What to do at Toronto’s Distillery District

Of the many unique spaces in Toronto, one of my favorite places is the well-known Distillery District. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t go there with a focus on taking pictures, but I’m here to give you a quick rundown of how to spend your day there.

The beloved tourist-friendly Distillery District was closed to the public in 1990 and then reopened in 2003 as an area dedicated to the arts. You are likely to find yourself enamored by the beautiful cobblestone streets, industrial buildings, and all-around artsy feeling that will have you coming back for more.

cobblestone streets with buildings around it in the open air

Dine

First things first – food & drinks. There are plenty of places to eat and a variety of drinks to consume, so come hungry and leave happy. If you have a sweet tooth, I’d suggest starting at Soma Chocolate to grab a treat. Then make your way to El Catrin for some delicious Mexican fare, to be consumed by the handfuls. If you want to wash your meal down with a drink, head over to Mill St. Brew Beer Hall. On the other hand, you might prefer an alcohol-free pick-me-up, in which case you can opt for something from Palgong tea or Balzac’s Coffee Roasters. If dessert is your happy place, I’d suggest you check out Cacao 70 or The Sweet Escape for delicious baked goods.

outdoor space with patio seating with a building connected to it

Shop

There are plenty of shops offering up a variety of fantastic items for sale. Check out Bergo Designs for unique décor and gift items. If you’re looking to diversify your jewelry – then take a look at Queen’s Trunk. If you’re hoping to change your eyewear then look no further, Spectacle has you covered with some gorgeous designs. I’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg here, as there are so many shops that carry health, beauty, décor, and food items – to name a few.

a clock on a pole next to brown industrial buildings of distillery district

Art & Culture

Don’t forget to watch a performance (plan ahead), scope out beautiful art pieces in the galleries, and take pictures – all around. Every nook and cranky has its own artsy touch, and the cobblestone adds a vintage feel to the air. Don’t leave without seeing the infamous lovelock installation (located outside the SPORT Gallery). People often will wait for you to take a picture before they go in (it’s true what they say, we Canadians are friendly people). Before you retire from a day well spent at the Distillery District, make your way to the flower peace sign and the big red heart to get some candid shots.