The Distillery Historic District

The Distillery Historic District featuring outdoor eating, a city and street scenes
The Distillery Historic District which includes a square or plaza, a city and heritage architecture
The Distillery Historic District showing signage
The Distillery Historic District
The Distillery Historic District featuring a city


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 jewellery 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 Distil 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.

Tours & day trips

See all 209 activities

Private & custom tours

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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 11 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 9 activities

Water activities

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Reviews of The Distillery Historic District

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
29
5 - Excellent 35%
4 - Good
41
4 - Good 49%
3 - Okay
11
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved this pedestrian area, unique little shops and nice eateries

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Not much there to be honest, arrived and left within ten minutes

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

It was ok.

Popular places to visit


Top The Distillery Historic District Hotel Deals

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto

4 out of 5
33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, ON
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
Cambridge Suites Toronto

Cambridge Suites Toronto

4 out of 5
15 Richmond St E, Toronto, ON
Cambridge Suites Toronto
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown

4 out of 5
108 Chestnut St, Toronto, ON
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown
The Omni King Edward Hotel

The Omni King Edward Hotel

4.5 out of 5
37 King St E, Toronto, ON
The Omni King Edward Hotel
Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre by IHG

3.5 out of 5
30 Carlton Street, Toronto, ON
Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre by IHG
One King West Hotel & Residence

One King West Hotel & Residence

4 out of 5
1 King Street West, Toronto, ON
One King West Hotel & Residence
Fairmont Royal York

Fairmont Royal York

4 out of 5
100 Front St West, Toronto, ON
Fairmont Royal York
Novotel Toronto Centre

Novotel Toronto Centre

3.5 out of 5
45 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON
Novotel Toronto Centre
TOOR Hotel Toronto, part of JdV by Hyatt

TOOR Hotel Toronto, part of JdV by Hyatt

4 out of 5
203 Jarvis Street, Toronto, ON
TOOR Hotel Toronto, part of JdV by Hyatt
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.

Things to do near The Distillery Historic District

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of The Distillery Historic District, where you can enjoy live music, engaging walking tours, and local experiences that showcase the area's rich culture. Don't miss special events and the excitement of a scavenger hunt as you explore the historic streets filled with art, theatre, and entertainment, making your visit truly memorable.

Shopping

The Distillery Historic District offers charming shopping experiences. St. Lawrence Market is a delightful public market only 966m away, perfect for local goods. CF Toronto Eaton Centre and PATH Underground Shopping Mall, both 1.6km away, provide a variety of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Rogers Centre, a vibrant sports stadium 3.2km away, offers an exhilarating atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Nearby, Roy Thomson Hall, located 1.6km away, provides a rich cultural experience with its captivating concerts. For family-friendly laughter, visit Second City, also 3.2km away, where comedy delights await.

Adventure

Embark on the Martin Goodman Trail, a scenic hiking route located 1.6km from The Distillery Historic District, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For winter sports, head to Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, 12.9km away, offering thrilling skiing experiences. For climbing aficionados, True North Climbing, 14.5km distant, provides an exhilarating challenge.

Nightlife

The Distillery Historic District buzzes with nightlife, featuring the Royal Alexandra Theatre and Ed Mirvish Theatre, both offering a cultural and romantic experience 1.6km away. For cinema lovers, Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, located two miles away, provides an entertaining atmosphere perfect for a date night.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near The Distillery Historic District

The Distillery Historic District in Toronto offers a delightful blend of culture and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can explore popular attractions such as the urban park, art museum, and modern tower. Don't miss the enchanting Distillery Winter Village and the historic Worts Distillery, which showcases the area’s rich heritage. With its vibrant atmosphere, the Distillery District is the largest distillery complex in North America, making it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a unique experience.

  • CN Tower: Standing as a modern marvel, the CN Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Toronto from its observation deck. Experience the thrill of walking on the glass floor and enjoy a meal at the 360 Restaurant, which revolves for a unique dining experience.
  • Metro Toronto Convention Centre: This bustling event venue is known for hosting major conferences and exhibitions. With its impressive architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, it embodies a vibrant business atmosphere, making it a hub for networking and innovation.
  • University of Toronto - St. George Campus: A historic institution, the University of Toronto's St. George Campus is rich in culture and stunning architecture. Stroll through its picturesque grounds, marvel at historic buildings, and soak in the scholarly ambiance.

Best time to go to The Distillery Historic District

The best time to visit The Distillery Historic District can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around The Distillery Historic District falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around The Distillery Historic District falls in January and February. February has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January25.2°F (-3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February25.2°F (-3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
April42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August71.2°F (21.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September65.1°F (18.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
December32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Distillery Historic District

To save money on your visit to The Distillery Historic District in Toronto, plan your trip between December and February when accommodation prices are lower, especially on Sundays. Avoid Saturdays for better rates. Use Expedia to filter for budget-friendly and eco-certified hotels, and sort results from low to high prices. Consider booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Remember, walking is an excellent way to explore the district, allowing you to enjoy the sights without spending on public transport.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Distillery Historic District are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and August to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Distillery Historic District is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around The Distillery Historic District is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you wish to stay in. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at The Distillery Historic District with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.