Toronto Distillery District
In 2003 a small group of developers opened the Distillery District, not just a historic district but a unique place that would inspire and excite the senses of all visitors. It would be a place where creativity abounds with new foods, ideas, art, and designs. The visionaries set forth to authentically restore some 47 derelict Victorian industrial buildings and transformed them into one of Toronto’s top arts, entertainment, and cultural hot spots.
The Distillery District is Toronto’s historic pedestrian-only cobble-stoned village and is home to over 80 one-of-a-kind boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Dedicated entirely to entertainment, the arts, and culture, the District also attracts many visitors to its impressive and eclectic art galleries. In 1990 The Distillery became the number one filming location in Canada ( more than 1700 movies have been filmed there).
The history of the Distillery District brings a whole new layer of interest to one of Canada’s top tourist attractions. The Story starts in 1803 when James Worts and his brother-in-law William Gooderham came to Canada and opened a grain mill. Within two years, Mrs. Worts died in childbirth, and Mr. Worts ended his life, but Mr. Goodham continued the business with Wort’s eldest son. A distillery was added to the mill in 1837 and produced the first spirit- whiskey. At the time, Toronto did not have adequate water treatment, and residents often became ill from drinking the city water. Residents took to drinking the distilled whiskey as a cleaner drinking option which increased sales for the Distillery.
By 1850 business was thriving, so Gooderham and Worts added storage facilities, a wharf, an icehouse, a dairy, and a copper shop for making barrels. Gooderham and Worts were shipping millions of gallons of spirits across Canada and throughout North and South America. In 1871 they became the largest Distillery in the world. With World War I, and Prohibition spirit production ceased, and Gooderham’s son was forced to sell the failing business to Harry C. Hatch renaming the company to Hiram Walker & Sons. Gooderham and Worts no longer produced whiskey but continued producing rum until 1990, when the Distillery closed. The Distillery was an integral part of early Toronto manufacturing for one-hundred and fifty-three years.
In 1988 it was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. The village consisted of a series of heritage buildings centered around a prominent seven-story windmill and wharf. The wharf and windmill were demolished long ago. Still, many original buildings remain including, a
Stone Distillery, Boilerhouse, Yeast Store, Malt House, Paint House, Office, Carpenter’s Shop, Tank House, and more. These historic buildings are authentically restored with an added bit of modern flair.
With over 40 fabulous unique, distinct and funky shops, visitors are sure to find fantastic one-of-a-kind treasures. Guests are tempted with a vast variety of shops such as Yummi Candles, Spirit of York Distillery, Soma Chocolate Maker, Sniffany & Co (for the discerning dogs), Floorplay Socks, Izumi Sake Brewery, and Blackbird Vintage Finds. Find some of the most sought-after fashions at Crimson & Clover, Hoi Bo, Gotstyle, The Sport Gallery, Gentil Uomo, and Johns Fluevog.
No trip to the Distillery District would be complete without sampling some of the mouth-watering culinary delights featured in the quaint cobblestone village. There is always time for a shopping break at Avro Coffee or Balzac’s Coffee Roasters or a fresh-baked treat from The Brick Street Bakery or the Sweet Escape Patisserie. If some of the more lively spirits are calling, head to Madrina Bar Y Tapas, Boku Japanese Eats and Drinks, Mill Street Brew Pub, or Pure Spirits Oyster House. For an irresistible feast, visit District Pizza, Archeo, El Catrin Destileria, or Wildly Delicious.
The Distillery is home to internationally recognized art galleries such as the Thompson Landry Gallery, the Corkin Gallery, Beachamp Art Gallery, the Canadian Sculpture Society, Dish Studio and Gallery, Mehoi, and Lilith’s Garden. Captivating art installations fill the streets drawing in crowds and make a great photo opportunity. Live performances take place at the Soulpepper Theatre, the Young Centre, and Dancemakers.
In the winter, the village is transformed into an old-fashioned marketplace known as the Toronto Christmas Market and sparkles with the fantastic Toronto Light Festival. The light festival exhibits international and local light artists, and a highlight of the festival is a spectacular walk through the light tunnel. The Victorian era comes alive with Christmas Market vendor stalls, carolers, elves, and even a picture with Santa. The Market runs annually from mid-November until just before Christmas, Tuesdays through Sundays.
For those who would like to dive deeper into the history of the Distillery District, it is worth the time to do a guided walking tour. Costumed interpreters take guests back in time with detailed history and stories of Toronto, then known as York, and they give a detailed history of the Distillery and its founders. And for those who love a good ghost story, there is even a top-rated evening ghost tour of the quaint village, which is said to be haunted.
The Distillery District is a perfectly preserved Victorian-era village where visitors are treated to great food, art, history, and entertainment! It is a truly unique Toronto landmark destination.
Check out the Toronto Art Gallery of Ontario which is in Toronto ON too.
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