Don Valley Brick Works Park Toronto
A 40-acre urban oasis blending historic industrial ruins with natural beauty and stunning Toronto skyline views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Don Valley Brick Works Park Toronto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 40-acre urban oasis blending historic industrial ruins with natural beauty and stunning Toronto skyline views.
"A gem every time, offering tons of trails, hilltop views, and unreal sunset vistas."
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking is limited and can fill up fast on weekends. Consider public transit or cycling.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the varied terrain and extensive trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Ruins
Main site
Explore the fascinating remnants of the former brick manufacturing plant, offering a glimpse into Toronto's industrial past.
Toronto Skyline Views
Various viewpoints
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, especially stunning during sunset.
Extensive Trail Network
Throughout the park
Wander through diverse trails, from paved paths to natural ravines, perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling.
The Pond and Dam
Central pond area
Discover the tranquil pond and observe the beaver dam, a testament to nature's resilience within the urban landscape.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking is limited and can fill up fast on weekends. Consider public transit or cycling.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the varied terrain and extensive trails.
📅 Check Event Schedule
The park hosts events like Doors Open; check their calendar to plan your visit.
🌅 Sunset Views
The park offers incredible sunset views of the Toronto skyline.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking is limited and can fill up fast on weekends. Consider public transit or cycling.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the varied terrain and extensive trails.
📅 Check Event Schedule
The park hosts events like Doors Open; check their calendar to plan your visit.
🌅 Sunset Views
The park offers incredible sunset views of the Toronto skyline.
🐿️ Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for beavers, especially at dawn or dusk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the park's unique blend of natural beauty and industrial history, offering stunning skyline views and extensive trails. While parking can be a challenge, the peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for wildlife spotting make it a highly recommended Toronto gem.
"My dog would love to give 6 stars for this park. This is one of the best areas in Toronto. I walk my dog here often and it’s always a delightful experience. On my last visit, I saw lots of turtles and a duck swimming, adding to the park’s natural charm. It’s a truly beautiful place."
Saffron Oh
"One of our favourite places to come walk our dogs in Toronto! Great to visit in all seasons. Plenty of parking available, but you do have to pay for it."
Michal Brichacek
"Pretty good. The park is pretty small but well maintained. Probably not suitable for older people - you need to go up the hill quite a bit. The parking is plentiful at $8/day but it gets busy on the weekends."
Mike Kushnir
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take the subway to Castle Frank or Broadview stations and then catch a bus towards the Brickworks. Some visitors suggest getting off at Davisville and walking through Mount Pleasant Cemetery for a scenic route. +1
Enter the ravine from Moore Ave east of Mount Pleasant and walk south through the ravine to the Brickworks. Alternatively, explore the Beltline Trail from Mount Pleasant Cemetery. +1
Yes, there is parking, but it's limited and often fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Some people park along Bayview Avenue, but this can be risky.
Absolutely! The park is well-connected to Toronto's cycling network, including the Beltline Trail. It's a great way to explore the area.
For a nature-focused walk, entering from Moore Ave east of Mount Pleasant and heading south towards the Brickworks is recommended. You can also explore trails from Taylor Creek Park. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Don Valley Brick Works Park is a public park and is free to enter.
The park grounds are generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific building hours may vary, so it's best to check their official website for details.
No, general access to the park and its trails does not require booking tickets.
Some special events, like the 'Doors Open' event, may be free to attend but require checking their specific schedules.
While many trails are natural, some areas and buildings have accessible pathways. It's advisable to check the park's accessibility information beforehand.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of trails, including paved paths and more rugged ravine trails. The Don Valley Trail system connects to the Brickworks, offering longer hiking options. +1
Yes, there are many scenic spots perfect for picnics. You'll find seating areas and open spaces to enjoy your meal amidst nature.
Dogs are generally allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash. Some areas might have specific restrictions.
You can explore the remnants of the old brick manufacturing plant, learning about Toronto's industrial heritage.
Visitors have reported seeing beavers, especially around dawn and dusk. The park is also home to various bird species and other urban wildlife.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The historic ruins, the Toronto skyline views (especially at sunset), and the natural landscapes offer fantastic photo opportunities. +1
Golden hour, just before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for capturing the skyline and the park's natural beauty.
Don't miss capturing the contrast between the industrial ruins and the surrounding nature, as well as the city skyline peeking through the trees.
A versatile lens is recommended for capturing both wide landscapes and details of the ruins. A tripod can be useful for low-light sunset shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban parks and near residential areas. It's best to check local bylaws and park regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for the historic ruins, which can spark imagination and provide a unique backdrop for photos. The park also offers opportunities to spot wildlife, like birds and potentially even beavers, adding an element of discovery to the visit.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Walkers
Consider starting your walk from the Mount Pleasant Cemetery area or entering via Moore Avenue for a more immersive ravine experience. The park's connection to the larger Don Valley Trail system means you can extend your walk as much as you like.
📸 Photographers
Explore different vantage points to capture the interplay of light and shadow on the old structures. The natural elements, like the pond and the changing seasons, also offer unique photographic moments. Consider bringing a versatile lens to capture both wide-angle vistas and detailed shots of the architectural remnants.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
These trails wind through lush greenery, offering a refreshing escape from the city bustle. You'll encounter diverse flora and fauna, and the changing seasons bring unique beauty, with fall foliage being particularly spectacular.
For those seeking a more challenging trek, consider exploring the connections to Crothers Woods or venturing further along the Don River. The park's layout encourages exploration, allowing you to discover hidden nooks and stunning viewpoints as you go.
A Glimpse into History
Visitors can wander among the old structures, imagining the bustling activity that once took place here. The juxtaposition of these weathered buildings with the surrounding natural landscape creates a compelling visual narrative. It's a popular spot for photographers and history enthusiasts alike, offering a chance to capture the essence of urban decay and natural reclamation.
Beyond the main ruins, the park's history is also tied to the Don River valley, an area shaped by both natural forces and human intervention. Understanding this context enriches the visitor experience, highlighting the park's transformation from an industrial site to a cherished public space.
Wildlife Encounters
Beyond the beavers, the park's diverse habitats support a variety of bird species, making it a pleasant spot for birdwatching. You might also encounter squirrels, rabbits, and other small mammals. The natural ponds and ravines provide essential resources for these creatures, contributing to the park's ecological richness.
Remember to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and avoid feeding them. This helps maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem and ensures a safe experience for both visitors and the animals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit