The Distillery District (Toronto)

Located east of downtown Toronto is the Distillery District, the city’s most historic neighbourhood and also its most vibrant arts and entertainment area. It is the former site of the world’s largest whisky distillery and covers 13 acres of beautifully preserved red brick Victorian buildings and warehouses. It has become a prime location for urban living, drinking and dining out and watching cutting edge arts performers in a historic pedestrianised village setting. Toronto cheap city breaks will feel as though they have ventured back in time walking its maze of cobblestone streets and probably recognise scenes from one of the hundreds of movies and TV shows which have been filmed here over the years.

 

It is a great place to simply wander and explore wonderfully preserved Victorian architecture with equally colourful names such as the Double-D Rackhouse, the Pump House and the Crapper. However the Distillery District really stands out for its vibrant arts and culture scene. There are several cutting edge theatre companies based here, an opera theatre, art galleries and dozens of artisan’s studios. Toronto short breaks can also enjoy major arty happenings such as a film, wine, food and music festivals, open air theatre, craft fairs and a famous weekend art market.

 

The district is also one of the city’s culinary hotspots and the finest independent restaurants and bistros are to be found here along with a rash of trendy lounges and gastro-pubs, all housed in historic buildings. Shopping city breaks in Toronto will love the fresh and funky fashion boutiques that the district is famous for and probably spend hours browsing the many artists’ studios filled with unique paintings, ceramics, photography and sculpture. It has quite a European ambience and one can really sense its vibrant atmosphere of creativity. It certainly makes for a pleasant change from wall to wall chain stores and faceless shopping centres.