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Photo courtesy of Kevin Cabral

Distillery Historic District

Item: Distillery Historic District
Author: Courtney Sunday

Type: Architecture, Art & Culture, Breweries and Distilleries, Day Trips, Editor's Picks, Family Friendly, Food & Wine, Outdoor Activities, Outdoor Activities - Summer, Outdoor Activities - Winter, Sightseeing, Uniquely Here

10Best Says

Toronto's Distillery Historic District began in 1859 as the site of the Gooderham and Worts whiskey distillery. 100 years later, the distillery was producing nearly half of the total volume of spirits in the province of Ontario, making it one of the country's most important manufacturing facilities (people like their spirits!). This historic district got its second chance and today is a charming pedestrian-only village. This area of Toronto is like no other, with cobblestone pathways and Victorian-era buildings housing restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. There is also a big red heart sculpture to kiss underneath if you want to go totally cheesy with your beloved.

Address:

Front St and Parliament
Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
416-367-1800

Hours:

Mon-Wed: 10am-7pm
Thu-Sat: 10am-8pm
Sun: 11am-6pm Event; Dates; and; Times; Vary Contact; for; Specific; Dates; and; Times Hours; May; Vary; Seasonally

Website:

thedistillerydistrict.com

EXPERT TIPS BY: Courtney Sunday
Toronto Local Expert

Romantic Things to Do: "There are a ton of romantic restaurants in this district. Make a reservation at Cluny for any meal of the day, which has the ambience of love."
Free Things to Do: "The Christmas market every year is a must, with a giant tree, an outdoor market and enough holiday spirit to win over the most dedicated Scrooge. And hey, it's always free to browse."
Historic Sites: "The Distillery has events all through the year that make it the enticing place that it is. Look through their various social media channels for details on everything from a food truck fair to farmer's markets."
Best Attractions & Activities: "The Christmas market every year is a must, with a giant tree, an outdoor market and enough holiday spirit to win over the most dedicated Scrooge."
Sightseeing: "The Distillery Historic District still maintains some of its alcohol-producing roots. Ontario Spring Water Sake Company opened eastern North America's first sake brewery onsite in 2011, featuring a tasting bar where you can sample the company's products. Also, Mill Street Brewery produces some great beers and operates a pub in the district."

Best for Romantic Things to Do Because: Cobblestone paths? A giant heart? What more do you want?
Best for Free Things to Do Because: The distillery offers a unique history of Toronto and is truly one-of-a-kind. Walking through this district feels like visiting a free outdoor art gallery.
Best for Historic Sites Because: From a charming Christmas market to the fantastic outdoor patios, the Distillery District is historical fun.
Recommended as Best Attractions & Activities Because: Be distilled my heart. The distillery offers a unique history of Toronto and it truly is one-of-a-kind.
Best for Sightseeing Because: Victorian era buildings make this part of Toronto feel a little slower than the rest. Take a deep breath and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience.