The Distillery Historic District (more casually known by locals as “The Distillery District” or “The Distillery”) is one of Toronto’s most popular daily excursions. With an array of restaurants, cafes, galleries and unique shopping experiences, there is plenty to do and see whether you’re short on time or have cleared the entire day for a quirky day out.
While eating and drinking are two of the area’s most popular draws, you can fill up your afternoon with more than just food and drink in this trendy pedestrian-only neighbourhood.
1. Go For a Walking Tour
Go Tours Canada offers several walking tours of the Distillery. Which one you pick is dependent on your interests, schedule and budget. If you just seek an introduction to the area and plan on saving your money for dinner later, their “Classic Distillery District Walking Tour” will suit any budget and is perfect for those short on time. A guided hour-long tour will take you through the neighbourhood with bonus tastings at Mill Street Brewery and SOMA Chocolatemaker included.
Price: $21+HST
Hours: 11:30am and 3:30pm, 7 days a week
www.gotourscanada.com/walking-tours
Photo credit: Joseph A
2. Take Your Dog to Daycare
Who says you’re the only one who’s allowed to have fun on their day off? Bring your pup with you and drop them off at Park 9, a crate and leash-free doggy daycare and grooming centre offering passes that range from three hour visits to 13 hours if you will be gone for the day. Chip in for the full spa treatment for your four-legged pal and have them looking and feeling their best when you pick them up after a day of sightseeing.
Location: Park 9, 37 Parliament Street
Price: $29 – $45 for playcare visits. For grooming prices, see website for complete list.
Hours: Weekdays 7am to 8pm
Saturdays 8am – 6pm
Sundays 10am – 6pm
park9dogs.com/locations/the-distillery
Photo credit: chris jd
3. Tell Time, literally
If money is no object and you are bored of those traditional clocks that only display the current time in numbers, Bergo Designs in the Distillery has just the clock to liven up your kitchen wall and be a guaranteed conversation piece among dinner guests. With over 20 international design awards under its belt, the QLOCKTWO wall clock is the product of German design team Biegert & Funk and displays the time in words, in the casual speak many of us use to convey what time it is when asked. “It is Half Past Seven” your new clock will display at 7:30. Who needs numbers anyway?
Location: Bergo Designs, 27 Tank House Lane
Price: $2,000
Store Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 7pm
Friday – Saturday 10am – 8pm
Sunday 11am – 6pm
www.bergodesigns.ca
4. Get Married
Now that you’ve been on a tour, had your dog groomed, and ditched numeric wall clocks, why not get married? The Distillery District offers seven unique and Instagram-worthy event venues for you to tie the knot in style. Coffee lovers can class it up by saying their vows at Balzac’s Coffee or if beer is your thing why not say your I do’s at Mill Street Brewery? The event planners at each of these venues are more than happy to help you plan your perfect day, offering a memorable location alternative to the drab banquet halls and boxy reception centres of years past.
For more information on each available venue, see the Distillery event website:
thedistillerydistrict.com/weddings-and-private-events.html
Photo credit: PJMixer
There’s plenty to see and do on an afternoon stroll through the Distillery District. What are your plans for the weekend?
Featured Photo credit (modified): Greg van Brug
