Distillery Historic District, Toronto

Distillers Gooderham and Worts produced their first whiskey in 1837, opening their new distillery on Mill Street in 1859. By 1871 it was the largest distillery in the world, but war and prohibition shouted last call on operations, finally limping to a close in 1990. Those old distillers recognize their Victorian complex today—with its cobbled streets, imposing limestone storehouses and 100-foot chimney. The 45 Victorian Industrial buildings were restored by timber and stone artisans using original materials, blended with modern materials and eco-technology. The District was opened to the public in 2003 as a pedestrians-only village with an incredible array of artisans, designers, design stores, galleries, cafés, restaurants, and with a nod to the district’s heritage, a brew pub—one of the best Toronto bars. Go for lunch or grab a coffee at the ornate Balzac’s and then investigate works by Douglas Coupland, Roya Arden, and other Canadian artists at the Clark and Faria Gallery,  sample a flight of hot chocolates at Soma Chocolatier, and stock up on artisan Quebecois cheese at A Taste of Quebec before catching a show at Soul Pepper Theatre.

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