Historic Distillery District

Historic Distillery District Review

Utterly charming, this excellently restored collection of Victorian industrial buildings, complete with interlinking cobblestone lanes, has become a hub of independent eateries, boutiques, and galleries. The carefully preserved former Gooderham and Worts Distillery (founded in 1832) has been reborn as a cultural center. The 13-acre site includes 45 19th-century buildings and a pedestrian-only village that houses more than 100 tenants—including galleries, artist studios and workshops, boutiques, a brewery, upscale restaurants, bars, and cafés. In 2011, Ontario Spring Water Sake Company, Toronto's first sake distillery, opened. It uses local (Huntsville) water, highly regarded by the brewery's toji (brewmaster), and imported specialty rice. Other delicious detours include the Soma Chocolatemaker, Mill Street Brewpub, and Brick Street Bakery. Live music, outdoor exhibitions, fairs, and special events take place year-round, but summer months are the best time to visit. Hour-long walking tours (C$19) take place every day at 11:30 am and 3:30 pm; or you can join one of the once-hourly (11am-6pm) Segway lesson-tours (C$39-69) at Segway of Ontario (in Building 37).