Toronto’s Distillery District: What to see & Do

One of my favourite places in Toronto is the Historic Distillery District. It’s one of the most unique neighbourhoods in Toronto that offers insight into the city’s past. Whether you’re coming to Toronto for a short city break or an extended stay, you should add the Distillery to your itinerary. There is always something going on here, no matter the season.

Owned by Gooderham and Worts, the Distillery was once one of the largest distilleries in the British Empire. This area was an industrial zone filled with workers, trucks, and alcohol back in the whiskey production days. Today, the Distillery District in Toronto is a pedestrian-only area with plenty of restaurants, shops and public spaces. Sometimes, it’s also a movie set. Fortunately, our apartment is just around the corner, so we’re here often and know the Distillery well.

History of the Distillery District

Two brothers-in-law, William Gooderham and James Worts, founded the Distillery in 1832. It produced whiskey and spirits for the British Empire until the Great War prohibition, which dampened production. The business at the Distillery slowed down dramatically. However, the production continued at a smaller capacity until 1990, when it finally ceased operations after 153 years in business.

Today, the Distillery is home to North America’s largest, best-preserved collection of Victorian industrial architecture. The oldest building here, Stone Distillery, is constructed from very thick limestone. It stands out from the red-bricked buildings surrounding it. This was where the grain was stored, milled and distilled. It has survived explosions and fires, mainly due to its thick limestone walls. Today, this is an office space.

You can catch glimpses of the past in designated areas. We got a chance to do just that during the Doors Open Toronto. It was really cool to see the past incorporated into the building we see today. Just imagine having your office in a place with this much character.

Back then, the building stood by the waterfront, with a rail line that brought grain into the facility. It made for a very convenient location for shipping the final product. Today, this area is a parking lot, and the waterfront is nowhere in sight.

The evolution of the Distillery District

Not much was happening at the Distillery after it closed in 1990. Its uniqueness made it a popular spot for film productions, with movies like X-Men, Chicago and The Recruit shot here. A new vision for the place started to take shape around 2001.

Enterprising new owners wanted to honour the historical past of the Distillery District with something that reflected its original structure while giving the city something to celebrate and be proud of. Unveiled in 2003, this pedestrian-only zone became a destination for arts, culture, and entertainment.

Art and culture at the Distillery

The Distillery District Toronto is where creativity meets history. You’ll find quirky sculptures, lock-covered art pieces, light displays, and rotating installations around every corner. Live music, theatre, fashion shows, and food festivals keep the vibe fresh year-round.

Outdoor performances during the summer are especially popular and add to the artsy, European feel of the neighbourhood. You can always find something to do here, from film festivals to light shows and culinary celebrations. It’s also home to several art galleries and studios, making it a great place to explore the local art scene or pick up something unique for your home.

Toronto Christmas Market Distillery District

If you’ve ever spent Christmas in the Toronto Distillery District, you know how magical it can be. The entire area transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, big Christmas trees, and stalls filled with festive huts, food and mulled wine.

The Christmas Market in the Distillery District has become one of the top holiday attractions in the city. It became so popular that organizers started enforcing entry fees during weekends and certain evenings to control overcrowding. You’ll often find long lines of people lining up to get in. To avoid the crowds—and skip the admission fee—visit on a weekday during the day. Bundle up, grab a hot drink, and soak in the holiday spirit.

Toronto Distillery District restaurants

The Distillery has a great selection of restaurants you can enjoy all year round. During hot summer days, you can enjoy yourself on the many patios packed with umbrellas, flowers and people. If you need that shot of caffeine, there are also a few coffee shops to get you going.

Some of my favourite places here include the Mill Street Brewpub, where you can also get a quick tour of the beer-making process. El Catrin also has a mesmerizing mural inside the restaurant, or Cluny Bistro, for a lovely brunch. Cluny also has a lovely bakery if you want to grab a treat.

Balzac’s serves fancy lattes and delicious snacks with a hipster vibe. It also has a stunning interior and a relaxing patio for people-watching as you sip your coffee. For a quirkier experience, you can check out the Arena Coffee Bar located in the Sports Gallery. After all, coffee goes well with hockey.

Shopping at the Distillery

Numerous little shops tucked inside the old buildings make visiting the Distillery even more fun. There is no shortage of unique shops, from home decor, arts and crafts to fashion, shoes and food.

At certain times throughout the year, you’ll find many outdoor vendors, artisan markets and stalls to shop to your heart’s content. The stores offer a unique blend of offerings that make any shopping expedition a success.

Final thoughts on the Distillery District

Toronto lawmakers have often been criticized for demolishing old buildings and not putting enough effort into their preservation. I’m happy the Distillery District didn’t suffer the same fate. This has become a great example of how history and architecture can be preserved and revitalized for a new purpose and enjoyment.

As Toronto continues its condominium building path, there is no shortage of them at the Distillery. If you can get one of those units, you are guaranteed access to everything here all the time. It makes this area more attractive to live and play in than it used to be. Next time you’re in Toronto, make sure to check it out.