An abandoned Victorian-era brick quarry and manufacturing complex converted into an extraordinary environmental centre, market, and event space. The Saturday Farmer's Market (May–November) is Toronto's best, and the setting — industrial ruins, chimneys, quarry ponds, and original kilns — is absolutely unlike anything else in the city.
Area: Don Valley / Rosedale · Address: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8 · Best time: Saturday morning market
Insider tip
The Saturday market runs May through November and has Toronto's best local food vendors — arrive by 9am before things sell out. The hiking trails behind the Brick Works take you immediately into the Don Valley ravine wilderness. The quarry ponds attract a surprising variety of waterfowl. Get a coffee from the market vendors and walk the grounds — it's extraordinary.
Getting there
From Broadview subway station (Line 2): City of Toronto shuttle bus (free) runs on Saturdays. Or bus 28 Bayview south to Pottery Rd, then walk west. By bike: the Don Valley Trail runs directly to the site.