Evergreen Brick Works | Toronto

Evergreen Brick Works is a former industrial site transformed into a public park and community hub located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

This 40-acre site preserves remnants of Toronto's industrial past while offering extensive green space and programming.

Visual Characteristics

The site features a complex of red brick buildings, including kilns and factory structures, exhibiting early 20th-century industrial architecture. The grounds consist of open fields, wooded ravines, and a pond. The dominant material is weathered red brick, with exposed steel beams and concrete foundations visible in some structures. The pond water color varies from murky brown to green depending on recent rainfall and algae growth.

Location & Access Logistics

Evergreen Brick Works is situated at 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8. It is approximately 5 kilometers northeast of the downtown core. Access is via Bayview Avenue. Limited paid parking is available on-site. Public transport options include the TTC bus route 28 Bayview South, which stops directly at the site. The closest subway station is Broadview, from which a transfer to the 28 bus is required.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The site was originally the Don Valley Brick Works, established in 1905 by the Toronto Brick Company. It operated until 1984, producing bricks used in many of Toronto's iconic buildings. The land is part of the Don River valley, a significant ecological corridor that has undergone extensive rehabilitation efforts.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the historic kilns and buildings. Walking trails are available throughout the ravines and along the Don River. The site hosts a weekend farmers' market. Educational programs and workshops are offered seasonally. Bird watching is a common activity due to the site's ecological significance.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available in the main visitor center. Some covered areas provide shade. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable across the site. Food vendors are present during the weekend farmers' market. Additional food and beverage options are available in nearby commercial areas along Bayview Avenue.

Best Time to Visit

For photography of the brick structures, morning light offers softer illumination. Spring and fall provide pleasant weather for outdoor exploration, with autumn foliage offering visual interest. The site is accessible year-round, though winter conditions may affect trail accessibility.

Facts & Legends

A specific "secret" tip for visitors is to look for the remnants of the old conveyor belt system that transported clay from the quarry to the kilns, a testament to the site's industrial past.

Nearby Landmarks

• Riverdale Park East (1.2km Southeast)
• Todmorden Mills Heritage Site (1.5km North)
• Dundas Street East commercial district (2.0km Southwest)
• Withrow Park (2.5km Southeast)
• Danish Village (3.0km West)