Evergreen Brick Works

Evergreen Brick Works at 550 Bayview Avenue is a former industrial brickworks in the Don Valley, Toronto, Ontario, that has been converted into a community and environmental centre. For decades the site produced bricks used in many of the city's buildings, and the surviving kilns, sheds and brick-making machinery remain visible around the grounds. Today the complex hosts a Saturday farmers' market from early morning to early afternoon, a Sunday market in some seasons, cafes and restaurants, a children's garden, workshops, exhibitions and a programme of festivals. Behind the buildings, the Don Valley Brick Works Park offers wetlands, ponds, meadows and trails that connect to the Don River trail network, and the Weston Family Quarry Garden displays native plants within the old clay pit. Visitors can walk, cycle or run on the trails, watch for birds and turtles, and join guided nature walks. In winter the site runs a skating trail and seasonal markets. Most visits last around two hours, though the Saturday farmers' market often keeps people longer, and it is the busiest period, with queues for coffee and food. Weekday mornings are calm, making them good for photographers interested in the industrial architecture and the contrast with the greenery. Entry is free, with paid parking on site, but the venue encourages public transit. A free Evergreen shuttle runs from Broadview subway station on Line 2, and TTC bus 28 Bayview South stops nearby. Cyclists can arrive via the Don Valley trails. The site is also used for private events and weddings, so visitors should check the website for closures.