Toronto: Prohibition & Spirits History Walking Tour

Uncovering Toronto’s spirited past, the "Toronto: Prohibition & Spirits History Walking Tour" offers a captivating 1.5-hour exploration of the Distillery District. This intimate tour, limited to just 10 participants, delves into the intriguing history of the Gooderham and Worts distillery – once the world’s largest. Visitors will enjoy a guided walk, a visit to a local bar, and tastings of three unique spirits, all while gaining insights into Canada’s fascinating prohibition era. With wheelchair accessibility and individual accommodations, this tour promises an engaging experience for those 19 and older.

About Your Stay

• This 1.5-hour guided walking tour explores the rich history of the Distillery District, including the Gooderham and Worts distillery and Canada’s prohibition era.
• The tour includes a visit to a local bar and three spirit tastings, providing an immersive experience into the cultural significance of alcohol in Canadian history.
• The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate experience, and is conducted in English and wheelchair accessible.
• Reservations can be made without upfront payment, and a full refund is available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• Participants must be 19 years or older and provide proof of age, and the itinerary may change due to weather or logistical issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Toronto: Prohibition & Spirits History Walking Tour offers participants a 1.5-hour guided exploration of the Distillery District, focusing on the area’s history during the prohibition era.

A 1.5-hour guided exploration of Toronto’s Distillery District during the prohibition era.

Priced from $41.64 per person, the tour is limited to 10 participants and conducted in English.

It’s wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to discover the neighborhood’s past. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, plus they can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes a visit to a local bar and three spirit tastings, providing an immersive experience into Toronto’s notorious booze history.

Booking Information

Booking a spot on the Toronto: Prohibition & Spirits History Walking Tour is simple and straightforward. Customers can reserve their place without upfront payment, allowing them to book now and pay later.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for participants. The meeting point is located at 11 Gristmill Lane in the Distillery District, near a recognizable red heart sculpture, making it easy to find.

This 1.5-hour walking tour is limited to 10 participants and conducted in English, ensuring an intimate and informative experience.

Itinerary Highlights

This 1.5-hour walking tour takes participants on a guided journey through the Distillery District, exploring the historical significance of this iconic Toronto locale.

The itinerary highlights include a 1-hour guided tour of the Distillery District, a 20-minute visit to a local bar, and the chance to sample 3 spirits at the conclusion of the tour.

Visitors will learn about the rise of the Gooderham and Worts distillery, the impact of temperance movements, and the history of Canada’s national drink.

This immersive experience offers a unique blend of history and spirits tasting.

Historical Context

Amid the temperance movements that swept across North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Gooderham and Worts distillery rose to become the world’s largest distillery.

The company’s success coincided with the infamous era of prohibition and the rise of bootlegging. Visitors will learn about the notorious gangster Harry Hatch, who controlled the lucrative illegal liquor trade.

The tour also delves into the history of Canada’s national drink, exploring how temperance efforts ultimately failed to curb the public’s thirst for spirits.

This historical context provides a fascinating backdrop to the walking tour.

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Important Information

Participants must be 19 years or older and provide proof of age to join the tour. This is a requirement as the experience includes a visit to a local bar and tastings of alcoholic spirits.

Itineraries are subject to change due to factors such as weather or logistical considerations. The tour company reserves the right to modify the schedule or activities if necessary.

Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for walking and moderate weather conditions. The tour is wheelchair accessible, but participants should inform the company of any special needs in advance to ensure a seamless experience.

Customer Reviews

What do previous participants have to say about the Toronto: Prohibition & Spirits History Walking Tour?

According to the information provided, the tour has received an overall rating of 5/5 based on 1 review.

One satisfied customer, Tim from Switzerland, praised the tour for its informative content and enjoyment, even in inclement weather.

He particularly noted the whiskey tasting as a highlight of the experience.

The review suggests the tour provides a compelling historical narrative and engaging activities that leave a positive impression on attendees.

Exploring the Distillery District

The guided tour of the Distillery District lies at the heart of the Toronto: Prohibition & Spirits History Walking Tour.

The guided tour of the Distillery District lies at the heart of the Toronto: Prohibition & Spirits History Walking Tour.

This historic area was once home to the world’s largest distillery, Gooderham and Worts, which thrived during the 1800s and early 1900s.

Tour-goers will:

• Explore the cobblestone streets and Victorian-era buildings that remain from the district’s industrial past.

• Discover the role of temperance movements and notorious bootleggers in the district’s history.

• Get a glimpse into the modern-day resurgence of the Distillery District as a vibrant arts and entertainment hub.

The tour provides an immersive experience into Toronto’s spirited past.

Tasting the Spirits

As the tour nears its conclusion, participants eagerly anticipate the highlight – the opportunity to sample three distinct spirits. Gathered in the cozy bar, the group is presented with a tasting menu showcasing the finest local offerings:

| Spirit | Origin | Tasting Notes |

|——–|——–|—————|

| Rye Whisky | Distillery District | Smooth, with notes of caramel and oak |

| Gin | Distillery District | Bright, with citrus and botanical flavors |

| Vodka | Distillery District | Clean, with a subtle hint of vanilla |

As they sip and savor each sample, participants gain a newfound appreciation for the rich history and art of distilling that has shaped the Distillery District.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Bring Food or Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are generally not allowed to bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour includes alcoholic spirit tastings at the end, so outside beverages are typically prohibited. Guests should plan to purchase any food or non-alcoholic drinks during the tour stops.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but participants should be considerate of others and avoid disrupting the guide’s presentation. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific photography guidelines before the tour.

Do the Guides Have Expertise in Mixology?

The tour guides do not have formal expertise in mixology, though they provide insights into the history and production of the spirits sampled during the tour. Their focus is on the cultural and historical context of Toronto’s prohibition era.

Can I Take the Spirits I Sampled Home With Me?

No, participants cannot take the spirits they sample home with them. The tour includes three spirit tastings at the conclusion, but these must be consumed on-site. The spirits cannot be removed from the premises.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for this tour. Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear, as the tour involves walking around the Distillery District. Casual attire is recommended for this relaxed and informative historical experience.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Toronto: Prohibition & Spirits History Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the Distillery District‘s spirited past. Participants will uncover the intriguing history of the Gooderham and Worts distillery, once the world’s largest, and enjoy tastings of three unique spirits. This wheelchair-accessible tour provides insights into Canada’s prohibition-era history, making it a must-experience for those 19 and older with an interest in the country’s spirited heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: