The Distillery Historic District Tours and Activities

The Distillery Historic District showing outdoor art, café scenes and outdoor eating
The Distillery Historic District showing heritage architecture, a city and a square or plaza
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 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.

Tours & day trips

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History & culture

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Private & custom tours

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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Adventure & outdoor

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Popular places to visit


Top The Distillery Historic District Hotel & Accommodation 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
The House of Canary

The House of Canary

2 out of 5
425 Front St E, Toronto, ON
The House of Canary
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
Novotel Toronto Centre

Novotel Toronto Centre

3.5 out of 5
45 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON
Novotel Toronto Centre
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
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
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
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Nealon Apartments

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Nealon Apartments

3.5 out of 5
197 King Street East, Toronto, ON
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Nealon Apartments
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

In The Distillery Historic District, immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural scene featuring art galleries, theatre performances, and unique entertainment options. Explore local attractions such as boutiques, artisanal shops, and trendy eateries that showcase the area's rich history and creative spirit. This charming neighbourhood is perfect for those seeking a blend of history and modern-day attractions, making it an ideal spot for unforgettable experiences in Toronto.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit St. Lawrence Market, just 966m away, offering local produce and unique gifts. The CF Toronto Eaton Centre, located 1.6km away, features a variety of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out The Dog Bowl, 4.8km away, for pet supplies and more.

Recreation

Rogers Centre, two miles away, offers an exhilarating sports atmosphere perfect for fans. The Danforth Music Hall, also two miles distant, provides vibrant entertainment with live performances. For a good laugh, Second City, located the same distance, promises family-friendly comedy that will leave you smiling.

Adventure

Explore the Martin Goodman Trail, a scenic hiking route 1.6km from The Distillery Historic District, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For winter sports, head to Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, located 12.9km away, or challenge yourself at True North Climbing, 14.5km away, offering thrilling climbing experiences.

Nightlife

The Distillery Historic District offers a vibrant nightlife scene. Enjoy a show at the Princess of Wales Theatre or the Four Seasons Centre, both exuding culture and romance. For a cinematic experience, head to Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, where entertainment and romance blend seamlessly.

*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 vibrant blend of culture and urban charm, featuring attractions like urban parks, art museums, and modern towers. Visitors can enjoy whiskey distilleries and explore nearby area attractions, making it perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike. With ample opportunities for sightseeing, this historic district promises a memorable experience for all travellers looking to immerse themselves in the local scene.

  • CN Tower: Experience breathtaking views from one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. The CN Tower offers an observation deck that provides a stunning panorama of Toronto's skyline, making it a must-visit for any traveller seeking city vibes.
  • Metro Toronto Convention Centre: This bustling event and conference venue is a hub of activity, showcasing various exhibitions and events. With its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere, it's perfect for those looking to experience the business side of Toronto.
  • University of Toronto - St. George Campus: Wander through this historic campus, rich in culture and stunning architecture. The university's gardens and museums offer a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the academic heart of the city.

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

To save money during your visit to The Distillery Historic District, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Sundays are generally cheaper for stays, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by filtering for cheap deals and special offers. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area, such as wandering the historic streets and enjoying local art installations, to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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 options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To find the most affordable prices and special deals, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might be able to save some dollars by combining your hotel stay in The Distillery Historic District with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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