Toronto is a vibrant city with art and culture around every corner – literally. Over the years, alleys, walls, storefronts, and more have become some of the most sought-after spots in the city for a walk or that perfect photo with the bright murals and intricate street art.
It’s no secret that the city always strives to incorporate local talent into the places locals and visitors alike spend their time. An initiative put on by the City of Toronto, StreetARToronto, helps us explore the beautiful street art with their interactive map.
Start creating your street art bucket list!
These are the best spots to go on your next picturesque walk (cute coffee in hand, photo-ready):
- Keep Going Mural at Strange Love Cafe
For those who remember the iconic pink and purple TORONTO art here; it’s been replaced with a somewhat more motivating message in hued of blue. The makeshift bench is perfect to perch on for your colourful city mural Insta post.
Location: Find this one just south of Adelaide and Spadina.
2. Dispensary Mural at Blunt & Cherry Ltd.
Pick up your essentials for the week and appreciate the intricate, and pretty wild, monochrome mural.
Location: Just south of King & Spadina.
3. The Rotating Pastel Murals at Calii Love
Calii Love brings California vibes to downtown Toronto with their smoothie bowls, lattes, and colourful smoothies, so the colourful beachy art that adorns the wall of the restaurant is perfect! Pretend you’re on vacation for a lunch and convince your followers you are too!
Location: On King St. just west of Blue Jay’s Way.
4. Make Good in Bloorcourt
This piece by Jimmy Chiale leaves a good message to those strolling along Queen West. Our recommendation? Grab a slice at King Slice and sit nearby to enjoy the art and pizza.
Location: Queen St West & Shaw St.
5. Birds and Beans Lakeshore Mural
This Etobicoke espresso bar and market is beautiful inside and out! With their pastries, baked goods, coffee, and local goods to buy it’s a perfect opportunity to support local and enjoy basked goods beside a gorgeous mural.
Location: Right beside Mimico Square, at Lakeshore Rd West and Primrose Ave.
6. Yorkville Murals by Ola Volo
Yorkville is picturesque in every sense of the word, and Yorkville Murals left the area adorned in bright-coloured, super beautiful art. The third edition of this art festival is happening in September 2021, meaning we still have the summer to enjoy murals like the one above – until a new batch are created.
Location: Veer off the street and find this in the square just south of 99 Yorkville Ave at Bellair St.
7. Pollinating the city in the Annex
It’s very fitting that the wall this mural belongs to (Slanted Door) is a café, lounge, and art gallery. Found in the Annex, this flowery Toronto skyline mural looks exactly like sunset in the city on a warm summer’s day. This piece was commissioned by Burt’s Bees and created by Nick Sweetman to cover up illegal graffiti and display the importance of the city’s pollinators.
Location: Howland Ave. & Bloor St. West
8. Local masterpiece to celebrate the community
Daniela Rocha painted this along the wall of the Sleep Country store off of Bloor West to celebrate and represent The Annex. Conveniently, the Annex Food Hall is just across the street making it a perfect duo for when you’re out-and-about.
Location: Just off of 459 Bloor St. W. down Major Street
9. Yonge Murals with a big look
Get the coolest vertical-panoramic shot of this pop culture mural, part of Yonge Murals.
Location: Yonge St. just south of College
