I'm a big fan of The Distillery District. During the summer this is a wonderful place to visit, either for a tour or just to browse the wonderful stores and eateries in the area. Getting here is quite easy, I usually take the King streetcar across to Parliament and walk down from there (5 minutes). There is a lot of condo construction in the area which can be crazy during the week, but this calms down by the weekend so it's usually not too bad. If you feel like something different, you can take a Segway tour around the distillery itself which is quite cool! read more

This is an overcrowded event that features nothing but a money gouge. First of all its e same every year nothing changes, no new venues, nothing exciting. Second, lineups are huge which is like a sheep effect, people go because of the name Cristmas Market. It cannot compare to European markets where it's actually fun and people come to enjoy, have a few drinks and activities for families. People stay home, save your money or go somewhere in the city like king west or yorkville. read more

Very cool area with tons of shops, dining options, and galleries. Parking nearby is affordable and with the galleries free you can spend a lot of time here just browsing without breaking the bank. Love the cobblestones, love the installations and outdoor art, and really enjoyed the crowd as well. read more

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One of my favourite places in Toronto, especially in the summer. Great atmosphere, nice shops and very good restaurants. Must visit. read more

The Distillery District - Nice new place at Distillery - Local Flavor Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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We visited the Distillery District on a rainy day, so we didn't explore too much. Mill Street Brewery is a nice place to relax and have a few beers. There's a patio and lots of seating inside. Despite the "brewery" to the name, there were a lot of families with children hanging out here. I poked my head into SOMA Chocolates, but the teeny tiny space and lots of shoppers wasn't conducive to just browsing. There are a few shops and art galleries, which I found to be overpriced, so Kensington Market and St. Lawrence Market were much more interesting to me. Mill Street Brewery was the biggest attraction for us here. I'm sure we would have enjoyed the Distillery District more on a dry day and we could have spent more time exploring. There are plenty of taxicabs parked in the area, but before you get in the taxi, make sure the driver knows where they are going. Our next destination was the Island Ferries, which is a HUGE tourist attraction, but our driver thought we wanted to go to the airport. Be careful what taxi you get in. read more

This area is one of my favourites places in TDot. It has lots of cool shops, food places, events and artwork. Things to check out: Soma Chocolate, Bergo Designs, Greg's Ice Cream (only in the summer), and many more! It's worth seeing! :) read more

Originally an old mill from 1832 located in Toronto, ON, Canada. The Distillery was re-opened to create a pedestrian only village entirely dedicated to arts, culture and entertainment. This place is gorgeous and lots of fun. It feels like you've been thrown back in time to an old cobblestone village with great restaurants, artist shops and galleries. I love going here! Some of my fav shops & restaurants in The Distillery are, http://www.leifbenner.com/ (gorgeous custom jewelry designs) http://www.corktowndesigns.com/ (gorgeous independent artist jewelry) http://www.purespirits.ca/index_main.html (great for lunch) http://boilerhouse.ca/index_main.html (great for dinner) http://www.perigeerestaurant.com/ (amazing tasting menu) http://urbandog.ca/index1.htm (wonderful doggie daycare) read more

Holy hell.....the Christmas Market is packed. Lots of neat things...but the crowds are ridiculous. Save some room for a Tornado Potato.......spiralled bliss on a stick. read more

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So much to do and see there isn't a dull moment in this place, go to look around with a nice coffee, stop for lunch, then end your day with a nice drink on a beautiful patio read more

Despite its pricy boutique shops, the reborn Distillery District is a welcomed addition to Toronto. Mill St. Brewing is the local brewery. Did not have time to step in but will mos def next time around. The newly opened sake distillery was worth the cab ride over. We sampled a variety of flavors and read up on the process. They give tours. Throughout the cobblestone streets, vendors set up shop to sell an array of products. Blueberry maple syrup, real vanilla, and exotic caramel to name a few. Guitar players strumming the tunes as you stroll between the old brick buildings. Kudos for resurrecting this old, neglected clump of warehouses in downtown Toronto into an energetic and fun shopping destination. read more

This is one of the stops that my family and I planned for our 4 day trip to Toronto. We were staying in the entertainment district in downtown Toronto. It was only about a three block walk to the TTC rail car which we rode for about 5 stops. The stop is about 2 blocks from the entrance to the distillery district. My first impression upon entering was about how beautiful the architecture was. Definitely a nice change of pace from the skyscrapers of downtown. Another positive was the neat sculptures installed in this area. The negative aspects were the lack of shopping and seating destinations and the higher price point. It is definitely a little more of an artsy area with more gourmet food options. I do wish that the nature of the venue was more accurately represented before we headed out that way. A plus side was that we walked back to downtown and I set a record on my Fitbit - 32,000 steps! read more

The Distillery District - Cool Sculpture! - Local Flavor Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I love coming during the holidays. The carol performers at the Christmas Market are amazing this year. They sound as if they could perform on Broadway musicals. Great voice! Love the ambiance! read more

Cute few block area with restaurants, shops and bars. Lots of art and sculptures everywhere. Fun place to meet friends and grab a few drinks or dinner. read more

the most exciting about the distillery is its alleyways and buildings. these factory buildings have been used for many movie sets, exploited for their artistic, rustic feel to give an old world illusion of craftspeople toiling away, artists musing and so forth. regardless of whether you buy into that illusion or not is up to you, but the current reality is that there are indeed artists that live and work in those buildings, soulpepper theatre company which has its home within the complex and many many shops and restaurants to boot. you can be sure that all items for sale, be it food, art, clothes or accessories all lean towards the luxurious in price to be sure; its up to you whether its worth it, but as a days event its definitely exciting. as a nights event, especially in the summer its even better (sure to be slammed though on the weekends) when you can walk between the buildings, slink into a gallery, grab a truffle for five bucks, all the while, hearing some jazz band playing in a courtyard nearby.... like any other toronto landmark it takes on a tourist attraction and becomes a larger than life and larger than your pocketbook experience. read more

The Distillery District - Local Flavor Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Meh. This is like the Ferry Building in SF -- total tourist trap. It has redeeming value, but it's expensive and it's totally geared towards tourists. The bright spot here is that I ended up at a sake brewery that's in these premises that totally turned my modd around.. . But still, the place at large is a tourist trap. Sigh. read more

I love tourist traps when travelling... kind of. But with the charming old building and all the brick I was easily in awe of this Toronto landmark attraction. Wandering on a Saturday I was amused not only by fellow tourists taking photographs like mad (like how I was), but also the fact that there were four seperate wedding parties having photos there (at one point three in a row on the same street). The Distillery has charm day and night - and I do encourage people to check it out at night for some good ol' night photography. I was informed the resturants are rarely open Monday nights except in summer so do note that if you have hopes of Monday night pints at St Mills Brewery. read more

I love the Distillery District, I think it's so gosh-darned neat. I'm kind of amazed that it's relatively new. I love the vibe, I think there are a ton of really interesting things to see and do and buy. I wish I spent more time here, and I will definitely make an effort to just relax and enjoy the space a little more. I haven't caught too many tourists here, and I like to take my class here from time to time to entertain myself. Recently took a historic tour here which was really interesting. Balzac's is awesome for people watching too. Mill street great for having some booze and good eats - and they make a great vegetarian sandwich. read more

I LOVE this little area. I LOVE the old buildings.. I'm starting to adjust to the new condos blending in now! ha! I love the galleries, shops and restaurants. read more

Great place to walk around to get a grunge/hipster vibe. Lots of small shops etc. Also a cool place to take pictures

This place is so unique and beautiful (especially during the winter). Lots of shops and kinda touristy. I don't see myself buying stuff here, but just browsing and enjoying the scenery during the winter read more

Great place to spend a weekend afternoon at! As soon as you walk in hook a right and get distillery tasting warms up the soul hahaa! We had some whiskey, oysters and good wine! Unfortunately missed the light show but was told it's amazing. It won't disappoint! read more

There are two things I greatly appreciate on a regular basis and that's art and beer. Now, when these two things are combined into one historic slash modern district, life is good. It's real good. The old brick buildings are beautiful and they seem to transport you to another time where transportation was minimal and life was a whole lot simpler. It actually reminds me of being in parts of Dublin, and there is nothing wrong with imagining you are somewhere far far away at times. The Distillery District just happens to be one of those areas in Toronto where you can spend hours and hours checking out the galleries, boutiques, cafes, bakeries, eateries, and of course the breweries without having the need to drive anywhere. That is a total bonus in my world. Why drive when you can walk around and really take in the little things that are unfolding around you? I also really enjoy seeing the different types of creative people buzzing together and making life happen. It is, if nothing else, refreshing. In the very near future, I am to return to this area for a friend's wedding where I'll be sure to gain yet another unique perspective on the visions and the happenings taking place here. And, of course, I will tell you all about it...until then my fellow yelpers. Godspeed. read more

Enjoyed shopping at mehoi- original &whimsical character goods that make your heart happy! read more

The Distillery District - Local Flavor Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Lots of art galleries, art sculptures and little shops. The buildings have been beautifully restored and there are antiques everywhere... a wood planer.. a safe from 1875. read more

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Haven't been to the Distillery in years but I love it! I feel like I'm in a different country when I'm here. It's good for families and dates all year long. Lots of restaurants to choose from and activities to partake in as well. read more

Everything was a bit pricey here, so we didn't buy anything, but that didn't stop us from looking at the shops, and maybe sampling a couple of beers. Nothing in particular was amazing in the district, but it was a nice afternoon stroll. read more

B-O-R-I-N-G, full of people trying way too hard to be hip. Not my scene at all. Seriously overrated. Wedding we attended was fun, the distillery district itself did nothing for me. I am not sure what kind of vibe, if any, exists in this dull location. read more

One of my favourite places in Toronto.Great place to spend an afternoon or night walking and soaking in the atmosphere and checking out the shops. The restaurants are generally a bit on the pricier side and have nice atmosphere. read more

This is an up and coming area with renovated or restored red-brick industrial warehouses which now houses breweries, restaurants, artisanal shops, chocolate shops and clothing stores. Pedestrian traffic only. There were outdoor musicians playing jazz on a recent Saturday that helped provide a wonderful atmosphere. Great vibe to this place. Constantly changing, the distillery district has something for every taste and there is always something happening here. We especially liked the Soma Chocolate Shop. read more

Attended past 4 years, nice place for a date or just to get out for a night lots of food and fun

Visiting for the first time in ages and met a hockey teammate at El Catrin with our families. Delicious food. Super service. Beautiful buildings restored to brick and cobblestone wonderfulness. Walking around afterwards was a beautiful evening. Can't wait to go back. read more

I love the Distillery. Go on a weekend afternoon and just spend the day tourist-watching = ) Take in the ridiculouly overpriced treats- soma chocolate and beatiful little patisseries that have decadent sweets or savoury meals. read more

I always make it a point to come here whenever I go to St. Lawrence market and vice versa. It's just a short walk and you get to two of the best areas in the city. Fyi, there's a park along The Esplanade that's great for kids. Definitely a must for tourist and romantics. I just love the cobblestones! There's loads of galleries, great restaurants and always stop by Soma for artisanal chocolates... A very relaxing walk. The Christmas Market is great for kids too! read more

Amazing place! First time visiting and I came for the Toronto Christmas Market. Despite visiting on a Wednesday - it was crazy busy. Amazing scenery...extra large Christmas tree, lights, smiling faces...just amazing. I would love to visit this area in the summer... read more

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Living in Toronto your entire life tends to make many touristy places in the city lose their allure. Chinatown? I don't care about it, I go there to eat. Yonge & Dundas? Forget it. King Street? BLAH. But the Distillery District still makes me ooooh and aaaaah like it's something in a new city. It's such an interesting area of town -- surrounded by absolutely NOTHING, but once your within its fort-like walls, you can find a bunch of cute boutiques, restaurants and coffee joints. There's always something new here -- most recently A Taste of Quebec, a store specializing in delicious Quebec eats like cheeses and patés. It's a little annoying to get to, which is why I usually stick to summertime trips, but if you're visiting the city, take a detour to the Distillery to see what it's all about and you won't regret it. read more

Tourist trap. Overpriced restaurants and shops catering to tourists who need that $8 chocolate bar from Soma Chocolates. The cobble stone streets are a nice touch along with the old distilleries turned into modern dining spots but they are expensive and in my opinion, tacky. This place is like the meatpacking district blended with the fulton street pier in nyc. Not a good combo. Also, it's always empty! Why not put the space to better use by opening a music hall or some outdoor patios where people can hang out and have pints? A waste of prime real estate. read more

Beautiful place. Relaxing atmosphere and a wide selection of beers to choose from. A bit crowded but still very pleasant

Came to walk by on a Sunday and mostly everything was closed. We tried a coffee shop nearby where we ordered a Caramel macchiato. The cashier explained it wasn't like our "regular Starbucks" which I felt was a bit stereo-typed but insisted we buy. She gave us a small little cup which was extremely overpriced and it was extremely sour. Besides that bad experience the art in the open space was dope and the little shops that originally would be open looked nice. read more

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I guess it's an OK place. It's nice to walk around the area. Very touristy. Parking can be a pain though.

A bit of a hike from public transit and lacking adequate parking, this is still a great place to visit. There are fantastic small shops selling everything from high quality chocolate through ceramics to hand blown glass. Most of the shops here are filled with helpful people and as a pedestrian only area, it's like walking back in to the past a bit. Open to the air it is a bit miserable on a wet day but otherwise even in winter this place rocks! read more