This trip only being my second time personally to the Toronto area, I have to say I would move to this section of Canada tomorrow. (Although Andrea has been numerous times.) The crispness in the clean, clear winter air. I am listening to the birds chirping in trees. Branches sway to and fro with frolicking squirrels. Genuine friendly waves and “How are you’s” from neighbours and passers-by. Not knowing one another doesn’t matter, and as a result, it feels the way a real home should feel.
We flew here for Christmas and New Year, really needing to get away from L.A. to de-stress and spend some time with family. On our last visit four years ago, while exploring this region, we fell in love with it. Knowing we had to see more this time around, we came with a list of sights to visit and write about.
Distillery District History
The Distillery District in Toronto is a nationally recognized historical site containing over 30 Victorian buildings. In the span of 60 some years, from the 1830s to the 1890s, it grew from a small brick windmill on the edge of Lake Ontario to one of the largest distilleries in the British Empire.
In 1861 the distillery itself opened, and the towering limestone building increased the production of whiskey from 80,000 to around 2 million gallons per year.
With prohibition and World War 1, the buildings were used to produce acetone and ketone, bomb-making components. The property was sold after the Great War had ended. Since prohibition was not immediately lifted, it wasn’t until 1957 that the last batch of whiskey was made.
Rum and industrial alcohols were then the primary products produced here until June 4th 1990. Consequently, this was when the very last drops of alcohol flowed from the factory, ending it’s 158 years of production. Left abandoned until 2001; the current owners decided to revamp the area to what you see today.
The Architecture of the Distillery District
All I can say is ‘Thank You very much.’ This area is fantastic for an evening out or any time of day for that matter. The now “ultra-popular” and “stylish industrial look” is everywhere. Brick buildings with large glass fronts beckon you inside for a gander or drink, depending on the establishment. I love it!
Lamp posts bellow their muted light against well-utilized block walkways. Brick walls hold steadfast with steel and wooden trusses, putting their past life on display. If I lived in one of the high rise apartments around the property, I would probably be here every night.
I am a massive fan of anywhere that refurbishes and repurposes historic buildings and architecture. Especially in an elegant and classy way as the owners of the Distillery District have done. I find it very inviting, clean, inspiring, artistic, family-friendly and the atmosphere second to none.
In The Air
The Christmas decorations on display, fill me with a strong emotion of appreciation. It makes me proud that a long-standing tradition is celebrated the way it should be! To hear a store clerk wish you a Merry Christmas, make eye contact and smile even if I didn’t buy anything is so refreshing.
Since being in Ontario again, I’m not sure if it’s just me getting older, or maybe it’s breathing in smogless air. Still, I have had some emotional moments. Seeing a natural beauty that’s abundant here and the happy faces of strangers for some reason is making me feel a little sad inside. Why? Simple, I have to leave!
Distillery District – In A Nutshell
- Official Website: – https://www.thedistillerydistrict.com
- Directions: public transport and road
- Admission: – Free
- Pay for Parking
- Opening Hours: – 24/7
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