While visiting Toronto, I was fortunate to have the chance to venture out of what some may consider the usual tourist path and see a few lovely local spots. On my first day in Toronto, on a gorgeous day with clear blue skies, my Torontian uncle took me to explore a wonderful area in Toronto – the Distillery Historic District. It features lots of old Victorian industrial buildings, mainly around the old Gooderham & Worts distillery from the early 19th century – which is said to have once been the largest in the world.
So the Torontian government did a good job at preserving some of the historic feel while converting this area into somewhat of a cultural district with lots of cool art galleries, small theaters, boutiques, restaurants and posh shops.
Here’s some of the background from their website:
Nearly 10 years ago a small group of visionary developers had a dream for Toronto. They looked at a derelict collection of Victorian Industrial buildings that had been pronounced a national historic site and imagined transforming it. Not into another “historic district” or “pioneer village” but into something exciting and unique. Something the city would be proud of. They wanted to create a place that would excite and inspire the senses. Where people could experience new ideas, new foods, new designs and new ways of living and working. […]
What you will find is a dramatic fusion of old and new. An inspired blend of Victorian Industrial architecture and stunning 21st century design and creativity. The result is an internationally acclaimed village of one-of-a-kind stores, shops, galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, theatres and more.
The Distillery Historic District opened in 2003 and today it is widely regarded as Canada’s premier arts, culture and entertainment destination. A place brimming with creativity and creative people. A place that can inspire dreams. And a place that can help them come true.
If you want to see how things used to look like, check out their history section.
Alright, then, ket’s take a walk …
Lovely, isn’t it?
I especially enjoyed those little lab shops specializing in things like… chocolate.
If you’re not that much into walking, there are other ways for you to tour around…
Wonderful little area.