Walk through the Distillery Historic District
Historic Distillery District in Toronto, featuring cobblestone streets, Victorian-era buildings, and charming atmosphere
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Navigating The Distillery Historic District : Answers to common questions

  • Hours of Operation: The district is open year-round, with business hours varying by individual shops, galleries, and restaurants.
  • Important Information: The Distillery Historic District is a premier cultural and entertainment destination in Toronto, known for its preserved Victorian-era industrial architecture and vibrant arts scene.
  • Washrooms: Public washroom facilities are available within the district.
  • How Long to Visit: Visitors typically spend a few hours exploring the shops, galleries, and eateries, or attending events and performances.
  • Admission Fee: No admission fee to enter the district, but individual attractions and events may have their own fees.
  • Parking: Public parking is available in and around the district. However, due to its popularity, public transportation or walking is often recommended.
  • Family Friendly: The area is family-friendly, offering various attractions, shops, and events that cater to all ages.
  • Photography: Photography is encouraged in this picturesque district, known for its unique Victorian industrial architecture.
  • WIFI: WIFI availability may vary among different businesses within the district.
  • Picnic Area: No designated picnic areas within the district, but its open public spaces allow for casual outdoor dining.
  • Handicap Accessible: The district is largely accessible, with flat cobblestone streets and accessible establishments, but some older buildings may have limitations.
  • Pets: Pets are welcome in outdoor areas, but individual business policies on pets inside may vary.
  • Guided Tours: Guided tours are available, providing historical insights into the district's past as a major distillery and its transformation into a vibrant cultural hub.
  • Restaurant or Cafe: Numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars are located throughout the district, offering a range of dining options.
  • Gift Shop: Various shops and boutiques in the district offer a range of products, from art and souvenirs to artisanal foods and beverages.

    Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.

    Located in the heart of Toronto, the Distillery District is a remarkable example of inner-city rejuvenation.

    Today the Distillery District is full of vibrancy with all its special events with the historic buildings of the Gooderham and Warts distillery having been re-purposed.

    Now it’s filled with artists studios, cafes, restaurants along with numerous local shops. In order to maintain the developer’s vision, the project has banned large chains from leasing any of the historic properties.

    Dating back as far as 1859 the district includes more than 40 historic buildings most of which are protected under the Province of Ontario heritage act.

    It is the largest remaining site of Victorian era buildings in North America.

    More in our list of Things To Do In Toronto

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    Downtown Toronto Current Weather

    Local Temp: 12.3℃ / 54.1℉

    High: 13.6℃ / 56.5℉

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    Humidity: 96 %

    Map for The Distillery Historic District

    Did You Know?

    The area's unique combination of historical ambiance and modern innovation makes it a popular location for film and television productions. Its cobblestone streets and distinctive architecture have provided the setting for numerous movies and shows, adding to the Distillery District's appeal as a place where Toronto's past and present converge.

    Throughout the year, the Distillery District hosts a variety of events and festivals that celebrate arts, culture, food, and history. One of the most notable is the Toronto Christmas Market, which transforms the area into a magical holiday wonderland, attracting visitors from all over the city and beyond.

    The Distillery District is also a culinary destination, offering an array of dining options that range from casual cafes and bakeries to fine dining restaurants. Many of these establishments feature patios that are perfect for enjoying the district's lively atmosphere, especially during the warmer months.

    This pedestrian-only village is renowned for its wide variety of arts, culture, and entertainment. It's home to numerous art galleries, design studios, artisan shops, and performance spaces, making it a haven for artists and creative minds.

    The Distillery District is set within beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings that once housed the Gooderham and Worts Distillery, one of the largest distilleries in the world during the 19th century. Today, these heritage buildings serve as a backdrop to the area's bustling artistic and cultural scene.

    Travel Information for
    Toronto Visitors

    Time Zone: Toronto operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-5).

    Weather: Toronto experiences a continental climate with a wide range of weather. Summers are typically warm and humid, with average temperatures around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters can be cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, averaging -1 to -6 degrees Celsius (30 to 21 degrees Fahrenheit). Spring and autumn are generally mild.

    Population: Toronto has a population of over 2.9 million people, making it the largest city in Canada and the fourth largest in North America.

    Size: Toronto covers an area of approximately 630 square kilometers (243 square miles), making it one of the largest cities in North America by land area.

    Language: English is the primary language spoken in Toronto. However, due to its multicultural population, the city is home to speakers of over 160 languages.

    Currency: The currency used is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always handy to have some cash for small purchases.

    Safety: Toronto is generally considered safe for tourists. It's advisable to take standard safety precautions, especially in less familiar areas and during night time.

    Tipping: In Toronto, tipping is customary. A tip of 15-20% on the total bill before tax is standard in restaurants. It's also common to tip for services like haircuts, taxi rides, and hotel housekeeping.

    Electricity and Plugs: Canada uses Type A and Type B plugs, and the standard voltage is 120 V with a standard frequency of 60 Hz. Visitors from countries with different standards will need adapters.

    Water: Tap water in Toronto is safe to drink and is held to high quality standards.

    Verified & Trusted Contact Information for The Distillery Historic District

    Address:

    55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

    Website: www.thedistillerydistrict.com/

    Latitude: 43.6503

    Longitude: -79.3596

    More Places and Things To Do in Toronto Within 500 km/300 mi of The Distillery Historic District

    The St. Lawrence Market


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to The St. Lawrence Market is 1 KM / 0.6 MI

    The Hockey Hall of Fame


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to The Hockey Hall of Fame is 1.5 KM / 0.9 MI

    Massey Hall


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Massey Hall is 1.6 KM / 1 MI

    Allan Gardens Conservatory


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Allan Gardens Conservatory is 1.7 KM / 1.1 MI

    Toronto Eaton Centre


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Toronto Eaton Centre is 1.8 KM / 1.1 MI

    The Toronto City Hall


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to The Toronto City Hall is 2 KM / 1.2 MI

    Toronto Comedy Clubs


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Toronto Comedy Clubs is 2.1 KM / 1.3 MI

    Explore the Osgoode Hall


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Explore the Osgoode Hall is 2.1 KM / 1.3 MI

    See a performance at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to See a performance at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts is 2.1 KM / 1.3 MI

    Royal Alexandra Theatre


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Royal Alexandra Theatre is 2.3 KM / 1.4 MI

    Ripley's Aquarium of Canada


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is 2.3 KM / 1.4 MI

    The Toronto Railway Museum


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to The Toronto Railway Museum is 2.3 KM / 1.4 MI

    The CN Tower


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to The CN Tower is 2.4 KM / 1.5 MI

    High Park


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to High Park is 2.5 KM / 1.6 MI

    The Entertainment District


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to The Entertainment District is 2.5 KM / 1.6 MI

    TIFF Bell Lightbox


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to TIFF Bell Lightbox is 2.5 KM / 1.6 MI

    Rogers Centre


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Rogers Centre is 2.6 KM / 1.6 MI

    The Art Gallery of Ontario


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to The Art Gallery of Ontario is 2.7 KM / 1.7 MI

    Queen West Art and Design District


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Queen West Art and Design District is 3 KM / 1.9 MI

    Chinatown


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Chinatown is 3.1 KM / 1.9 MI

    Toronto Music Garden


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Toronto Music Garden is 3.3 KM / 2 MI

    Explore the Graffiti Alley


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Explore the Graffiti Alley is 3.3 KM / 2.1 MI

    Explore the Gardiner Museum


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Explore the Gardiner Museum is 3.4 KM / 2.1 MI

    The Royal Ontario Museum


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to The Royal Ontario Museum is 3.4 KM / 2.1 MI

    The Kensington Market


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to The Kensington Market is 3.5 KM / 2.2 MI

    Toronto Islands


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Toronto Islands is 3.7 KM / 2.3 MI

    Fort York National Historic Site


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Fort York National Historic Site is 3.7 KM / 2.3 MI

    Bata Shoe Museum


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Bata Shoe Museum is 3.8 KM / 2.3 MI

    Casa Loma


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Casa Loma is 5.1 KM / 3.1 MI

    See the Exhibition Place


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to See the Exhibition Place is 5.1 KM / 3.2 MI

    Ontario Science Centre


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Ontario Science Centre is 7.5 KM / 4.7 MI

    Aga Khan Museum


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Aga Khan Museum is 8.6 KM / 5.4 MI

    The Scarborough Bluffs


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to The Scarborough Bluffs is 12.1 KM / 7.5 MI

    Black Creek Pioneer Village


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Black Creek Pioneer Village is 18.6 KM / 11.6 MI

    Toronto Zoo


    The Distance from The Distillery Historic District to Toronto Zoo is 23.7 KM / 14.7 MI