Distillery Historic District
Distillery Historic District
4.5
About
The Distillery District is an internationally acclaimed village of brick-lined streets and dozens of vibrantly restored Victorian Industrial buildings. It’s one of Ontario’s hottest tourist attractions and home to live theatres, galleries, fashion, design and jewelry boutiques, unique cafes and award-winning restaurants. It’s all completely closed to traffic and just a few minutes walk from downtown Toronto.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Distillery Historic District
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown
At the heart of Toronto, Downtown is the destination for cheap eats and fast fashion. Cut through by hip and trendy Yonge Street, the vibe here is young, with a strong student influence from the Ryerson University Campus. As a result, the Downtown area is always in flux: undergoing the construction of new facilities, with fresh retail spaces and pop-up cafes. Home to Toronto's largest indoor shopping mall, a number of vintage cinemas, and a healthy nightlife centered on the area's Distillery District bar and clubs near the East End, it's both an easygoing daytime spot and a popular party place after sunset. It also features some of Toronto's best outdoor landmarks, including Yonge-Dundas Square and the Nathan Phillips Square: perfect for a concert, a skate, or a relaxing sit-down.
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,491 within 5 kms
Attractions
516 within 10 kms
See what other travellers are saying
- baroomMississauga, Canada2,161 contributionsDistillery Winter Village 2022Visited around 4:30PM to take advantage of free entry on Dec 13, Tue. Tickets ($11 + tax) to Distillery Winter Village are required Fri-Sun after 4PM but free all other times (not free on Dec 27-29 after 4PM). Intentionally avoided visiting on a Mon since I read that outdoor vendor cabins are closed on that day. No plans to shop or spend money, we were just after the ambience. We entered via Parliament St and stood in line for a quick photo op at the Big Heart installation. It was basically photo ops galore all the way to Trinity Square. The Distillery District was transformed into a stunning Christmas village complete with brightly lit LED stars, snowmen, lavishly decorated Christmas tree, countdown to Christmas sign, outdoor vendor cabins and more. Even Santa Claus and his elves were available for group photos near the giant tree, one only had to stand in line. There were a lot of people and it was a challenge to take photos without unwanted strangers in them. We only stayed until dusk, just dark enough to appreciate all the festive lights around us. We then made our way to Nathan Phillips Square to see more Christmas lights and decor.Visited December 2022Written December 30, 2022
- doctorfoxtrotTaguig City, Philippines8,032 contributionsSo much history amidst the fun aspectLooking at the old brick buildings you can just learn of the history of how the place came to be. News was that the alcohol prohibition during the early era forced a renowned gangster to buy his liquor here. But history aside , there is an ongoing light festival at this place. An art exhibit goes around in different areas, nice for photo shoot . Nice to stroll around , as long as the unpredictable winter condition would cooperate . Suggest to try the artisanal beers , they are free for tasting . Or the sampler hard drinks at a minimum cost. Or the wickedly spicy chocolate drink .Visited February 2020Travelled as a coupleWritten February 22, 2020
- Sherry WCobourg, Canada851 contributionsTO Lightfest At the DistilleryGreat dining options and lots of boutiques for shopping. We dined at El Catrin sitting inside as it was too stormy for the outdoor seating. TO Lightfest was running so a great opportunity to view some unique installations.Visited February 2020Travelled with familyWritten February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,299 reviews
Excellent
4,130
Very good
3,117
Average
860
Poor
133
Terrible
59
Dahtorq
Torquay, United Kingdom172 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Solo
Vibrant, buzzy, a lovely place to visit.. especially on an early evening as it starts to wake up…great selection of bars and food places too
Written September 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anonymous855
Trabuco Canyon, California1,680 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
We went there to have dinner at El Catrin and stopped for ice cream afterward at "Scooped". I wish we would have been there earlier in the day to see the historic displays! The ambiance is fantastic and there are many places to sit and enjoy. It was within walking distance of our hotel and easy to get to, very safe. I'll go back there when I return to Toronto.
Written September 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
susvegara
Madrid, Spain1,854 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
Ome of my favourite places of The city.
A bit far away from downtown but easy access anyway. It's a great place to walk around, see the little shops and maybe have a drink or dine al fresco. There's so many choices.
Find the love sign and the peace sign.
A bit far away from downtown but easy access anyway. It's a great place to walk around, see the little shops and maybe have a drink or dine al fresco. There's so many choices.
Find the love sign and the peace sign.
Written September 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
minimize940314
Los Angeles, CA3,527 contributions
Dec. 2022
Bustling. There were many people visiting the place for the Christmas activities. Access via public transportation was easy, and there were a lot of activities and shops to enjoy.
Written August 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BDJV
86 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
We absolutely love the distillery historic district. When we went, they were having a French movie night. It was nice to walk around and visit the different shops and vendors. I highly recommend it.
Written August 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teammilitello
Des Moines, IA733 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
The art around here is great. The buildings were built in the 1830’s. Parking was easy. I got a coffee at Balzac’s. Safe. Clean area.
Written July 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stormflora
Toronto, Canada34 contributions
Jun. 2023
Mostly a hyped-up place. Really not as amazing as people made it seem like. Only visit it if you're in the area or know that there are specific events happening.
Written July 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaptDrLarry
Calgary, Canada436 contributions
Jun. 2023
This old area of Toronto, long neglected, has been refurbished with interesting art galleries, shops, restaurants and pubs and distilleries that make is a fascinating place to stroll and visit. It's easy to spend several hours here and worth returning to again, and again.
Written June 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberto Z
Alafaya, FL37 contributions
Jun. 2023
This is a very interesting place, they have shops as well as bars/restaurants for drink/ear.
It is build over old factories so the architecture is very nice
It is build over old factories so the architecture is very nice
Written June 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruno T.
Toronto, Canada754 contributions
Jan. 2023
One of my favourite places in Toronto. They have a lot of options for food and one of the best places for hot chocolate as well.
Written June 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anna22389062110
Nigeria28 contributions
Awesome idea
Jaime
Toronto, Canada39 contributions
Great place but closed only pick up and deliveries
is there a bus service on front street from union st, to parliament st.
Well_Travelled_TO
Toronto, Canada176 contributions
If you want to get to Parliament, go north from Union to Queen Street and take the 501 streetcar.
However, if you want to get to the Distillery District, take the 121A bus from just outside of Union Station.
Dazend
Raleigh, NC2 contributions
Where can I park my car
Roam814245
Toronto, Canada36 contributions
You can park on front street, mill street or parliament street which is in that area of the distillery district.
With only 10,000 photos on Instagram (while other tourist sites have 100,000) and reading their site about a photography permit my impression is you are very limited on what you can photograph without paying for a permit. Can anyone confirm this?
luban
Oshawa, Canada97 contributions
No issues here. A group of 10 took many photos. Also weddings in the area were taking shots. No problem taking any of the artwork as we walked through such as LOVE sign, red heart.
Travel Bug
1 contribution
Are there any baby changing stations and/or nursing rooms near by?
ZNK67
Dubai, United Arab Emirates210 contributions
Sorry but I didn’t really pay attention while I was there, however I got this from the internet hope it’s helpful.
“The Distillery Historic District is an accessible site and provides for mobility-accessible parking, ramp access to buildings, shops and restaurants, washrooms with child changing facilities.”
mcj79
Washington DC, DC8 contributions
Which working distilleris and breweries offer tours and tasting?
Cinzia Nasuelli
Milan, Italy273 contributions
None. Here the distilleries do no work anymore. The area is a turistic pedastrian area with shops and bars
wonderandgetlost
Salem, NH39 contributions
What time in the morning would be best to avoid crowds? I will be there on a weekday at the end of August.
Thank you in advance ❤️
Gilvam
Rio de Janeiro, RJ485 contributions
I was there on a cold spring day.... by end of April 2018... unusually cold as I was said, and it was extremely calm with just a few shops opened.
wonderandgetlost
Salem, NH39 contributions
What time in the morning would be best to avoid crowds? I will be there on a weekday at the end of August.
Thank you in advance ❤️
Doron H
Toronto, Canada34 contributions
Any time before 4 pm is fine. However - if you also want to have dinner or see a play it will have to be the evening, in which case mid-week is your best bet
What's the best time of day to go?
Ralisa
London, UK638 contributions
I was there sort of early evening and was very nice albeit very busy. Nice places there to have a drink and people watch.
Mary C
Markham6 contributions
Where is the entrance to the underground parking
Ariane A
Toronto, Canada49 contributions
Underground parking entrance is off of Cherry Street just north of the Gardiner Expressway. Here is a great app for parking which allows you to pick your location, date and time range for parking and it will show you all parking in that area and the costs. It is super helpful. I love it! parkopedia
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingDISTILLERY HISTORIC DISTRICT - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Distillery Historic District
- We recommend booking Distillery Historic District tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 19 Distillery Historic District tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Distillery Historic District:
- Toronto Distillery District Walking Tour (From C$24.61)
- Toronto Local Beer Tour: 2 Beers at 2 Unique & Historical Pubs (From C$72.78)
- 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour in Toronto (From C$46.84)
- 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto (From C$237.58)
- 50-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour (From C$69.68)
- Hotels near Distillery Historic District:
- (0.33 km) Residence & Conference Centre - Toronto Downtown
- (1.49 km) Comfy Guest House and Suite
- (0.52 km) The Percy Bed & Breakfast
- (1.38 km) The Omni King Edward Hotel
- (1.54 km) One King West Hotel & Residence
- Restaurants near Distillery Historic District:
- (0.01 km) El Catrin
- (0.03 km) Sweet Escape Patisserie
- (0.04 km) Wildly Delicious at the Distillery
- (0.04 km) Archeo
- (0.04 km) Brick Street Bakery
- Attractions near Distillery Historic District:
- (0.00 km) Native Earth Performing Arts Theatre
- (0.00 km) Dancemakers
- (0.05 km) Spirit of York
- (0.05 km) Bergo Designs
- (0.18 km) H2O Float Studio