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    The Distillery District

    4.1 (269 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

    The Distillery District Photos

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    Neha S.

    Walking around distillery district was so fun, and the weather was amazing to stroll around. We even got to see a free live music performance, and the vibes were immaculate because everyone was gathered around at all the open air restaurants and bars that had TVs going for the soccer matches, so we stood around and watched the games and got to react with everyone in live time.

    Exterior - "Love" (09/02/25). @DistilleryTO @Destination_Toronto #Art #Brewery #Restaurants #Shopping
    Jeff B.

    (Visited 09/02/2025 TU @ 8:30pm): Distillery may have been its history, but this open-air district has become more than that! After I imbibed at Old Flame Brewing Co., I explored The Distillery Historic District where it was located for a leisurely first evening in Toronto. Over 20 years ago, a small group of visionary developers looked at a derelict collection of Victorian Industrial buildings that had been pronounced a national historic site and imagined transforming it. They wanted to create a place that would excite and inspire the senses. Where people could experience new ideas, new foods, new designs and new ways of living and working. The vision was to combine the romance and relaxing atmosphere of European walking and patio districts with the hip, cool dynamic of an area like New York City's SoHo or Chelsea, where creative minds got together and you felt as if anything could happen. Their dream was to provide a place where artists, artisans, entrepreneurs and businesspeople could rub shoulders and inspire each other. So, they began plans to restore the 47 buildings known as the Gooderham & Worts Distillery. They went to great lengths in the restoration process to repurpose original materials and brilliantly blend them with today's modern materials and green technologies. One could only marvel at the authentic exterior restoration that was achieved. But it was when you stepped inside the buildings that you truly realized the magnitude of what was accomplished. What you found was a dramatic fusion of old and new. An inspired blend of Victorian Industrial architecture and stunning 21st century design and creativity. The result was an internationally acclaimed village of one-of-a-kind stores, shops, galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, theatres and more. The Distillery Historic District opened in 2003 and today is widely regarded as Canada's premier arts, culture and entertainment destination. A place brimming with creativity and creative people, that could inspire dreams, and a place that could help them come true. Was history on my side to revisit this district that actually had a distillery shop onsite that I missed!? PURCHASE(S) (N/A): I spent some money at Old Flame Brewing Co. (read my review of that) but nowhere else, and certainly nothing directly with the facility itself. Of course, you had ample opportunity to spend your money with other businesses or onsite parking, or simply nothing at all as you just hung out. EXPERIENCE I lazily walked throughout the premises as I checked out the storefronts of mostly closed businesses for the night, people-watched, but mainly admired several art displays https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=1tmuPlZ1LXRKNJC6ViM-vw and enjoyed the nice cool evening weather. SERVICE Besides the employees who worked inside the various businesses and possibly a guard who managed the parking lots, there were no other services available. At this time of night, I didn't see any cleaning crew or security staff - "nuff said. PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance): It was a flat 15-minute walk from my Airbnb. Otherwise, there were both onsite and offsite lots, numerous public transportation options, and rideshares - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A large outdoor area filled with 19th-Century buildings repaired and repurposed to house new businesses https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=fGw7y2G0RTwKqQnQ6VEynA with walking paths https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=xf2flq93fGxjt4L2oJAhmw and open sections for gatherings and live entertainment, and a decent amount of places to sit. Plenty of natural lighting since you were completely outside while a ton of various electric lights and those along the street filled in the rest. There were no TVs on the exterior while the only background noise were the sounds of passing vehicles and the chatter of patrons. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=oF-rbwyZqdtP9nryC8CVRA ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL The Distillery Historic District was very cool, and I would gladly visit it again the next time I was in Toronto. There were so many things to try and take part in given a full day. There were enough varied businesses to spread the money around... or simply just chill. And, I always loved supporting small businesses and efforts whenever possible. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $0.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, many of businesses accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS

    Sonia M.

    Came across the whisky fest and we were thrilled to do the $1 per shot whisky tasting. There were a lot of booths to try and servers were great and chatty. The distillery itself looks super cool with lots of shops and restaurants.

    Eli K.

    I visited the Distillery Winter Village recently, and it's honestly one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit! The whole place feels magical with all the lights, decorations, and festive vibes. What I really enjoyed: * The ambiance is amazing--historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and everything lit up like a winter wonderland. It's so cozy and perfect for photos. * The food and drinks were a highlight. I tried the mulled wine (so good!) and some holiday treats. There's also plenty of hot chocolate and other warm drinks if that's more your thing. * The little shops and stalls are great if you're looking for unique gifts or handmade items. It's like a mini European Christmas market. Things to keep in mind: It does get busy, especially on weekends, so try to go on a weekday or earlier in the evening if you can. Overall, it's such a fun experience, whether you're out with friends, family, or even just wandering around on your own. Definitely worth checking out if you want to feel like you're walking through a holiday movie set!

    Purpose T.

    *post same review to other distillery page* This place was cute and extremely quite, which lets me know I went at the wrong time. It was the opposite of everything I was told - vibrant and bustling. So, that's on me for going during the day (early afternoon) versus evening/night time. It was like a ghost town when I arrived, almost eerie but peaceful at the same time, if that makes sense. Shops and stores were open, but they looked closed. I loved the artsy vibe and actual art scattered throughout the walkways. I can imagine how the area would come alive with more people and activities, etc. Next time I am in Toronto, it's at the top of my list to go back!!! And of course, update my review.

    Kit T.

    Such a cute place ! I wish the season was warmer so the stores can open. Had a great time exploring the businesses

    Distillery district
    Rawdon T.

    The distillery district was quite an experience when we showed up. They had a live band on stage and tons of people walking around. Inside of the area they are many bars/restaurants serving anything from gelato to cookies to Pizza even Mexican food. There are so many choices of places to choose from and even some places to do some shopping. The area was very refreshing to visit and I had a great time.

    Hasan K.

    English Stepping into Toronto's Distillery Historic District is like entering a different world, one where the cobblestone streets and meticulously restored Victorian-era buildings tell a story of a bygone era. Located just a short distance from the bustling downtown core, this pedestrian-only village offers a captivating blend of rich history and modern creativity that makes it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. You won't find any generic chain stores here; instead, the area is a vibrant hub of over 80 independent boutiques, unique shops, art galleries, and a fantastic array of restaurants and cafes. It's a place designed for leisurely exploration, where every turn reveals a new gem, whether it's a craft brewery, a handmade jewellery studio, or a gallery showcasing local artists. The culinary scene is a standout feature. From the festive atmosphere and authentic Mexican food at El Catrin to the classic pub fare at Mill Street Brewpub, there's a flavor for every palate. For those with a sweet tooth, a stop at Soma Chocolatemaker is a non-negotiable part of the experience. The district also hosts a variety of events year-round, most notably the enchanting Toronto Christmas Market (now known as the Distillery Winter Village), which transforms the entire area into a magical holiday wonderland. French / Français Pénétrer dans le quartier historique de la distillerie de Toronto, c'est pénétrer dans un autre monde, où les rues pavées et les bâtiments victoriens méticuleusement restaurés racontent l'histoire d'une époque révolue. Situé à deux pas du centre-ville animé, ce village piétonnier offre un mélange captivant de riche histoire et de créativité moderne, ce qui en fait une destination incontournable pour les résidents comme pour les touristes. Vous n'y trouverez pas de chaînes de magasins génériques ; le quartier est un pôle dynamique de plus de 80 boutiques indépendantes, des boutiques uniques, des galeries d'art et un éventail fantastique de restaurants et de cafés. C'est un lieu conçu pour une exploration tranquille, où chaque recoin révèle un nouveau trésor, qu'il s'agisse d'une brasserie artisanale, d'un atelier de joaillerie artisanale ou d'une galerie présentant des artistes locaux. La scène culinaire est remarquable. De l'ambiance festive et de la cuisine mexicaine authentique d'El Catrin aux classiques du pub Mill Street Brewpub, il y en a pour tous les goûts. Pour les gourmands, une halte chez Soma Chocolatemaker est un incontournable. Le quartier accueille également de nombreux événements tout au long de l'année, notamment le ravissant Marché de Noël de Toronto (aujourd'hui connu sous le nom de Distillery Winter Village), qui transforme tout le quartier en un écrin de magie pour les fêtes.

    Lim T.

    Are yGreat place to visit before Christmas! Very festive with beautiful Chroutdoor Christmsdecorations. I always love visiting here just before Christmas We came here on lastFriday night. Itwhichwas busy but not too overly crowded except for the long lineup to buyJelly cats stuffy. I think here is an admission fee but it's free if you made reservations at one of the restaurant. We went to Pure Spirits which I would highly recommend booking this placplace as there is agood selection of pub foodlike burger and fish & chips and pastaand excellent service! I'll write my review soon but just wanted to mention as it can could be hard to decide on whichrestaurant to go to annd I was very happy that Ithat I picked this one as my group of 5group of 5 allreally enjoyed the food and the ovrralloverall experience.you reallycan't go wrong with Pure Dpiritsand easy to book on Open Table. Therestaurant The restaurant is quite bookedboked as there wasn't too muchmanytimes available I wantedbleIwanted 6pm for dinner snd but Thebest time I gotwasable to get was3:30pm which wastoo early soI called the restaurant and they were v very helpful to adjust my time to3:45pto3:45pmwhich worked out really well as we finished finner stound 6pm and then westrolled through the market to take photos and hadandhad churro and pie atSweetie atSweetiePie shop for dessert. It was a nice way to finish off the evening so be sure to have thcaramel clchurrobefore you leave! It was a perfect evening accept that it was really cold so be sure to dress warmly!

    Robert S.

    This is a fun, historical area of Toronto that houses many shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and more. We stopped at one of the bars, got a few beers and something to eat. There were so many choices, it's really meant to cater many different tastes and likes. Most of the places to eat or drink have patios, which is a great advantage during the warm summer nights in Toronto. While we were walking around we saw a Country Music festival going on...with people doing line dancing while others were just enjoying open air concerts. Great place to stroll around.

    Caitlin P.

    If you're in Toronto this is a must! Plenty of unique stores and cafes! We visited during the winter so definitely dress warm as you have to walk outside but it's worth it. Some of our favorite stores include: Black bird vintage finds, The sport gallery, wildly delicious. We went earlier in the day but in the evenings they had a seasonal pop up "apres ski" event!

    Orquidea R.

    Very historic and charming place to visit in Downtown. Lots of art and shops to visit and during the summer you can even have performances out. Don't go on a time crunch because you definitely would want to stay around to see and explore it all.

    Wynne L.

    I don't get to come down here often, so I really enjoy it when I do. I've been here to have brunch, walk around, and attend events like the Christmas Market (Winter Village). I've always taken the TTC to avoid the hassle of finding parking. I'm not sure how many parking spots there are there or around the area, but I've heard that when there's an event, parking is very hard to find. Part of the charm of the distillery district is the old-world feel of the buildings. It's such a contrast to the rest of the city, with all the concrete and glass skyscrapers. Beware of the cobblestone streets when it rains. There are a lot of puddles!

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    One of best Holiday destinations and great experience with great ambiance and food for everyone

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    The Distillery District Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - The Distillery District

    Checked out the Christmas market and I loved how they set up little shops through the district.

    Mentioned in 31 reviews

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    Jesus Guy at Dundas Square - Portrait of Sarko

    Jesus Guy at Dundas Square

    4.5(84 reviews)
    1.9 kmRyerson, Downtown Core

    Use to greet me on my way to write my exams when I was in university…read more The only one who believed in me.

    I kept thinking about him for the past years. And the Lord has brought him in my sight. May the…read moreLord bless him and reward him in heaven for all the sacrifice he has done for the past 30 years of his life by compelling the people to Believe in the Lord that they might be saved. I have seen him during my early years of life as I went to college and then for work and every time I would go to dundas square on my lunches he would be there loudly saying: "Repent, the kingdom of Heaven is near, BELIEVEEEEE in THE LORD!! All these years after being married and a mother of 3 I told my children about him. And last week like never before, after a decade of not seeing him I had a chance to see him again. We shook hands and a sweet mutual conversation sprung up, even though he was struggling to talk because of old age and me barely hearing his responses, but his smile brought so much joy. You could see he was really a happy man, he was a man with joy in his heart that couldn't be expressed into words. Due to his advanced age he was feeble & weak but content, happy & believing in the One he was preaching. What a blessing he has been for many, even if many don't notice that, even if some from the crowds out there were mocking him or counting him as crazy; for him his reward in the world to come which is the eternal heaven is gonna be far greater, he will be crowned with future glory and honor for the work he has done here on earth and he will receive his great reward from God as God's faithful follower and servant of Jesus Christ! All his beautiful mission unapproved my many, startled by others, everything was accomplished for one reason: to awaken the city to the true reality of God and His existence, and His kingdom and for those that rejected his pamphlets which were meant to be taken to read and BELIEVEEE IN the message of salvation and KNOW ABOUT the suffering & the eternal wrath of God that will soon come upon all the unsaved, woe to them that have rejected and mocked the plan of salvation through faith in Jesus and the multitudes that still reject it up to this day. His voice will echo throughout the generations that follow. May God raise up people like him. I asked him how long he's been preaching out at dundas Sq. and he said for over 28 years. I was left in tears for he has told me that he stopped going there because he has been badly attacked by someone. He is so weak now he can't defend himself, he is dragging his feet behind him. He was so happy to see me yesterday also. We shook hands again and had a small conversation. I said to myself that, I will surely prepare him a warm meal and give it to him next time I see him.

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    Jesus Guy at Dundas Square - :)

    :)

    Jesus Guy at Dundas Square - Sarko at his usual place

    Sarko at his usual place

    Jesus Guy at Dundas Square - Mr Jesus himself

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    Mr Jesus himself

    Philosopher's Walk - bloor street side entrance

    Philosopher's Walk

    4.3(8 reviews)
    3.4 kmUniversity of Toronto, Downtown Core

    green space in Toronto is always important space, even more so when you are downtown, or in the…read moredowntown area, its nice to have a piece of land, where you can just disconnect from it all, this piece of space is perfect for this. its far from perfect as it is completely covered on the borders with buildings both old and new, but i feel like this is a necessary green space for Toronto, right in-between one of Canada's busiest museums and arguably one of Canada's busiest universities, this green space is almost always empty of people and full of animals just going around doing animal things. transit options is the st. George station directly, the 26 dupont bus with a bit of a walk on the northern end of the park, and the 94A wellesley to the southern end of the park. come here and just disconnect.

    A tiny little escape, a windy path with trees and benches, holding together all the diverse needs…read moreand purposes of the city, there are students from the university, folks who just left a spectacular museum experience and are full of art in their eyes, office workers who are choosing the green path instead of the straightest one, people walking dogs and watching squirrels and reading books. It's small but the idea of declaring a green space in the midst of the city to be a Philosopher's Walk kind of makes us all philosophers when we go there and speaks to the whimsy and thoughtfulness of the residents of this city.

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    Philosopher's Walk
    Philosopher's Walk
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    The Distillery District - localflavor - Updated September 2026

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