The Distillery Historic District Tours and Activities

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

Plan a trip to see The Distillery Historic District

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Best Lodging Options Near The Distillery Historic District

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto

4 out of 5
33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, ON
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
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
Fairmont Royal York

Fairmont Royal York

4 out of 5
100 Front St West, Toronto, ON
Fairmont Royal York
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
Cambridge Suites Toronto

Cambridge Suites Toronto

4 out of 5
15 Richmond St E, Toronto, ON
Cambridge Suites Toronto
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
The House of Canary

The House of Canary

2 out of 5
425 Front St E, Toronto, ON
The House of Canary
Holiday Inn Express Toronto - Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Toronto - Downtown by IHG

3 out of 5
111 Lombard Street, Toronto, ON
Holiday Inn Express Toronto - Downtown by IHG
Residence & Conference Centre - Toronto Downtown - George Brown College - Campus Accommodation

Residence & Conference Centre - Toronto Downtown - George Brown College - Campus Accommodation

3 out of 5
80 Cooperage Street, Toronto, ON
Residence & Conference Centre - Toronto Downtown - George Brown College - Campus Accommodation
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

Explore the vibrant Distillery Historic District, where you can enjoy outdoor picnic areas, captivating walking tours, and picturesque photography spots. Immerse yourself in the local art and theatre scene while discovering unique entertainment options. Don't miss the chance to join a photo tour that captures the area's historic charm, making it a perfect destination for culture and leisure enthusiasts alike.

Shopping

The Distillery Historic District offers a unique shopping experience with nearby gems like St. Lawrence Market, just 966m away, featuring local goods and artisan creations. CF Toronto Eaton Centre and The Path, both 1.6km away, provide a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment for all.

Recreation

At The Distillery Historic District, enjoy a lively atmosphere at Rogers Centre, catching an exhilarating sports game. Indulge in the arts at The Danforth Music Hall for captivating concerts, or share laughter with family at Second City’s comedic performances, all within a short distance from the district.

Adventure

Explore the Martin Goodman Trail for a scenic hike, where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the outdoors, located 1.6km from The Distillery Historic District. For winter sports, head to Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, offering thrilling skiing adventures, situated 12.9km away.

If you're eager for climbing, True North Climbing awaits, providing an exhilarating climbing experience, located 14.5km from The Distillery Historic District. Embrace your adventurous spirit in these exciting venues.

Nightlife

In The Distillery Historic District, immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife with nearby venues like the Princess of Wales Theatre, Four Seasons Centre, and Royal Alexandra Theatre, all within 1.6km. Each offers a blend of culture, romance, and family-friendly entertainment, ensuring a memorable evening out.

*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 is a vibrant hub for culture and family experiences, featuring urban parks, art museums, and modern towers. Explore the largest distillery in the area and take in the unique architecture while enjoying local attractions. This charming neighbourhood offers a perfect blend of history and contemporary art, making it an ideal spot for tourists seeking an enriching getaway in downtown Toronto.

  • CN Tower: Experience breathtaking views from one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. The CN Tower offers a glass floor, fine dining, and a thrilling EdgeWalk for those seeking adventure, all while showcasing stunning vistas of Toronto and Lake Ontario.
  • Metro Toronto Convention Centre: A hub for business and events, this venue hosts conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows. Its modern architecture and state-of-the-art facilities make it a vibrant spot for networking and engaging with various industries.
  • University of Toronto - St. George Campus: Wander through this historic campus, featuring beautiful architecture, lush gardens, and rich cultural heritage. It’s a perfect spot to immerse yourself in academic history and enjoy the artistic ambiance of the surroundings.

Best time to go to The Distillery Historic District

The best time to visit The Distillery Historic District is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy.

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

For a budget-friendly visit to The Distillery Historic District, consider travelling between December and February when prices drop. Sundays are the cheapest days for accommodations, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to compare hotel prices and filter for eco-certified options. Save more by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into one package. Additionally, look out for discounts on attractions and consider free activities in the area. Public transport is also a cost-effective way to navigate the city, making your trip both enjoyable and economical.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organize your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in the Distillery Historic District with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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