Toronto Historic Distillery District

Judi McWilliams
by Judi “Scoop” McWilliams

“A Moment in Time!”

We’ve been to the Toronto Historic Distillery District a number of times.

Going to the Toronto Historic Distillery District is never boring!

A view from the Toronto Historic Distillery District at the CN Tower

The Toronto Historic Distillery District an amazing attraction for both Torontonians and visitors, alike.

Toronto Historic Distillery District sign

The Toronto Historic Distillery District is located in the heart of downtown Toronto.

The Toronto Historic Distillery District entrance booth

What’s great about the Distillery District is that it is a “pedestrian only” area.

A closer view of the Distillery District entry booth

It has so many great shops and restaurants!

come in, you are all welcome

It also is the home of a number of wonderful events.

The start of it all, Gooderham and Worts

Actually, the main reason we visited the Distillery District was to attend Artfest Toronto.

Passing under the Gooderham and Worts sign

Artfest Toronto is organized by Lory MacDonald.

A tower window

A little history about the Distillery District (excerpt from Wikipedia) ~ The Gooderham and Worts Distillery was founded in 1832. Once providing over 2 million US gallons (7,600,000 L) of whisky, mostly for export on the world market, the company was bought out in later years by rival Hiram Walker Co., another large Canadian distiller.

Large Gooderham and Worts sign

Its location on the side of the Canadian National Railway mainline and its proximity to the mouth of the original route of the Don River outlet into Lake Ontario created a hard edge which separated the district from neighbouring communities.

Office G and W plaque

The Distillery District was designated as a National Historic Site, and has been protected under the Ontario Heritage Act since 1976.

Contemporary Art Gallery Entrance

To more present times (excerpt from https://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/about) ~ Nearly 20 years ago a small group of visionary developers had a dream for Toronto.

Time at the Distillery District

They looked at a derelict collection of Victorian Industrial buildings that had been pronounced a national historic site and imagined transforming it.

Which way is the wind blowing?

Not into another “historic district” or “pioneer village” but into something exciting and unique.

Food patio

Something the city would be proud of. They wanted to create a place that would excite and inspire the senses. (Toronto Historic Distillery District)

Mill Street walk through

Where people could experience new ideas, new foods, new designs and new ways of living and working.

Love wall at the Distillery District

As you walk through this fascinating Historic Distillery District, you can feel the “dream” that the developers had envisaged.

A grinding wheel from the past

Everything seems to echo the Historic feeling!

Old liquor barrels on the wagon

The “cobble stone” walkways…

art gallery doorway

The historic buildings…

Spirit of York Distillery Co. sign

The hidden alcoves in the…

Doors are open

All match the “spirit“!

amazing architecture at the Distillery District

It is clear to me, why the Toronto Historic Distillery District is so popular.

One of the many unique boutiques at the Distillery District

A destination for visitors to Toronto

Reflection of Hope at the Distillery District

And a place for Torontonians to “reflect on its past“…

The Toronto Historic Distillery District overlooks Toronto present and future!

… and to “look forward to its future“!

Exploring Ontario

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Find Your Next Adventure with our Ontario Event Directory website and APP, Keep Informed by logging onto either our Ontario Event News website or APP and share a Moment in Time through our Ontario Videos and Stories website.

It’s time to experience and enjoy the Toronto Historic Distillery District!

For more Exploring Ontario, “Moments in Time”, go to https://ontariovisited.ca/videos-and-stories/

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