The Distillery Historic District Tours

The Distillery Historic District which includes heritage architecture, a square or plaza and a city

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Stroll along historic, brick-paved streets to explore this shopping and entertainment village and to discover a collection of picturesque Victoria-era buildings.

Toronto’s Distillery District is a pedestrianized commercial village that combines history with contemporary design and entertainment and creativity. Visit the district to find shops, restaurants and galleries housed in a collection of restored Victorian-era industrial buildings. The district was opened in 2003 and previously housed the Gooderham and Worts Distillery, which was once one of the largest distilleries in North America.

The Distillery District is great for those interested in shopping for one-of-a-kind items. Find boutiques selling everything from clothes made with eco-friendly fabrics and purses created using recycled seat belts to artisanal jewelry and home ware accessories. Beer lovers should check out the Beer Store, which sells over 350 brands of beer.

Art enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the district’s galleries. Admire the displays of handicrafts, made by emerging Canadian artists at the Distill Gallery. See a collection of historical sports photographs at the Sports Gallery. Find work by local and international contemporary artists at the Arta Gallery.

Whether you feel like a light snack, or a fine or casual dining experience, the district has a wide selection of cafés and bakeries, restaurants and pubs. During the warmer months, sit on one of the outdoor patios for a spot of people-watching and to appreciate the historic surroundings.

Throughout the year the district hosts various cultural events, including free art exhibitions and live handcrafting demonstrations, live music and food festivals. Don’t miss the Christmas Market to shop for festive merchandise, sip on a glass of mulled wine and enjoy carol-singing concerts. Visit the district’s official website for detailed event information.

The Distillery District is a short 10-minute drive from major city attractions, such as the CN Tower and the Harbourfront Centre. You’ll find several pay-and-display parking lots situated on the streets surrounding the district. Public buses and streetcars stop close to the entrance to the district.

Opening times of the individual businesses vary. Visit the district’s official website for full details of business hours and information about guided tours.

Reviews of The Distillery Historic District

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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" "5 - Excellent 54.20743639921722%
4 - Good
197
" "4 - Good 38.551859099804304%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 6.457925636007828%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 0.5870841487279843%
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" "1 - Terrible 0.19569471624266144%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Walkable, when it’s nice weather

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful and relaxing place. A must see.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We included a visit to The Distillery on our walk around the city. We spent a couple hours going in all of the little shops and enjoying the setting. We had a fantastic lunch at Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill. Other restaurants were busier but I think it was due to the fact that Pure Spirits is pretty pricey. Enjoyed it!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Lots of good eats and unique stores. Not much opened before noon. The Brick Street Bakery is a must and opens early.

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Best Lodging Options Near The Distillery Historic District

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Cambridge Suites Toronto
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Residence & Conference Centre - Toronto Downtown - George Brown College - Campus Accommodation
Residence & Conference Centre - Toronto Downtown - George Brown College - Campus Accommodation
3 out of 5
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Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, an IHG Hotel
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3.5 out of 5
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.