Evergreen Brick Works

Evergreen Brick Works occupies the site of the Don Valley Brick Works, founded in 1889 by the Taylor brothers. For nearly a century it supplied bricks for some of Toronto's best-known buildings, including Casa Loma, Osgoode Hall, Massey Hall and the Ontario Legislature. The environmental charity Evergreen restored the industrial buildings as a centre for green cities, and it opened in its present form in September 2010.

The setting is a large part of the appeal. The site lies in the Don Valley ravine, and the former quarry behind the buildings was reshaped into the Weston Family Quarry Garden, with three ponds, meadows and a small forest, which opened in 1997. The Beltline Trail passes the site and forest paths connect it to other nature areas. Inside, the old kiln halls and factory buildings remain, and the restoration of the historic kiln building is part of Evergreen's move towards a carbon-neutral campus.

The Saturday Farmers Market, from 8am to 1pm, is the busiest time to visit and a good reason to come. Ontario Artisan and Vintage Markets are also held on site, along with public gardens, public art, tours and a self-guided audio tour. In winter, public skating is free, funded by parking revenue.

The site is open daily all year, except 25 and 26 December and 1 January, and Welcome Centre staff are on hand from 9am to 5pm. Different areas have their own hours, so check the section you plan to visit. The surface is uneven in places, with bumps, tracks and pebbles, though the Young Centre and the Centre for Green Cities have lifts, accessible washrooms and automatic doors.

There is a second bus option too: route 28 Bayview South runs from Davisville station. Evergreen keeps many of its programmes affordable or free through donations from individuals and partner groups.

Parking is limited and paid, so the free Evergreen Shuttle Bus is the best way in. It leaves Broadview subway station every 30 to 45 minutes, more often on Saturdays, and has a wheelchair lift. Cycling and Toronto Bike Share are also encouraged. Allow two to three hours for the market and a walk around the quarry garden. The site suits families, walkers and food shoppers.