Distillery District
The Distillery District is a popular Toronto destination featuring a variety of boutique shops and restaurants in a historic setting
The brick-lined streets of the carefully restored Distillery Historic District are limited to pedestrian traffic making it an ideal place to relax and explore on foot. Numerous outdoor patios and restaurants create a interesting vibrant experience. You wont find any franchise stores here! The film industry has used this location for filming many popular movies.
This was the original site of the Gooderham and Worts Distillery - the largest distillery in the world by the 1860s. The de-industrialization of neighbouring areas finally resulted in shutting down all remaining distillery operations by 1990. In 2001, the rundown Distillery District, was reclaimed and transformed into a historical district with a unique collection of boutiques, art galleries, coffeehouses, restaurants and more. It also became the home to two theatre companies; the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Soulpepper Theatre Company and the George Brown College School Of Performing Arts. This reclamation project has preserved the largest collection of Victorian industrial buildings in North America.
The Historic Distillery District hosts the popular Toronto Christmas Market each year from mid November through mid December. It's one of the top rated Christmas Markets in the world — definitely worth a visit if you are in Toronto during that time.
The unique atmosphere and lighting at nighttime make this an ideal place to enjoy a date or romantic evening out.
The Distillery District is easy to get to by a combination of the TTC Subway and Streetcar or Bus. See the map and directions or use our instant route-finder below.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoDistillery District Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Address: 55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada
Phone: (416) 364-1177
Official Website: Distillery District
Distillery District Reviews
Rated
out of 5 When we arrived, it was around 10:30 in the morning, and there weren’t many people. Parking was convenient in the underground garage here, at about $2.50 for half an hour. I even came back to pay for additional parking time later.
I’ve worked on upgrading and transforming cultural industries, turning old factory sites into nostalgic attractions. These spaces are revitalized, bringing new life to old places and creating timeless memories for people.
So far, the transformation of old factories in Germany and New York’s High Line Park have been the most inspiring examples to me.
Here, from a design perspective, it’s quite well done. The architecture is organically integrated, with a nice balance between separation and connection. The sense of scale is also very well considered.
I’m not familiar with how the brewery originally looked, but the way beer culture is expressed here feels quite understated. There’s little evidence of the brewery’s history.
I heard there’s a light show in the evening, which is a great idea. That’s why they charge an entry fee at night.
Christmas is coming, and the shops are filled with Christmas-themed merchandise.
The commercial operation feels a bit monotonous, but as long as it makes money, everyone benefits.
Vince Chen - a week ago
This is my second year coming to this Distillery. If you want to avoid line ups come before 4 pm so you are not paying for a $15 entrance fee. The shops in here are trendy unique very different forms of art. There are many choices for food, vendors with sausages, poutines, sweets, plenty eatery’s inside, restaurants. There are warming areas to sit to have hot chocolate or even an alcoholic beverage. If you are looking for unique gifts this is the place to come and check out! I highly recommend you look around to make the right choice, there are many shops so do look around for things prices vary everywhere. The shops are just all unique. The Dior Christmas tree is just beautiful and such a picturesque photo! There are many places throughout to capture beautiful photos of yourself or with the family!
Katarina Petrinec - a week ago
I went to Saturday around 11am. There was no lineup. And it was not as much cloud as usual even on the weekend. Maybe it was still November that's why? Before there were more food stands but I think this year was less. The tree was gorgeous.
Miho Hashida - a week ago
Finally got there for the Winter Market. It was still very busy on Monday. We decided to go on Monday so we didn't have to wait to get in and it's free. On Monday to Thursday, entry is free, which is great. There were a lot of food vendors and shops open. I do recommend taking street cars down if you live in Toronto cause there is no parking. We spend about an hour and a half there. It was a decent amount of time for hot chocolate and a rice crispy square. Didn't try anything else because the lines were too long. We will definitely go back before the lights are taken down. I.would.like to go during the day to see what the vibes are.
Jnarrs Narrs - a week ago
A popular spot recommended by locals! Unfortunately, the Christmas tree wasn’t lit when I visited, but I’m sure it would be stunning when it is. 🎄
I suggest spending more time here to stroll through the crowd and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. ❤️
They offer paid photo services, unique shops, and super cool warming fire pits that both kids and adults will love! 🤣 Definitely worth a visit!
A message from a visitor from Taiwan.🇹🇼
Jamie Chan (米兒) - 2 weeks ago
Directions
TTC Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
Yonge-University-Spadina | King or St. Andrew Station | 1 Minute |
Bloor-Danforth | Castle Frank Station | 3 Minutes |
How to get to Distillery District by TTC Subway
From King or St. Andrew Station on the Yonge-University-Spadina Line take the #514 Cherry streetcar east to Distillery Loop located next to the east entrance.
From Castle Frank Station on the Bloor-Danforth Line take the #65 Parliament bus south to Parliament at Front Street. The entrance is just over 1 block farther south on your left.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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