Published on December 20, 2024
We’re told that the third Monday of January is the most depressing day of the year. Are you ready for Blue Monday?
Started as a marketing gimmick based on factors like the weather and post-holiday debt, it resonates for a reason. Daylight is scarce, the weather remains harsh and the festive season feels far behind us.
Whether you’re a Blue Monday skeptic or believer, it doesn’t hurt to plan some fun activities during the winter months. There’s no shortage of family-friendly activities at the Brick Works to turn Blue Monday orange (or whatever your happy colour is!) Whether you’re the outdoorsy type and love embracing the chilly temperatures, or you like to stay cozy with indoor activities, you’re sure to find something on the list that excites you.
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Destination Toronto calls our rink one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets! The Evergreen Brick Works rink weaves through snow-covered gardens under exposed beams from the roof of the old brick factory. There’s truly no other skating rink like it in the city. Whether you’re skating with your family, meeting up with a friend or connecting with a stranger, this program is the perfect opportunity to get outside, get active and connect with community during the winter season.
Keep an eye on our Free Public Skating webpage and Instagram stories for updates on weather-related closures.
During the winter the Saturday Farmers Market is located in the beautiful CRH Gallery and is open from 9am – 1pm. We’re one of the few farmers markets in Toronto that stays open throughout the winter!
Here’s where you’ll find the Farmers Market:
Shop from local vendors selling seasonal fruits and veggies, jams, meats, baked goods, kombucha, fish, and so much more! The Market is the perfect place to meet up with a friend or to bring the family.
Colder temperatures are no reason to put away your bike for the season! Cycling throughout the winter can be a great way to get outside and get some exercise. Just make sure to bundle up, plan your route and use bright lights as the colder months have less hours of sunlight.
The trails in the Don River Valley Park are beautiful to explore after a fresh snowfall. These trails run alongside the river and connect neighbourhoods in Toronto to valuable green space. So, grab a Bike Share or your own bike and meet us at the Brick Works as you explore Toronto’s trails this winter by bike!
While some species have flown south for the winter, there are still many furry friends that call the Don Valley home during the colder months. So, who’s hanging out in the snow at the Brick Works? You might be lucky enough to spot red-tail hawks, beavers, white-tailed deer, chickadees, eastern cottontails and winter owls. Learn more about winter wildlife at the Brick Works here.
Winter break doesn’t have to mean a break from the great outdoors. This year, you can embrace the season with a flurry of engaging activities that turn the frosty landscape into our playground.
Evergreen’s Outdoor Educators have created a list of 10 of their favourite winter activities to help young and old get outdoors this season. From tracking animal prints to outdoor crafts, there are many ways for kids to get outside and play when there is snow on the ground.
Looking for more fun activities for the kids? Give them an exciting, active, and nature-filled week off from school with our March Break Camp. Sign up today!
Have you been to the Evergreen Garden Market lately? We carry so many products from talented local vendors, ranging from handmade greeting cards to dog collars and leashes! It’s the perfect place to pick up a present for your loved one, shop for unique home du00e9cor or buy another house plant.
The Garden Market is open Monday to Friday from 10am – 5pm; Saturday from 9am – 5pm; and Sunday from 10am – 5pm.
Journey through time to understand how the industrial past meets the present in a celebration of nature, sustainability and community. From deep-time geological records to mechanical artifacts, this tour tells the complete story of this land, as you learn how Evergreen reclaimed and revitalized the Brick Works into an award-winning environmental community centre and green-technology showcase.
This tour is an hour in length, and will take you across the industrial site and into our historic buildings. Meet at our Welcome Desk rain or shine evert Saturday at 11am and 2pm.
Picnic Cafe is open on Mondays from 8:30am – 4pm, on Tuesday to Friday from 8:30am – 5pm, on Saturdays from 8am – 6pm and on Sundays from 9am – 5pm. Their menu includes pastries, soups, sandwiches and more!
Getting here:
We have a free Shuttle Bus that departs every 30-45 mins from the parkette just north of Broadview Subway Station. There’s also a TTC Bus that goes to the Brick Works. Note: We offer paid parking, but it does fill up on the weekends. Please consider using sustainable forms of transportation like biking, walking and public transportation when possible.
If you visit the Brick Works this winter, tag us in your photos @evergreen_brick_works. We love seeing them!
