North Toronto Station

Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, the North Toronto Station has serviced passengers and served alcoholic beverages within its walls for over 100 years. Constructed in 1916, the building primarily served as a Canadian Pacific Railway station for over 20 years, closing its doors in 1930. A decade later, the site was renovated and reopened as the largest liquor store in Canada.

In May 1939, the station briefly re-opened for one day to accommodate a visit from King George VI and his consort Queen Elizabeth on their first visit to Toronto. The last rail passengers to transit through the station were returning soldiers from World War II.

Today, the original bronze lights suspended from the ceiling adorn the main hall where glimmers of the building’s former use exist only through photographs and illustrations.  Portraits of workmen on the railways look out towards a well-stocked table of rosé wines. The majestic 140-foot clock tower, perhaps the most significant feature of the building’s exterior, today serves as a tasting area.

No doubt, the majority of the store’s clientele visit to purchase liquor, although you may spot a few customers marveling at the high ceilings and expensive aged bottles behind padlocked fridge doors.