What was once the largest distillery in the world is now a beloved Toronto neighbourhood

If you live in or near Toronto, chances are you’ve heard of or visited the city’s beloved Distillery District. This area stands out from the rest with its medley of historic buildings, delicious restaurants, beautiful shops, and cobblestone paths.

While the district we know it as today opened to the public in 2003, its buildings’ history dates back to the mid-1800s.

Early days

Toronto’s Distillery District contains over 30 Victorian buildings that began to go up in the 1830s. Between the 1830s and 1890s, the firm of Gooderham & Worts grew from a small windmill to the largest distillery in the world at the time.

After years of major success, the Great War and the passage of prohibition legislation in 1916 brought about big changes.

According to Distillery Heritage, “When Canadian, but not American, prohibition was ended, Hiram Walker’s Windsor plant got most of the company’s business. Gradually, production at the Toronto distillery was cut back.”

Gooderham & Worts’ last whisky was made in 1957, and after many more years, on June 4, 1990, the last drop of alcohol from Gooderham & Worts was produced, and “158 years of industrial activity on the site ended.”

Over 10 years would pass before a group of developers had a dream for the area.

The group saw the spot for its historic bones, aka the stunning Victorian Industrial buildings. While the area was already considered a historic site, they wanted to turn it into something a little more special.

According to the Distillery District, the “vision was to combine the romance and relaxing atmosphere of European walking and patio districts with the hip, cool dynamic of an area like New York City’s SoHo or Chelsea, where creative minds get together, and you feel as if anything could happen”.

With that, the restoration of the 47 buildings known as the Gooderham & Worts Distillery began.

Thirteen years after production ended, The Distillery Historic District (re)opened in 2003.

Present day

Today, the district is regarded as Canada’s premier arts, culture, and entertainment destination. People travel from far and wide to stroll the area, shop at local businesses, and dine at some of Toronto’s best restaurants.

While fall, spring, and summer are amazing times to visit, the Distillery District truly comes alive for its annual Distillery Winter Village.

The special outdoor holiday market has it all: shopping, food vendors, dazzling trees and light displays, visits from Santa, music, and holiday decor galore.

If you’re heading to the district any other time of year, grabbing a bite at one of the area’s fantastic restaurants is a must.

My personal favourites include Millstreet Brewpub for a patio pint, El Catrin for the best Mexican food, Pure Spirits for some fresh oysters, or Cluny Bistro for some steak frites.

Distillery District Toronto

Where: 55 Mill St., Toronto, Ont.

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