BEST Ways to Get to the Distillery District from Toronto (2025)

Wondering how to get to the Distillery District from Toronto? You’re in the right place.

Whether you’re heading to the Distillery District at Christmas, or another time of year – it’s definitely worth a visit, and an attraction that many visitors miss when visiting Toronto for the first time.

The Distillery District is technically ‘in’ Toronto, but it’s a good 2-3 km (1-2 miles) from the downtown core, which is actually further than it sounds when you account for all the traffic and construction.

I go to the Distillery District almost every year and know the ins and outs of:

• Getting there via public transit (there are a few different ways)
• The parking situation
• Walking there from downtown Toronto

I’ve also gotten lost a few times trying to get to the Distillery District, and can help prevent that for you.

We’re going to go over the best ways to get to the Distillery District from Toronto so that you can weigh your options and decide which is best for you.

So, let’s jump in – how to get to the Distillery District from Toronto!

How to Get to the Distillery District from Toronto

1. Take the TTC

There are several ways to use the TTC to get to the Distillery District.

From Union Station

Take a streetcar from Union Station: Taking the streetcar from Union Station is probably your best bet, as they come most frequently.

From Union Station, you’ll want to walk about 7 minutes north to King Street. From there, get the 504a OR the 504b Streetcar. Here’s the difference between the two:

• 504a takes you practically in front of the Distillery District east entrance
• For the 504b, you’d have to get off at Parliament street which is about a 5-10 minute walk!
• 504b leaves every 10 mintues, and 504a is a bit less frequent

They both leave from King Street on the east side of Bay, and they both stop at Parlioament street, but with 504a you have the option of staying on longer until it brings you right to the entrance.

Both of these streetcars have a similar route, and either one will be about a 20-minute ride.

Get off at Parliament Street for 504b, and from there, it’s a 5-10 -minute walk south to the Distillery District.

Take a bus from Union Station: Connect to Fort York-Esplanade 121 Bus. It leaves right from Front and Bay, which is right in front and slightly further east from Union Station. The bus leaves every 15 mintues during rush hour, but slightly less frequently at other times of the day. The ride will be about 20 minutes. This bus will drop you off at Front and Parliament. From there, you’ll walk 1-block south to the Distillery District.

Visiting Toronto? I recommend staying in one of the hotels near Union Station as you have the best reach all over the city, plus areas around Ontario, like Niagara Falls.

From the Castle Frank station

Take the subway to the Castle Frank subway station on the Bloor line.

Once you’re at the Castle Frank station, take the 65A Parliament Bus, and ride it straight down Parliament. Get off the bus at Front St. and walk one block south to Mill St. There, you will find the entrance to the Distillery District.

2. Drive

The Distillery District doesn’t have its own designated parking area, but there are several parking lots in the area. I find it changes year to year due to construction in the area.

Green P Parking Lots Near the Distillery District

• 70 Distillery Lane, P1 Level (underground) Green P #267 -2 minute walk to Distillery District
• 31A Parliament Street (above ground) Green P #230 -5 minute walk to Distillery District).
• 100 Cooperage Street (underground) Green P #283 – 8 minute walk
• Covered surface lot at at 40 Rolling Mills Road Green P #285 – 7 minute walk
• 83 Tannery Road (underground) Green P #284 – 10 minute walk

Green P Parking lots cost $2.50 per half hour on weekends, and daily rate is $20.00. There is no way to reserve in advance, but they usually list if they’re full. Expect them to fill up at VERY popular times, such as evenings of the Distillery Winter Village.

Sometimes additional parking lots are opened up during the Distillery Winter Village Market. We have parked in a few temporary lots a few times.

I have driven to the Distillery District many times, but to be honest, its not my favourite way to get there, because of having to look for parking.

I would avoid parking at the Distillery District during the Winter Village market (especially at night) as it can be very tough to find a spot. Public transit would be much easier, and that’s what we’ve been doing the last few years.

3. Walk

With a good pair of walking shoes or waterproof hiking boots (in the winter or spring), you can walk to the Distillery District from downtown Old Toronto.

I see sources online saying that you can walk to the Distillery in only 20 minutes from Union Station, but I recommend budgetting for closer to 30-40 mintues. (40 especially if you’re a slower walker, walking with kids or anything like that.)

The walk itself is only about 2 km (1 mile) but there are traffic stops along the way. There are two different routes you can take:

The Esplanade: A fairly nice walk, lots of trees and well-shaded in the summer. You pass many restaurants, such as a Toronto favourite – the Old Spaghetti Factory.

Front Street: You’ll pass the Flat Iron Building, the dog fountain, St. Lawrence Market and a few other Old Toronto sights.

How to Get to the Distillery District: FAQs

Here are the most commonly asked questions about getting to the Distillery District in downtown Toronto

Which subway station is the closest to the Distillery District?

The closest subway station to the Distillery District is Union Station, sadly! From there, you can walk in about 30 minutes, or take a bus or a streetcar.

Where do you park for the Distillery Christmas market?

There are several parking lots near the Distillery District; that range from a 5-15 mintue walk. They do fill up quickly, and there’s no way to reserve in advance. Sometimes for the Distillery Winter Village, additional temporary lots are opened up to accomodate the extra people wanting to visit. Check the Distillery District website for parking updates.

Does the streetcar go to Distillery District?

Yes, there is a streetcar that will take you right to the Distillery District. The 504a streetcar drops you off right in front of the Distillery District Loop. The 504b streetcar comes close, but not directly up to the entrance.

How to Get to the Distillery District: Conclusion

I’m glad that you’re heading to the Distillery District. It’s a little out of the way, but its worth it. If you live in or near Toronto, you must see it. If you’re visiting Toronto, then be sure to include it on your Toronto itinerary!

With its narrow cobbled streets, quaint shops, eateries and cafés, not to mention the famous Winter Village – the Distillery District should be on everyone’s Toronto bucket list.