The Best Spots to Watch the 2025 Toronto Waterfront Marathon (and Grab a Coffee)
The Toronto Waterfront Marathon is one of those days when the whole city feels alive. The energy is just electric. So, you want to get out there and cheer on the thousands of runners making their way through “the 6ix.” But let’s be real, you’re going to need some coffee to power all that cheering.
This guide has been updated to match the official 2025 race route, so you can pick your spot with confidence. After scrolling through tons of posts from past race days and checking the map, I’ve put together the ultimate list of spots where Torontonians love to hang out and watch.
Here are the best, map-confirmed places to catch the action and grab a drink.
Toronto Marathon: Best Spots to Watch 2025
1. The Start Line (University Avenue)
There’s nothing like the buzz at the start line. The 2025 race begins on University Avenue near Queen Street. This “Avenue of Heroes” is wide and grand, surrounded by important buildings. It’s the best place to see the runners fresh, excited, and full of energy before they set off.
For a pre-race coffee, Queen Street West has tons of options. Mos Mos Coffee is a popular local chain known for its quick service and great drinks.
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- Location: Mos Mos Coffee, 205 Queen St W, Toronto
- Website: https://www.mosmoscoffee.com
- Pro Tip: This area will be packed. Get there very early, grab your coffee, and find a spot along the railings.
2. Yorkville (on Bloor Street)
The initial loop of the marathon goes right along Bloor Street, the main artery of Yorkville. The vibe here is upscale and exciting. The wide sidewalks give you plenty of room, and cheering here feels grand and motivating for the runners.
Goldstruck Coffee on Cumberland is a sleek, modern cafe that serves up fantastic specialty coffees.
- Location: Goldstruck Coffee, 130 Cumberland St, Toronto
- Pro Tip: After the runners pass, you can enjoy a window-shopping stroll through one of Toronto’s most famous neighbourhoods.
3. University of Toronto Campus
The U of T campus is a beautiful, leafy area to watch the marathon. The route winds through here on streets like Bloor, Harbord, and St. George. Seeing runners against the backdrop of historic university buildings is really special.
Dark Horse Espresso Bar has a location on Spadina. It’s a Toronto favourite known for its great coffee and welcoming atmosphere.
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- Location: Dark Horse Espresso Bar, 215 Spadina Ave, Toronto
- Website: https://www.darkhorseespresso.com
- Pro Tip: Find a spot on a grassy lawn for a comfortable and scenic cheering session.
4. Kensington Market / Chinatown (on Spadina)
As the runners head south on Spadina Avenue, the energy gets a big boost from these two vibrant neighbourhoods. The streets will be lined with locals cheering. It’s a culturally rich and exciting part of the course.
Jimmy’s Coffee has an outpost in Kensington Market. It’s a beloved Toronto chain with a relaxed, friendly feel.
- Location: Jimmy’s Coffee, 191 Baldwin St, Toronto, ON M5T 1M1
- Website: https://www.jimmyscoffee.ca
- Pro Tip: The cheering here is loud and fun. Join in and make some noise.
5. Fort York / The Bentway
This spot is unique. You get a mix of Canadian history at Fort York and cool, urban design at The Bentway under the Gardiner Expressway. It’s a less crowded area that offers a great view as runners head west.
Found Coffee is a gem in the nearby CityPlace area. It’s a cozy spot perfect for grabbing a high-quality espresso before the race.
- Location: Found Coffee, 324 College St, Toronto
- Website: https://www.found.coffee
- Pro Tip: The space under the Gardiner provides some cover if the weather is iffy.
6. Liberty Village
The route passes right along the southern edge of Liberty Village on Fort York Blvd. This modern, dense neighbourhood is full of young professionals who bring great energy to their cheering.
Arvo Coffee is a super stylish spot with great drinks. It’s a little oasis where you can fuel up before finding a place to cheer along the route.
- Location: Arvo Coffee, 17 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
- Website: https://www.arvocoffee.com
- Pro Tip: The narrow streets here can create a fun “tunnel of sound” as people cheer.
7. Exhibition Place
While not the start line this year, the route passes Exhibition Place twice along Lake Shore Blvd W. It’s a fantastic spot with wide-open views. You can see the runners against the backdrop of BMO Field and the historic CNE grounds.
Grab your coffee in Liberty Village before walking over the bridge to find a spot with a clear view of the road.
- Location: Along Lake Shore Blvd W, beside Exhibition Place grounds
- Pro Tip: This is a great spot to see the runners when they are far into the race and again as they head back east.
8. Harbourfront Centre
You can’t have a waterfront marathon without a great waterfront viewing spot. The stretch along Queens Quay is a classic choice, and the route runs right along it. You get wide-open views of the runners with Lake Ontario in the background.
Boxcar Social is right there and has great coffee plus huge windows looking out onto the water.
- Location: Boxcar Social, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto
- Website: https://www.boxcarsocial.ca
- Pro Tip: The wind can be a bit stronger by the lake, so it’s a good idea to bring an extra layer.
9. Sugar Beach
Want a pop of colour in your race-day photos? Head to Sugar Beach. The iconic pink umbrellas offer a fun backdrop. The route goes right past here on Queens Quay E.
Black Canary Espresso Bar is a short walk away on Sherbourne. They pull a fantastic shot of espresso to get you going.
- Location: Black Canary Espresso Bar, 58 Sherbourne St, Toronto
- Website: https://www.blackcanarycoffee.com
- Pro Tip: This is a great family-friendly spot where kids can play in the sand while you wait.
10. St. Lawrence Market Area
The area around the historic St. Lawrence Market is always buzzing. The marathon runs along Wellington and Front Street, right past this landmark. You get a great urban feel here, and the crowds are always lively.
Balzac’s Coffee Roasters has a location right across the street. It’s a beautiful cafe and the perfect meeting spot.
- Location: Balzac’s Coffee Roasters, 78 Front St E, Toronto
- Website: https://www.balzacs.com
- Pro Tip: After cheering, head into the market for a famous peameal bacon sandwich.
11. The Distillery District (as a Home Base)
A small but important clarification: the route doesn’t go through the cobblestone streets of the Distillery this year. However, it runs just south on Cherry and Mill Street. You can still use the Distillery as your home base and walk a couple of minutes to the course.
The iconic Balzac’s in the Distillery is the perfect place to meet up before you find your spot.
- Location: Balzac’s Coffee Roasters, 1 Trinity St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
- Website: https://www.balzacs.com
- Pro Tip: This is a good strategy to enjoy the Distillery’s atmosphere while still being right near the action.
12. The Port Lands
For a unique view of the skyline and a more industrial-cool vibe, watch the runners in the Port Lands. The route travels down Cherry Street and along Commissioners Street. This is a quieter, more “insider” spot to watch.
Coffee options are limited right here. Your best bet is to grab a coffee in nearby Corktown or Leslieville and walk down.
- Location: Along Cherry Street or Commissioners Street
- Pro Tip: Your cheers will really stand out here and make a big difference to the runners.
13. Leslieville
Leslieville is where the “cool factor” goes up. The local community comes out in full force to cheer, making it a very motivating spot for the runners on Queen Street East.
Pilot Coffee Roasters has a location here, and they are serious about good coffee. It’s a top-tier choice for any caffeine fan.
- Location: Pilot Coffee Roasters, 983 Queen St E, Toronto
- Website: https://www.pilotcoffeeroasters.com
- Pro Tip: Make a fun sign! The Leslieville crowd is creative and appreciative.
14. The Beaches
The Beaches is where you see the runners at a critical point. They head all the way out to Balsam Avenue before turning back. The support from the local community here is always loud and encouraging.
The Remarkable Bean is a neighbourhood favourite. It has a relaxed feel and is just a short walk from the main action on Queen Street.
- Location: The Remarkable Bean, 2242 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4E 1G2
- Website: https://www.remarkablebean.com
- Pro Tip: This is a good spot to see the lead runners and then cheer for everyone else making the tough turnaround.
15. The Financial District
There’s a special kind of energy when the runners enter the final kilometres through the “canyon of steel” on Bay Street. Surrounded by skyscrapers, the cheering echoes off the buildings. It’s a powerful final push.
Sam James Coffee Bar is a cult favourite in Toronto. Their location in the PATH is perfect for grabbing a quick, expertly made coffee.
- Location: Sam James Coffee Bar, 150 King St W, Toronto
- Website: https://www.samjamescoffeebar.com
- Pro Tip: Pick a corner and cheer loudly. The runners are almost done and need all the support they can get.
16. The Finish Line (Nathan Phillips Square)
There is nothing like the energy at the finish line. It’s emotional, loud, and inspiring. The race finishes on Bay Street right at Nathan Phillips Square, in front of the iconic Toronto sign.
Dineen Coffee Co. is a top choice nearby. It’s located in a beautiful historic building and is just a few steps from the square.
- Location: Dineen Coffee Co., 140 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5C 1X6
- Website: https://www.dineencoffee.com
- Pro Tip: Get here very early. The finish line is the most popular place to be, and it gets crowded fast.
Where’s your go-to cheer spot for the marathon? Drop it in the comments below!
More…
- https://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/event-info
- https://www.reddit.com/r/askTO/comments/1lyyshf/toronto_waterfront_marathon_weekend
- https://www.hungry416.com/toronto-waterfront-marathon-2025-guide
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