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Distillery District, Toronto

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Historical site
—°18
Distillery District, Toronto (Canada)

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The Distillery District in Toronto is one of the most remarkably preserved collections of Victorian industrial architecture in North America. It was once the site of the Gooderham and Worts Distillery, founded in 1832, which grew to become the largest distillery in the world by the late 19th century. The complex features over 40 historic red-brick buildings connected by cobblestone pedestrian streets. Throughout its history, the distillery adapted to changes during prohibition and the world wars before operations finally ceased in 1990. Following an extensive redevelopment project, the district reopened in 2003 as a premier cultural and entertainment hub. Today, it is home to numerous art galleries, design studios, boutiques, and award-winning restaurants, as well as the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. The preservation of this site is a prime example of successful adaptive reuse of industrial heritage. The car-free neighborhood attracts millions of visitors annually and serves as a frequent backdrop for film productions.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-3-31611182222181251
Rain mm544953717371755966746663

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Distillery District in Toronto is a publicly accessible historic district with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Most buildings can be seen from outside, some interiors are open as retail spaces.
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Typical hours
The district is essentially open anytime, shops typically open from 10:00 to 18:00, restaurants longer. Hours may differ on holidays.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the Distillery District, the Victorian brick façades are very photogenic. In some galleries and shops, photography may be restricted.
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Time needed
A relaxed stroll through the entire district takes about 1 to 2 hours, including visits to a few shops. Those who want to thoroughly enjoy the art galleries should allow 3 hours.
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Combine with
The Distillery District is located near downtown and can be combined with a visit to the CN Tower or Toronto Harbourfront. St. Lawrence Market is also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The district is accessible by streetcar (line 504) or on foot from Union Station. Parking is available nearby but expensive - public transport is recommended.
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Insider tip
Visit the district on a weekend when craft markets and live music often take place. Be sure to taste the famous whisky at one of the distilleries offering tours.

Geography

Coordinates
43.65000, -79.35900

Facts

  • The distillery was founded in 1832 by James Worts and William Gooderham.
  • In 1871, the plant produced over 2 million gallons of whisky annually.
  • The district consists of 44 buildings spread across 13 acres.
  • The official reopening as a cultural district occurred in May 2003.
  • Over 800 film and TV productions have been shot here since 1990.
  • The site was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1988.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Prince Edward ViaductPrince Edward Viaduct<1 km · EExplore →
Gooderham BuildingGooderham Building1 km · SExplore →
Ripley's Aquarium of CanadaRipley's Aquarium of Canada3 km · SExplore →
Ontario Science CentreOntario Science Centre3 km · NExplore →
Toronto Financial DistrictToronto Financial District5 km · SExplore →
Casa Loma (History)Casa Loma (History)6 km · SExplore →
Richmond HillRichmond Hill10 km · SEExplore →
MarkhamMarkham11 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Distillery District, Toronto (18)

Toronto Harbour Light📍 landmark

The Toronto Harbour Light is a 19-metre lighthouse marking the eastern entrance to Toronto Harbour on Lake Ontario.

Outer Harbour📍 landmark

The outer harbour of Toronto, with marinas and ferry terminals.

Bayside Gallery🏛 museum

Art gallery on the Lake Ontario waterfront in Toronto.

🕒 24/7🆓

Young Centre for the Performing Arts🎭 culture

Young Centre for the Performing Arts is a theatre in the Distillery District of Toronto.

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Canadian Stage🎭 culture

A leading theatre company in Toronto, performing at the Bluma Appel Theatre.

♿

Mimi Hernndorf Studio Theatre🎭 culture

A studio theatre in Toronto's cultural district, named after a noted patron.

Queen Gallery🏛 museum

Gallery on Queen Street West in Toronto, specializing in local artists.

The Lost & Found🏛 museum

Museum of lost and found objects in Toronto.

Turning Basin📍 landmark

A turning basin for ships in Toronto's inner harbour.

Bayview Beach🎡 recreation

Beach along Bayview Avenue in Toronto, artificially created.

Wards Island Beach🎡 recreation

A sandy beach on Wards Island in Lake Ontario, part of the Toronto Islands.

Tommy Thompson Park🌿 nature

Tommy Thompson Park is a nature reserve on a man-made peninsula in Toronto, created from construction rubble.

🕒 Mo-Fr off; Sa-Su 09:00-18:00; PH 09:00-18:00

Cherry Beach🎡 recreation

Cherry Beach is a sandy public beach on Lake Ontario in Toronto, popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Macedonian Bulgarian Orthodox⛪ religious

A Macedonian Bulgarian Orthodox church in Toronto, serving the Slavic community.

Underpass Park🌳 park

A park built under the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto's West Don Lands.

Corktown Common🌳 park

Corktown Common is a park in Toronto's Corktown neighborhood, built on a former industrial site.

Regent Park Athletic Grounds🌳 park

A sports field complex in Toronto's Regent Park neighbourhood.

St. Barthomew⛪ religious

St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church in Toronto's Regent Park area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Distillery District?
A historic area in Toronto featuring the world's best-preserved Victorian industrial architecture.
Is there an admission fee for the district?
No, walking around the district's streets is free for everyone.
Are cars allowed inside?
No, it is a strictly pedestrian-only zone with cobblestone streets.
When does the Christmas Market happen?
Typically from mid-November until the end of December.
Is there good shopping?
Yes, there are many independent galleries, boutiques, and artisan shops.
Distillery District, Toronto: where is it located?
Distillery District, Toronto is located in Canada.
Distillery District, Toronto: what is there to see?
Highlights include Toronto Harbour Light, Outer Harbour, Bayside Gallery.
Distillery District, Toronto: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Distillery District, Toronto: why is it worth visiting?
The Distillery District in Toronto is one of the most remarkably preserved collections of Victorian industrial architecture in North America.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
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History & landmarks

Stratford — Distillery District, Toronto (Canada)
Stratford
Stratford is renowned for its annual classical theatre festival and well-preserved Victorian architecture along the Avon River.
Toronto City Hall — Distillery District, Toronto (Canada)
Toronto City Hall
A distinctive modernist building located at Nathan Phillips Square.