Free hiking and cycling trails through the Don Valley ravine system, connecting the Evergreen Brick Works to multiple parks, wetlands, and forested areas. The trails follow the West Don River through a remarkable urban wilderness that feels worlds away from downtown Toronto.
Free: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto (Evergreen Brick Works access) · Season: year-round
The Don Valley Brick Works trails form a remarkable network of free hiking and cycling paths that thread through one of Toronto's most significant urban wilderness areas. Following the West Don River through the deep ravine that cuts through the city's east side, these trails connect the Evergreen Brick Works — a former quarry and industrial site transformed into an environmental education centre — to a chain of parks, wetlands, and old-growth forests that extend for kilometres in both directions. The experience of walking through the Don Valley, surrounded by mature forest with the sounds of the river and birds as your only soundtrack, is one of Toronto's most surprising free pleasures.
The Trail Network
The Don Valley trails are not a single path but a network of interconnected routes that allow for walks of varying lengths and difficulties:
The Beltline Trail: A 9-kilometre multi-use trail that follows a former railway line through the valley, connecting the Evergreen Brick Works to Mount Pleasant Cemetery and the Allen Road area. The trail is relatively flat, wide, and suitable for all abilities. It passes through forest, meadow, and residential backyards, offering a cross-section of Toronto's urban ecology.
The Lower Don Trail: A paved multi-use trail that runs south from the Brick Works along the Don River to the lakefront, eventually connecting to the Martin Goodman Trail. The Lower Don Trail is fully accessible and provides a continuous green corridor from midtown to the waterfront.
The Crothers Woods Connector: Unpaved trails that connect the Brick Works area to Crothers Woods, passing through mature forest, wildflower meadows, and riverside habitat. These trails are more rugged and offer a wilderness experience.
The Todmorden Mills Connection: Trails that lead south to the Todmorden Mills heritage site and wetland, featuring a boardwalk through a sensitive marsh ecosystem.
The Sunnybrook Park Route: Northern trails that extend from the Brick Works area toward Sunnybrook Park and the Wilket Creek ravine.
The Evergreen Brick Works as a Trail Hub
The Evergreen Brick Works serves as the perfect starting point for Don Valley trail exploration. The site offers:
Free Parking: The Brick Works parking lot is free and provides direct trail access.
Washrooms and Facilities: The site's public washrooms and water fountains are available to trail users.
Food and Drink: The Saturday farmers market and on-site cafe provide refreshments before or after your hike.
Trail Information: Maps and signage at the Brick Works help orient visitors to the trail network.
Bike Share: Bike Share Toronto stations are available for cyclists who want to explore the paved trails.
What You Will See
Walking the Don Valley trails reveals a surprising diversity of landscapes:
Mature Forest: Sections of the trail pass through old-growth oak-hickory forest, red pine plantations, and mixed deciduous woodland. Some trees exceed 150 years in age.
Wetlands and Riverside Habitat: The West Don River and its tributaries create wetland areas that support frogs, salamanders, waterfowl, and herons. The Todmorden Mills wetland boardwalk provides close-up views of marsh ecology.
Wildflower Meadows: Open areas within the valley support native prairie plantings that attract butterflies and pollinators.
Industrial Heritage: The trail passes the ruins and repurposed structures of the former Don Valley Brick Works quarry, including kiln foundations, quarry walls, and the dramatic chimney stack.
Wildlife: The valley is home to deer, foxes, rabbits, mink, and over 150 bird species. Spring and fall migrations are particularly rewarding for birdwatchers.
Seasonal Experiences
Spring (April–May): The valley's most beautiful season. Spring ephemeral wildflowers carpet the forest floor. Migrating birds fill the woods. The river runs high with snowmelt. The air is fresh and scented with earth and blossoms.
Summer (June–August): The canopy provides deep shade and a cool escape from the city's heat. The meadows are in full bloom. Evening walks offer the most comfortable temperatures. Mosquitoes are present near wetlands.
Fall (September–October): The valley's tree canopy turns spectacular colours. The trails are dry and pleasant. Fall migration brings different bird species. The combination of forest colour and river views is stunning.
Winter (November–March): The valley is quiet and atmospheric. Snow transforms the forest into a winter landscape. Ice formations appear along the river. The trails are least crowded. Proper winter footwear is essential.
Getting There
The Evergreen Brick Works is the main trail access point, at 550 Bayview Avenue:
- **TTC:** The 28 Bayview South bus stops at the Brick Works entrance (weekends only); the 11 Bayview bus connects to the area
- **Car:** Free parking is available at the Brick Works lot
- **Cycling:** The Beltline Trail and Lower Don Trail connect directly to the Brick Works; bike racks are available
- **Walking:** The Brick Works is accessible from the surrounding Leaside and Moore Park neighbourhoods via local streets
Nearby Attractions
- **Evergreen Brick Works:** Free outdoor areas, trails, Saturday farmers market, and environmental displays
- **Crothers Woods:** Old-growth forest and mountain bike trails, connected via the trail network
- **Todmorden Mills:** Historic site and wetland boardwalk, a short walk south
- **Sunnybrook Park:** Large park with additional trails, north of the Brick Works
- **The Beaches:** Continue south on the Lower Don Trail to reach the lakefront beaches
Practical Tips for Tourists
- The trails are free and open 24 hours, though the Brick Works facilities have operating hours
- Start at the Evergreen Brick Works for parking, washrooms, and trail maps
- The Beltline Trail is the easiest route for casual walkers; the Crothers Woods connectors are more rugged
- Bring water and snacks — there are no facilities along most of the trail network
- Spring wildflowers peak in late April and early May
- The trails are popular with cyclists — stay alert and share the path
- Cell service can be spotty in the deep valley — download offline maps
- The Saturday farmers market at the Brick Works is worth combining with your hike
Visitor tip
The trail network connects Evergreen Brick Works to Crothers Woods, Sunnybrook Park, and eventually downtown via the Lower Don Trail. The Saturday farmers market at the Brick Works makes a perfect start or end point. The boardwalk through the Todmorden Mills wetland is a highlight.