How to Spend a Day in the Distillery District

by | Aug 2, 2021 | Homepage | 0 comments

Visiting Toronto? Read our Guide: How to spend a day in the Distillery District.

How to Spend a Day in the Distillery District

Delicious Bites, Incredible Coffee, Stellar Shopping and so Much More

Step onto the red-bricked streets of the Distillery District and you’re immediately transported to a different era. The aroma of freshly roasted coffee mingles with the scent of warm pastries, while Victorian brick buildings house some of Toronto’s most intriguing shops and galleries. The Distillery is where Toronto’s industrial heritage meets its creative future.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to rediscover this historic gem, the Distillery District rewards those who take their time. Follow along as we guide you through the perfect day in Toronto’s most atmospheric neighborhood. If you REALLY want to relax and unwind without going to the spa – here’s how we would spend a day in the Distillery District.

Morning Coffee on the Red-Bricked Trinity Street Patio
French Pastries, Premium Coffee = People Watching Perfection

There’s something magical about the Distillery District in the early morning hours. Before the crowds arrive, the cobblestone streets belong to locals savoring their coffee rituals. With 5 coffee shops and 3 bakeries, you’re spoiled for choice – and that’s exactly what makes this place special.

Start your day at Cluny Cafe & Boulangerie, where authentic French pastries fill the display case like edible art. Their breakfast sandwiches and Chocolate Almond Croissants aren’t just food – they’re the perfect fuel for your Distillery District adventure.

For Toronto’s most exceptional coffee, make your way to Arvo Coffee in the Distillery District. Their passionate team and 3rd wave beans create a flavour explosion in every cup. Settle onto the Trinity St. outdoor patio, watch the district slowly come to life, and maybe crack open that book you’ve been meaning to finish.

Other fantastic coffee and breakfast spots in the Distillery District:

  • Want to try the Distillery District’s first coffee shop? Head over to Balzac’s Distillery District for their namesake blend and a scone.
  • The Sweet Escape showcases the best in local baked goods – share one of their Peanut Butter Bars and experience pure bliss.
  • Looking for English style breakfast? Fill up on a Spinach Pasty Roll or Sausage Roll from Brick St. Bakery.
  • Go for local Toronto beans (Pilot Roasters) at Arena Coffee. While you’re waiting, check out their incredible shop of sports memorabilia and apparel.

A Brewery Lunch and Segway Tour
Mill Street Brewery and the History of Canadian Whisky

Caffeinated and ready to explore? Now it’s time to discover the stories that make this neighborhood legendary. Join Go Tours Canada for a Segway Tour of the Distillery District. Since 2005, Go Tours has trained over 125,000 Segway riders and knows every secret in the neighbourhood. Prefer to explore on foot?  Distillery District Walking & Food Tours reveals the same fascinating history at a walking pace – opt for the Canadian Prohibition & Spirits Tour to learn about the Canadian/US alcohol prohibitions – and finish with a whisky tasting.

All that exploring builds an appetite, and the Distillery District’s restaurant scene delivers. Since 2004, Mill St. Brewpub has anchored the neighborhood with modern pub food paired with world-class beer. Start with shared Poutine and Pretzels before diving into mains like their Chicken and Chorizo Pot Pie or LightLife Burger. Weekend visitors shouldn’t miss their stellar Brunch menu.

With over 100 beer varieties produced annually, choosing your pairing becomes a delightful challenge. Traditionalists love the Tankhouse Organic Ale or Vanilla Porter, while adventurous drinkers should try the Juicy Union or Big Little Lager.

More great restaurants in the Distillery District:

  • Right next door to the Mill St. Brewpub is their Beer Hall. Munch on modern North American cuisine inspired by global cultures.
  • Got tacos on the mind? El Catrin features a fantastic patio, great drinks and a mural wall inside the restaurant that’s worth the trip.
  • Featuring grilled cheese, soups and other lunch favourites, Wildly Delicious lives up to their name. Their store also carries a full line of pantry items, fresh cheese, and other culinary delights.
  • Madrina Bar y Tapas is one of Toronto’s few spots for Catalan cuisine. Go Tours Canada CEO Aaron’s personal note: “Try the Steak Tartare on Bone Marrow with a side of tinned anchovies – seriously.”
  • For those cooler Summer and Fall afternoons and evenings, visit Boku Distillery for thrilling and filling Ramen. You can also order a flight of Canadian whiskies including Gooderham and Worts 4 Grain based on one of the original Distillery’s recipes.
  • Want Salads and Seafood? Pure Spirits Oyster House and Grill is your destination – their extended bar is another reason to visit this long running restaurant.
  • Looking for a top shelf cocktail on a red-bricked patio? Check out Spirithouse Toronto in the Distillery District 
  • New in 2025 is Demetre’s – if you have dessert on the mind, this is a MUST VISIT.


Take a Walk, Try it On, Explore the Galleries, Experience Live Theatre
Fluevogs, Euro Fashion, Canadian Painters and Stage Shows

With lunch settled, it’s time to discover why the Distillery District became Toronto’s creative hub. If you need that second coffee to fuel your afternoon exploration, stop by Arena’s parent store, Sport Gallery, for their impressive collection of sports memorabilia alongside your caffeine fix.

The shopping here tells the story of Toronto’s style evolution. Fluevog Distillery showcases the world’s most creatively designed shoes – each pair is practically wearable art. Complete your look with socks from Floorplay Socks, contemporary pieces from Gotstyle or Hoi Bo, and Italian tailored shirts from Gentil Uomo. Add finishing touches with accessories from Bergo or Corktown Designs.

Distillery District Art Galleries

When the Distillery District opened in 2003, it quickly established itself as Toronto’s premier gallery neighborhood. The commitment to exceptional art hasn’t wavered. Thompson Landry Gallery has anchored the scene for years, featuring Quebec-based artists in two architecturally stunning spaces that are artworks themselves.

Contemporary Art lovers will appreciate Arta Gallery and Corkin Gallery. Arta, one of the district’s original galleries, specializes in thought-provoking group exhibits. Corkin’s spacious design invites exploration – lose yourself in both their collection and the gallery’s architectural details.

Planning to extend your day into evening? Soulpepper and Dancemakers theatres present world-renowned productions that provide the perfect cultural finale to your Distillery District adventure.

Some Other Favourite Distillery District Activities

The beauty of the Distillery District lies in its unexpected discoveries around every corner:

The Distillery District rewards those who take their time to uncover its layers. Whether you spend a few hours or the entire day, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this remarkable corner of Toronto – and probably plans to return soon.