Bluffers Park

To the east of the city, but West to the historical area of Guildwood, lies one of the most beautiful and breathtaking beaches in the city. The gorge is hidden from the rest of the cities bustling life, with only a few steep stairs to hint at its existence. Bluffers Park boasts pristine sandy beaches, incredible rock formations, and a popular marina, which in the summer time plays host to many recreational activities such as boating, sailing, swimming and more.

Located at the edge of the Scarborough Bluffs at 1 Brimley Road, the park stretches 14km along the Lake Ontario shore from the eastern beach of Toronto to West Hill. Bluffer’s park was designed to improve public access to the waterfront, and is Toronto’s only full service marina in the summertime. Even during the colder months, the park has major hiking trails, including a trail up to the parks highest point, Cathedral Bluffs, which rises 90 meters above Lake Ontario!

Did You Know? The unique geological rock formations of Bluffers park resulted from the accumulation of sedimentary deposits when the Wisconsin Glacier advanced and retreated nearly 12,000 years ago. Natural processes of wind and water erosion from Lake Ontario formed the resulting cliffs. 

Environmental Tip: Taking the TTC or carpooling is much less stressful then taking a car. I hear that parking in the summertime is horrid, apparently drivers get into scraps over parking spots, and it’s not free. The best TTC route is to take the Kingston Road 12 Eastbound bus from Victoria Station. Lessen your carbon footprint, and save your money!

The Don Valley Brick Works Park

Do you enjoy a natural habitat full with history and interesting facts? If so then this is a place you must visit! Located in the Don Valley, The Brick Works is an internationally significant natural and cultural heritage site located within the Don River watershed. The 16.5 (40.7 acre) site is open for public use, education and enjoyment. The park is also known for its hills with exceptional city views.

History

The lower Don has held an important role in the region's history as a place of settlement, agriculture and industry. It became a productive industrial area, valuable for its employment and the goods and services created there. By the late 1800s, improved transportation and abundant resources like water and clay had attracted manufacturers of paper, bricks and beer. Circa 1889 , the Don Valley Pressed Brick Works Company, one of Canada's biggest brickyards, operated at the site where it produced bricks that were used for some of the city's best-known buildings (Hart House, Casa Loma, and Old City Hall, among others). In 1995  the park became a public space, and restoration of the site began. The old quarry has been transformed into a nature park featuring a wild-flower meadow and wetlands, and scenic city views.

Did you know ?

Don Valley Brick Works Park is one of the most important geological sites in North America: the layers of sedimentary rock found in the quarry walls help scientists study the Ice Age, the environment and climate change.

 Evergreen CityWorks

Transforming the urban landscape demands more than isolated problem-solving; it requires innovation and collaboration among diverse sectors. It also requires awareness of the interconnectedness of city infrastructure and systems—from green buildings and sustainable transportation to food, energy, water and waste systems. Evergreen CityWorks will share ideas, engage public and devise a broad range of sustainability solutions.

Get involved in the Brickworks community!

Help create a healthy sustainable future by joining in with the park's initiatives. Get your hands dirty at weekly gardening and stewardship events where you can help growing plants to be later sold at a farmers market. You can also partake in fun activities and events that connect nature and community.

Things to do in March

Explore Singns of Spring from March 11 to March 15, attend a site tour on March 16 and March 17, or come out to the Tastings of Evergreen Farmers Market on March 16.

To find out more about the park visit http://ebw.evergreen.ca/