Distillery District: the trendy neighbourhood

In 1837, two emigrants from England founded the Gooderham & Worts distillery. At the time, it was one of the largest and most influential distilleries in the country. The business was running at full capacity and the two partners decided to expand their production.

In 1859, they also began manufacturing flour, milk and ice cream. They expanded their premises and acquired wharves and warehouses. The distillery exported as far as Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and other South American countries. At its peak, it was the largest distillery in the world. Shortly afterwards, the First World War broke out and had a huge impact on the Gooderham & Worts project.

The distillery was initially bought out, but operations were finally suspended after 153 years.

The Gooderham & Worts distillery featured in more than 1,700 films shot in the 1990s. After Hollywood, it is the second most important filming location in the world.

In 2001, the distillery entered a new era. Cityscape Holdings bought the buildings and completely renovated them. Opened in 2003, the 40 buildings that made up the old distillery have now become a pedestrian precinct devoted to art, culture, commerce and entertainment.

It's one of the liveliest and most popular neighbourhoods for visitors and Torontonians alike. At Christmas time, the Distillery District is transformed into a gigantic Christmas market. Small wooden huts and enchanting decorations are the order of the day.

The district to the east of the city is industrial and trendy. Here, old facades blend with the modernity of new buildings. As you stroll through this historic district, you can stop off at the bohemian cafés along the cobbled streets, explore lofts with endless ceilings and admire the buildings that have been brought up to date.

The Distillery District is a National Historic Site and one of Toronto's pride and joys.

Drinking a beer with character in a craft brewery

Obviously, you're going to get tired of walking the miles and miles around the distillery district. To take a short break and discover one of the local traditions, stop off at a craft brewery.

There are hundreds of them in North America, which was the forerunner of this emerging movement in Europe. Taste the different beers served before choosing your own, and accompany your beverage with a plate to share.

Mill Street Brewpub

In an atmosphere of dark wood and industrial accessories, Mill Street Brewpub serves original craft beers. The selection of draught beers changes regularly according to new arrivals and the brewers' new experiments. Share a plate of nachos or treat yourself to a brunch in a revisited English atmosphere.

Address: 21 Tank House Lane, Toronto ⏰ Opening hours: 11.30am to midnight on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 11:30am to 1am on Friday and Saturday.

Fall in love with antique furniture and exceptional accessories

When it comes to design, the Distillery district is no exception. Do you love discovering new trends and Canadian designers?

Then don't miss Artemide, Akroyd Furniture and Bergo Designs.

Visit art galleries and artists' studios

The Distillery District is Toronto's trendy, bohemian corner. When it comes to art and culture, this is where you'll find the most creativity, culture and quantity. Everywhere you wander, you'll find small, intimate art galleries, studios of sculptors and painters... Stroll along the brick walls and let yourself be carried away by whatever catches your eye.

We recommend stopping off at Corkin Gallery, Monte Clark Gallery, Sport Gallery and Case Goods Warehouse.

Eat in one of the modern, upmarket restaurants

You're spoilt for choice. Small cafés for brunch, chic restaurants for fusion cuisine or artisan chocolatiers for exceptional dishes... Your taste buds will already be delighted. Don't miss the following addresses during your visit to the distillery district.

• SOMA Chocolate Maker: for quality chocolates.
• Brick Street Bakery: try the sourdough bread or treat yourself to a cinnamon bun.
• Pure Spirits Oyster BAr & Grill: a few oysters and a glass of white wine in the trendy district.
• BOKU Japanese Eats + Drinks: for fans of ramen soup and udon noodles.

You're just a fifteen-minute walk from St. Lawrence Market, one of the most beautiful markets in the country.

Distillery Lane is the main thoroughfare in Toronto's distillery district.

Stroll through the trendy boutiques

The distillery district is teeming with small designer boutiques. Don't miss out on the latest trends in textiles and fashion.

Our favourites are :

• Hoi Bo: Japanese-inspired, minimalist design. Sober colours and perfect cuts.
• Gentil Uomo: men's collections inspired by Italian class.
• John Fluevog: you name it, we've got it!

Go to the market and meet local producers

Every Sunday, local producers come to the market with their latest harvests: organic fruit and vegetables, dairy products, preserves and much more, all produced organically by Toronto farmers.