daily. Eat-in or on the patio is available. This location would be “spandex friendly.”

https://www.krazyroll.ca/

BB Cafe

Since its opening 2008, this lakefront location has become a fixture in the “village.” A family owned bakery serving a wide variety of confectionary delights that have been rooted in their native Persian style. Treat yourself during that ride. Sit on the patio and rest your “buns.” This is “spandex friendly.”

https://bbcafe.ca/about-2/

Firkin on the Bay

As with many “Firkin experiences,” you are sure to get what you expect. With a wide selection of Beer and Spirits and some of the best pub food in the area, this location is no different. With its massive patio and bright interior, here is a destination that should be on every cyclist’s rest spot agenda. “Spandex friendly.”

https://www.firkinpubs.com/firkinonthebay/

Cafe Cocoa Boulangerie

Since establishing itself as one of the original French bakeries in Etobicoke. Freshly baked goods and sandwiches entice their loyal following to continue to visit this location in droves. Indulge yourself in some of there summer and autumn delicacies. Eat-in or take out. In the French spirit, they are “spandex friendly.”

http://www.cafecocoaboulangerie.ca/

Eden Trattoria

Eden Trattoria has been specializing in the Italian cuisine for over 20 years. A family restaurant has become a favourite for many locals and tourists. Create your own pizzas and pasta dishes, or enjoy the daily specials. The food is deliciously authentic, and the atmosphere is always casual and fun. Although I am paraphrasing, I am not sure if casual extends to cycling attire. You may want to call first if you are considering this to be a riding destination. You may consider bringing pants in your pannier.

http://www.edentrattoria.com

Martin Goodman Trail

You have now crossed the “Humber Bridge” and are well on your way into the Downtown core. You have left the suburbs behind.

Royal Burger

Situated right on the path about 3km from the bridge. You will see Royal Burger on the Horizon. Perfect for those that need a quick bite or non-alcoholic drink. This is a take out kiosk, but don’t worry, there are plenty of spots to sit on the lawn. Relax, you deserve an opportunity to stretch those legs. Very spandex friendly. However, this is a seasonal spot. 

https://dinehere.ca/toronto/royal-burger

Sunnyside Pavilion Restaurant Cafe

Situated behind the historic Sunnyside bathing pavilion, you will find the Pavilion restaurant and Cafe. Located directly on the boardwalk, this is a place that is not to be missed. From volleyball to sun worshippers. Here is a place where people-watching is at its finest. A friendly and fun environment. Good food and beverages. A word of caution, it can sometimes get too comfortable making the rest of your cycling journey arduous. “Spandex Friendly.” Open only during the summer months.

http://www.sunnysidepavilion.com/

MGT Downtown Toronto

Passing the Billy Bishop airport. You have undoubtedly noticed that the population density has grown. You have now reached Queens Quay and are in the core of the city on the waterfront.

Amsterdam Brew Pub

Newly located on Queens Quay, the Amsterdam Brewpub can be an ideal place to stop and have a pint or two. As the name indicates, they have their own selection of libation and a wide array of food. With both indoor and patio seating, Amsterdam offers an opportunity to remove yourself from the hot sweltering summer heat. Not verified, but I would suggest that it is “spandex friendly.” You may want to call ahead. 

https://www.amsterdambeer.com/

Alexandros World famous Gyros

Perhaps you have made a detour to Toronto’s Centre Island- I would strongly recommend the ferry ride. You are now back into the city, and you need a gyro fix. Look no further. Half a block east of Yonge, you can find a traditional greek delight. Tzatziki and onion and grilled meat. Sorry vegetarians, it is so flavourful.

http://alexandros.ca/

Against the Grain

Located at “Sugar Beach” along the Wateredge promenade, you will need to make a short 50-meter detour south. As part of the Corus building here, you will find a restaurant that is committed to exceptional food and some unique beverages. You can relax on the patio and enjoy some captivating views of Centre Island. It may be “spandex friendly,” but throw them a curve to find out.

http://fabrestaurants.ca/restaurant/against-the-grain-corus-quay/

MGT Downtown Toronto East

Welcome to the Port Lands, once depicted like the waterfront of Marlon Brando fame. The area as been in flux for some time and is only now seeing times of gentrification. Hopefully, that is still a ways off into the future. Currently, there are remnants of the old, a great scent of the present and a vague thought of the future. Personally, I really enjoy it.

The Keating Channel Pub
.

As you cross the lift bridge on Cherry Street, what trip down towards the beach would be complete without a quick stop at this well-known destination. Boasting a 275 seat waterside patio and featuring many of the traditional Canadian favourites in cuisine and beverage “The Keating” is perfect to both commence and conclude your afternoon’s activity. A “spandex friendly” environment.

http://www.keatingchannelpub.com/about-us/

Cherry St B-B-Q

As a long-time member of the community, I have fond memories of this location as a child. Then known as the Cherry St. restaurant. A great deal has changed, the Cherry St. B-B-Q holds no resemblance to those days, thankfully. Here you will find delicious smoked delicacies that will make your mouth water. Salivating as I write this. With a wide assortment of cocktails, it is worth the ride. I have to admit I am not sure if it is “spandex friendly.” If you are in the neighbourhood, drop in and find out.

http://www.cherrystbbq.com/cherry-street-bbq

Ashbridges Bay

If you started at the Snug Harbour in Port Credit, congratulations, you have just ridden approximately 40 kilometres. If you made all the stops. You are a fantastic person, and perhaps calling Uber is in order. 

Unfortunately, Ashbridges Bay does not have a wide variety of culinary options. I have omitted some of the larger chains during this blog, but now I feel compelled to add them. Tim Horton, Booster Juice and Johnny Catch ( this one I am not familiar with) all inhabit a small portion of the park near the entrance.

Farther into the park under the Woodbine swimming pool, you will find a Pizza Pizza- this is seasonal. You will also find another Pizza Pizza near Sunnyside. These are all “spandex friendly.”

I hope you have enjoyed our ride/ walk across the city. Even more, I hope you will attempt to try one or more of the locations mentioned. When you do, please let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. 15 Wonderful Waterfront Waterinhgoles.

Just an FYI, I find this funny, but there are no financial incentives from the companies to endorse their products or services. The only service rendered is from me, that this may inspire you to get outside and enjoy some of the incredible things that the Toronto waterfront has to offer.

https://vacationtimeescapes.com/11-to-almost-freebies/

Until we meet again.

Your Vacation, Your Escape.