Reason alone to visit the East End, Evergreen Brick Works (evergreen.ca; free) is a forward-focused, LEED-certified complex and community gathering place set in the revitalized 1880s Toronto Brick Company factory. After being abandoned in the 1980s, it was painstakingly restored by nonprofit Evergreen and reopened in 2010. Intriguing artworks are woven into its 16 heritage buildings; don't miss Ferruccio Sardella's Watershed Consciousness, showing Toronto's ravine and river system in steel, copper, brass and plants. Excellent free one-hour tours run on Saturdays at 11am and 1pm, and trails and boardwalks weave through the attached 16.5-hectare Don Valley Brick Works Park (toronto.ca), with skyline views that dazzle in fall colors.
The year-round Saturday Farmers Market is a much-loved East End event – a feast of Ontario-grown produce, most of it sourced from within 200km. In winter, come for the ice-skating rink, firepits and festive markets. For kids, the learning-focused Children's Garden is a highlight, with outdoor play areas, organized activities and gardens. For food, stop in at the coffee shop or the restaurant, specializing in local and organic food.
