Looking for a truly one-of-a-kind place to live? You won't find another neighbourhood like the Distillery District in Toronto – or anywhere else, for that matter.
Known as Canada's premier arts, culture and entertainment destination, it's also an incredible residential neighbourhood with pedestrian-only streets, gorgeous heritage buildings, and an enviable collection of eateries, boutique shops, theatres, galleries and more. Plus, it's a National Historic Site – and the most intact Victorian-era industrial site in North America, with 40+ Victorian buildings and cool industrial artifacts that evoke the site's spirit-making history.
As neighbourhoods go, the Distillery is pretty small – it’s the footprint of the old Gooderham & Worts Distillery, bordered by Parliament St., Cherry St., Mill St.,and Distillery Lane.
A spirited history
Gooderham & Worts Distillery got its start In 1832, growing into the largest distillery in the world and operating until it closed in 1990.
Source: distilleryheritage.com
It sat empty until 2001, when it was purchased by a company with a vision: to turn the site’s 40-some-odd Victorian buildings into a creative and cultural hub. Inspired by European pedestrian districts, they wanted to create a hip, dynamic spot where creative minds could come together, be inspired – and inspire others.
Skilled craftspeople were brought in to restore the 19th century buildings, turning rundown warehouses, boiler rooms and storage areas into soaring commercial spaces, and creating a one-of-a-kind village. The reimagined Distillery District opened in 2003, and has become Toronto's go-to spot for great restaurants (patio season for the win!) unique boutiques, art, theatre – and countless Insta-worthy moments in the old-world streetscapes.
Got a soft spot for Toronto history? Read more about the Distillery’s fascinating past here.
Festival of Lights
There's always something fun going on in The Distillery District, from the Toronto Light Festival to the perennially popular Winter Village, a Canadian take on traditional European Christmas markets, complete with a soaring Christmas tree as its centrepiece.
Hello, Hollywood North
The Distillery is a huge draw for film and TV crews, who love its period architecture. Over 1,700 movies and TV shows have been filmed there, including The Fly, Road to Avonlea, X-Men, Chicago and Cinderella Man, standing in for everything from prohibition-era Chicago to wartime Poland.
Distillery District properties are in hot demand
The neighborhood's condos are sleek and modern, a striking counterpoint to the original brick and stone structures. It's an area popular with buyers, renters and investors of all kinds – professionals who want to be close to downtown, art and theatre lovers, downsizers who appreciate the intimate village vibe. And for good reason: it’s steps to the core, close to the lake, right on the King Streetcar – and it's beautiful, with no shortage of fun stuff to do.
Because it's such a small area, however, there aren't that many condos to choose from: the neighbourhood only has eight buildings (two if which are still under construction).
Distillery District condo buildings
80 Mill Street Condos – 80 Mill Street
Clear Spirit – 70 Distillery Lane
Lindenwood – 70 Mill Street
No 31 Condos – 31 Parliament (occupancy August 2024)
Parliament Square – 39 Parliament Street
Pure Spirit – 33 Mill Street
The Goode Condos – 33 Parliament (pre-construction)
The Gooderham – 390 Cherry Street
Home sweet home
Property.ca head office is located on the charming top floor of the Stone Distillery building, a beautiful space with exposed limestone, wood beams, original floors, and plenty of cozy nooks and crannies. We're lucky to work in such an amazing place… morning lattes at Balzac, lunches at El Catrin – you can’t beat the location!
Property.ca HQ
Property.ca boardroom
Property.ca office
Divine dining
Source: madrinatapas.com
There's no shortage of fabulous eateries, from upscale seafood and fancy French to pub grub and coffee shops. Here's a sampling of our favourites:
Balzac's Coffee. Located in the picturesque old pump house, the Toronto Star called it “the most spectacular coffee shop in Canada.” It’s the perfect place to enjoy a morning brew or a decadent afternoon treat. (Their biscotti are awesome!)
Brick Street Bakery. Located in the building that was once the Gooderham & Worts dining area, this popular bake shop has yummy British treats (Eccles cakes, Bakewell tarts, to-die-for sausage rolls), plus soups and meat pies, all made from scratch, in-house.
Source: nowtoronto.com
Cluny Bistro and Boulangerie. Get your foodie fix at this pretty Parisian spot. With great food, a massive wine list, and classic decor, it's no surprise it was named one of the best French restaurants in Toronto by BlogTO. Their patio is truly magical, all climbing vines and twinkling lights…perfect for date night.
El Catrin Destileria. Elevated Mexican food in an incredible space. Check out their Day of the Dead-inspired mural, which took three renowned Mexican artists over three months to create. The patio is one of the best in the city, with firepits, chandeliers, and a ton of charm.
Madrina Bar y Tapas. Love a good "small plates" experience? Check out this refined take on tapas. And if you're a g&t fan, you’re in for a treat: they stock over 70 kinds of gin, with a lineup of gourmet tonic waters and garnishes to make the perfect cocktail.
Mill Street Brewpub. Elevated pub food and bar bites with really great beer – who hasn't cracked a bottle of Mill Street Organic on a hot summer day?
Soma Chocolatemaker. Bean-to-bar chocolate, cookies, truffles, gelato – and spicy Mayan-style hot chocolate. And you can watch the chocolate magic being made in the glassed-in kitchen. Don’t miss the salted caramel truffles!
Browsable boutiques
Source: Blackbird Vintage, BlogTO.com
You won't find any chain stores or run-of-the-mill items in the Distillery: this is the place to discover truly unique finds.
Bergo Designs. A must-visit shop with everything from design-forward housewares to unique kids toys. You'll browse for hours.
Blackbird vintage. Your source for lovely antiques and cool kitsch, plus new stuff like soaps, candles, jewellery and fun cards and postcards.
Corktown Designs. Handmade jewellery, purses and accessories you won't find anywhere else. They carry over 75 International artists and designers, so you're sure to find something you’ll love.
John Fluevog Shoes. Traditionally made in Canada, this statement footwear comes in vivid colours and surprising shapes to make you stand tall – and stand out.
Thinking about living the good life in the Distillery? Search available properties today!