Style destination: Distillery District

Toronto’s only pedestrian village, this National Historic Site has the largest and best-preserved collection of Victorian architecture in North America. Assistant editor Amanda Etty wanders the Distillery’s cobblestone streets and intimate alleyways full of worn brick walls and characteristic green  front doors and window frames.

Photography courtesy of balzacs.com

Where to eat

Soma Chocolatemaker
Soma specializes in artisanal chocolate made from world-class cocoa. So if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, don’t settle. Stop in for a shot of Mayan hot chocolate and check out the view into the chocolate-making room. I picked up their Alleppo Pepper ($7) and Starry Night ($6.50) bars. 55 Mill St., Building 48, somachocolate.com.

Balzac’s Coffee Roasters
I ordered the Farmers blend to go, which left me well caffeinated for a Sunday morning stroll through the Distillery’s shops and galleries. If you decide to sip inside, you’ll be surrounded by marble-topped tables, modern bistro chairs and an oversized Vaudeville chandelier, reminiscent of a Parisian café. 55 Mill St., Building 60, balzacs.com.

Brick Street Bakery
For hearty loaves, sweet treats and savoury pastries, Brick Street Bakery satisfies with heartwarming comfort. 55 Mill St., Building 45A, brickstreetbakery.com.

Lead image courtesy of Eric Hashimoto