Lower Don Trail and Evergreen Brick Works

The Lower Don Trail and Evergreen Brick Works route follows the Don River through the heart of Toronto, Ontario, from the former brickmaking quarry at 550 Bayview Avenue south toward Riverdale Park. The Evergreen Brick Works is a converted industrial site that now holds the Quarry Garden, heritage kilns, cafes and, on Saturdays, a farmers market, which makes it a natural starting point for an easy city hike. Access is straightforward without a car. A free Evergreen shuttle links the site with Broadview Station on certain schedules, and TTC bus 28 serves the area from Davisville station for the standard CAD 3.30 fare. Cyclists and walkers can also reach the trailhead from the Bayview Avenue side. Paid parking exists on site, but it fills quickly at weekend market times. No permit is required and entry to the grounds and trail is free. The route covers about 8 km one way to Riverdale Park, with roughly 20 m of total elevation gain, so it is classed as easy. Walking time is typically two to three hours one way, or less for those who turn around early. The surface alternates between paved multi-use path and compacted gravel, with a few boardwalk and bridge sections near the river. Most of the corridor is well signed and used by cyclists as well as walkers, so visitors should keep to the right and stay alert at bends. Tree cover along the valley provides partial shade in summer, although several open stretches are exposed. Key landmarks include the Quarry Garden and wetland ponds near the start, the Don River crossings, and views of the Bloor Viaduct as the valley narrows toward downtown. A sensible turn-around point for a shorter outing is the Riverdale Park area, where transit connections are available. Drinking water and washrooms are available at the Brick Works, but there are few refill points along the valley, so carrying a bottle is advisable. There are no huts or shelters on the route, although the Brick Works buildings offer cover from rain at the start. Snow and ice can affect sections in winter, and the river flats may flood after heavy rain. Because the trail runs through a deep valley, mobile coverage is generally good, and several road access points allow an early exit if conditions change.