Don Valley Brick Works

The natural environment and old buildings all set into a valley make Don Valley Brickworks a fascinating place to explore

Ponds paths and historic buildings at Don Valley Brickworks Park
Ponds paths and historic buildings at Don Valley Brickworks Park cc licensed photo by Loozrboy

Don Valley Brickworks is a former quarry and brick plant turned into parkland situated in the Don River Valley. The natural environment and old buildings all set into a valley make this a fascinating place to explore and photograph.

The site of Don Valley Brickworks was once a source of high quality clay ideal for producing top quality bricks. Beginning in 1889 a quarry was developed to obtain clay, shale, sand and water to produce the bricks. A plant and kilns were set up adjacent to the quarry to produce bricks which where used in the construction of many of Toronto's landmark buildings including the Massey Hall and Casa Loma. At its peak the company was producing 114,000 bricks every day.

Eventually the clay, shale and sand were used up. In 1994 reclamation of the site began. The quarry was filled and landscaped. Three ponds along with a meadow and forest were created in the space formerly occupied by the quarry. Wildflowers, shrubs and native trees were planted around the ponds. In 1997 the reclaimed site was opened to the public. Since that time many species of wildlife have inhabited the site including fish that have entered into the ponds from the Don River.

A non-profit organization called Evergreen Brick Works has taken over responsibility for the old buildings on the site, converting them into a cultural and educational centre.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: No

Hours: The park is open 24/7 except for Buildings and Markets

Address: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON

Phone: 416-596-1495

Official Website: Don Valley Brick Works

Accommodations near Don Valley Brick Works:

Directions

TTC Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Bloor-Danforth Broadview0 Minutes
Yonge-University-Spadina St. Clair Station30 Minutes

How to get to Don Valley Brick Works by TTC Subway

Your best option is from Broadview Stationwhere you can catch the free Evergreen Brickworks Shuttle Bus at Erindale Ave, east of Broadview Ave (just north of Broadview subway station). It runs daily every 30 minutes or so. Schedules are available on the Evergreen Brickworks website linked to near the bottom of the article.

From St. Clair Station take the #88 South Leaside bus south to Bayview Avenue at Moore. Continue walking south along Bayview Avenue 2.2 km to the Don Valley Brickworks which is on the right side of the road. Note on Saturdays only during the summer from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm you can take the 28A To Brickworks via Bayview from Davisville Station and no walking is required.

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Photo Gallery

Video


The 2009 opening of Evergreen Brickworks

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