Toronto’s Distillery District is a self-contained commercial and residential area that takes you back to Toronto’s industrial age. The area is filled with charming shops, cafés, and restaurants inside preserved historic buildings along a cobblestone path. Here’s how to spend a day in one of the historic areas of downtown Toronto.
History of the Distillery District
Toronto’s Distillery District gets its name because it was originally home to the Gooderham and Worts Distillery for over a century. At one time, it was considered to be one of the largest distilleries in the world, regularly generating more than 2 million gallons of whisky sold around the world at one point. The company’s factory closed in the 1990s following an economic downturn which led to a brief period of neglect.
In the early 2000s, the area was restored and transformed into an entertainment and arts community located within the historic nineteenth-century buildings that date back to the mid-1800s.
Events in the Distillery District
Visitors can often find flea markets, Sunday markets, and performances throughout the summer at the Distillery District. The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival at the end of May celebrates the best in a cappella music from around the world. The Toronto Light Festival brings joy into the dark winter nights with luminescent artistic light installations from January to March.
Toronto Christmas Market
One of the most popular events at the Distillery District is the Toronto Christmas Market that has a number of food and gift vendors throughout December reminiscent of the markets found in Europe. The event can be quite popular during the evenings and the weekend so to avoid disappointment purchase your tickets in advance.
Shopping at the Distillery District
There are more than 80 shops and boutiques are scattered throughout the Distillery District in Toronto. The area attracts unique shops, whether you prefer to browse through original clothing boutiques, jewellery stores or gift shops, or check out what’s new in urban style, you’re sure to appreciate the diversity and local talent showcased within the Distillery District.
Some of the best stores in Toronto’s Distillery District include:
- Yummi Candles
- GOTSTYLE
- The Sport Gallery
- The Saucy Milliner
- SOMA Chocolate
- Tank House General
- Mini Mioche
Dining at the Distillery District
From a romantic French restaurant to classic pub comfort foods, Toronto’s Distillery District is one of the most popular areas to dine in Toronto. You’re welcome to get a jolt of java at one of the coffee shops, sample freshly baked pastries, or sip some savoury brews and cocktails. Some of the restaurants are family-friendly while others are set up to appeal to diners who prefer a lively atmosphere with their food. It’s just another great reason to book a flight to Toronto.
- El Catrin Destileria
- Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill
- Mill St. Brew Pub
- Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie
- Boku Noodle Bar
- CACAO 70 Eatery
How to Get to the Distillery District
If you’re coming to the Distillery District from the east, take the Don Valley Parkway to the Richmond Street exit and head south on Parliament to get to Mill Street. From the north, take 427 South to QEW. Take the Jarvis Street exit off the Gardiner Expressway to Jarvis Street before proceeding to Parliament and Mill Streets. Take the QEW East to Gardiner Expressway when coming from the west and follow the same sequence of streets to get to Mill Street.
Parking is available at municipal lots and in the Distillery District lots. To get here on public transportation, take Go Transit to Union Station and connect to buses going to Cherry Street or Mill Street or take the Fort York-Esplanade. Subway service is available from the Castle Frank station on the Bloor line.
Distillery District Hours
The Distillery District is open from:
Monday – Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thursday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Times may vary during festivals and special events.
