Once upon a time, I bought pre-construction in Corktown before Metrolinx was even a whisper and raised a grade two’er busy boy across from Corktown Commons in Canary District. (Trust me, it wasn’t nearly as polished back then.) Max went to daycare in the Distillery and, yes, he met the *real* Santa there during the Christmas Market days. So to say I know this area? Bit of an understatement. This pocket of the east end—Corktown, Canary District, and the Distillery is where history and modern living collide in the best possible way.
The Real Estate Scoop
If you’re thinking of calling this trio home, prepare to embrace condo life with a side of charm. Most of the properties here are stylish, modern condos with open layouts, concrete ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and views for days—whether you’re into lakefront scenes or cityscapes. The Distillery is condo-only, tucked into heritage buildings with cobblestone streets below. The Canary District offers newer mid-rises, many with large terraces and access to green space, while Corktown blends soft lofts, boutique buildings, and the occasional rowhouse or laneway gem if you look hard enough. It’s urban living done right.
The Neighbourhood
Looking for the ultimate holiday vibe? The Distillery Winter Village (formerly the Christmas Market) transforms the area into a twinkly, mulled-wine-filled dream. You might go for the artisan vendors, the giant tree, or the Instagram photos—but if you’re me, you’re showing your kid where Santa lives *for real.*
For weekend hangs, grab a latte at Balzac’s, stroll through the historic Distillery laneways, then pop over to Corktown Commons for some green-space serenity or wander through the Underpass Park skatepark and basketball courts. Brunch at Dark Horse Espresso or Souk Tabule is a must. And when night falls, snag a table at Cluny Bistro for the cheese board of dreams, or sip margaritas on the fire-lit patio at El Catrin. Still one of the best guacs in the city (try the one with crickets!), no contest.
This area might be anchored in heritage, but it’s bursting with fresh energy. Cyclists, creatives, families, foodies—it’s a real mix. And with new infrastructure constantly adding polish (hello, Ontario Line), this neighbourhood continues to evolve without losing its soul.
The Neighbourhood in Photos (Photos by Karyn)
