Donate today to create beloved public places that help us connect with nature and with each other.
DonatePublished on October 4, 2024
Over 2024, Evergreen has launched a sustainable off-season tourism plan. Together with a dynamic team of corporate and government partners, we are developing and enhancing active outdoor experiences at Evergreen Brick Works, including public skating, biking, hiking in the ravines and nature play for kids.
To complement active outdoor experiences, we are running exciting culinary and cultural festivals. Visitors can follow their winter hikes by enjoying s’mores beside cozy fire pits at our Winter Market, sample delicious foods under our market pavilions or enjoy a performance from our partners through the Community Spotlight Series. We’re thrilled to welcome more visitors to the Brick Works and inspire them to engage in outdoor activities. These and many other enriched experiences are made possible in part by funding from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
Located in Toronto’s Don Valley ravine system, the picturesque Brick Works offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located just 5km from Yonge-Dundas Square, the Brick Works connects city dwellers to nature without them having to venture too far from home. Active and adventurous travellers who typically seek rural or remote destinations can find outdoor recreation and natural beauty right in the heart of Canada’s largest city.
Named one of Canada’s favourite outdoor tourist attractions, the Brick Works offers visitors exciting ways to connect with nature in every season. Whether you’re exploring the outdoor Farmers Market in summer, taking in the autumnal colours of the Don Valley during a fall tour or skating on our picturesque rink in the winter, there’s always something going on at the Brick Works. Destination Toronto says, “Evergreen Brick Works is one of Toronto’s most dynamic public places. Nestled in the heart of the Don Valley, you’ll find yourself in a multi-sensory oasis bursting with life.”
When people visit our site, we encourage them to do so in a sustainable way through various initiatives that help to protect our local ecosystems, reduce CO2 emissions and minimize impact on our beautiful natural surroundings. For example, we partner with Muuse, an app-based reusable takeout food system, to reduce food waste at our cultural festivals and markets. We encourage the use of active transportation like walking and biking to our site. We also have a free Shuttle Bus that takes people to and from Broadview Subway Station every 30-45 minutes.
The Brick Works was designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating various green design features such as solar thermal technology and a high-efficiency, renewable geo-exchange system. The site also has climate-resilient infrastructure like cisterns and bioswales that help minimize the effects of extreme weather events like floods. The Brick Works is the perfect destination for the environmentally conscious traveler!
From cultural festivals to outdoor activities to musical performances, the Brick Works is a lively hub filled with constant activity.
Festivals: The Brick Works is home to some of Toronto’s most cherished festivals, including the Tastes of Home Festival, the Good Mourning Festival and the Winter Market. These festivals provide a chance for people to connect with nature and each other, support local vendors, take part in active programming and so much more. The Good Mourning Festival and Winter Market occur in the colder months when many people tend to stay indoors more, leading to increased feelings of loneliness. We aim for our festivals to inspire people to get outside, catch up with friends and meet new faces—they’re a wonderful opportunity for connection.
Photo by: Al Yoshiki
Recreation: Our outdoor recreation programs invite visitors of all ages and abilities to get active and engage with both the natural and built environment. Regardless of the season, there are plenty of ways for visitors to move their bodies and enjoy the outdoors at the Brick Works. Our varied programming allows residents to experience their city in new ways, whether through skating, biking, or free public tours in the Don Valley. Children’s and families can also enjoy active, inclusive and seasonal activities during free Weekend Nature Play in the Children’s Garden.
Markets and Food: When people think of Evergreen Brick Works, they often think of our vibrant Farmers Market. Evergreen started its Saturday Farmers Market in 2007 with 25 local farmers and producers. Since then, it has grown into the largest year-round farmers market in Toronto. Visitors come from near and far to shop from our incredible local vendors, enjoy mouth-watering, prepared food and perhaps even take a hike in the Don Valley. This year we launched our Outdoor Eats program, a pop-up dining experience that showcases the best of Toronto’s diverse and delicious food scene. At popular events like Outdoor Movie Nights and the Ontario Artisan and Vintage Market, attendees can enjoy tasty bites or a meal from Outdoor Eats vendors.
Art and Community: Public art enhances the Brick Works, transforming it into a vibrant hub for culture, learning and collaboration. The perfect example of this is the Community Spotlight Program, which aims to demonstrate the value of inclusive public places by amplifying and centering other voices, communities and cultures. We provide the space and opportunity for community groups to showcase their work to large audiences at the Brick Works. From a stunning mural painted in the Garden Market by Julia Prajza to Bolly Yoga with Limitless Productions to Drag Queen Story Time with Selena Vyle, Evergreen Brick Works has welcomed an array of talented groups.
We’re excited to embrace more outdoor activities and adventures this year!
