Rush Lane, just south of Queen West, better known as Graffiti Alley, is home to a huge swath of vibrant street art. Although relatively well-known to city dwellers, if you’re new to Toronto or just visiting, you’ll likely be walking around if you’re not paying attention or don’t know where to look. But Graffiti Alley is always worth checking out. Much of the art has remained the same, but often something new comes along, so you never know what you’re going to see.
Whether you just want to experience something new in the city, or are looking for a colorful inspiration for your next Instagram post, this is one of Toronto’s most unique attractions. Read about everything you need to know about visiting Toronto’s Graffiti Alley.
Story
While Graffiti Alley may be one of Toronto’s most beloved attractions, street art was not always accepted in Toronto. The problem came down to street art versus vandalism, with the lines blurred in the eyes of city officials and authorities. The debate about graffiti in the city still exists, but the current vision is a more open acceptance of street art that has the power to beautify a neighborhood. StreetARToronto (StART) is an initiative started by the city of Toronto in 2012 as a way to reduce graffiti vandalism by replacing it with creative murals and street art that engage the community and have a positive impact on the city, much like Graffiti Alley has done.
The program has greatly helped change the city’s perspective of what graffiti can be.
Graffiti Alley is an excellent example of how attractive the street is. Just look at all the people holding up their phones to snap photos and videos of the long stretch of murals and quirky characters that seem to leap off the walls of Graffiti Alley.
What to expect
Bring your camera – you’ll want to take lots of photos on a visit to Graffiti Alley. The narrow stretch lasts over half a mile and every nook and cranny is covered in street art. Think of Graffiti Alley as an open-air gallery or living museum that encapsulates the vibrancy and diversity of Toronto.
Here you will find works by some of Toronto’s most renowned street artists, including Uber5000, Elicser, Poser, Skam, Spud, and many more. But keep in mind that while a mural or piece of art exists for a year, it might disappear the next time you visit. Artists regularly paint over old works and replace them with new creations.
Where and when to visit
Located within Toronto’s Fashion District, Graffiti Alley runs south of Queen Street from Spadina Avenue to Portland Avenue in an alley known as Rush Lane. The beginning of Graffiti Alley begins at the corner of Rush Lane and Portland Street. Then walk east. The colorful stretch filled with street art stretches for almost three blocks.
You can visit Graffiti Alley at any time, but Toronto is cold in the winter so the warmer months (May to October) might be your best option if you don’t feel like bundling up.
What to do nearby
A visit to Graffiti Alley puts you in the heart of Toronto’s Queen West neighborhood, which means that you are very close to doing other things to do in the city. Queen Street West is lined with bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops selling everything from clothing and accessories to household items, beauty and skincare products, and music. Plus, Graffiti Alley puts you within walking distance of epic shopping at the Toronto Eaton Center, the Toronto Sign at Nathan Philips Square (offering outdoor ice skating in winter), Old City Hall, Yonge-Dundas Square, where a there is often something to do. during the summer months (live music, outdoor movies, cultural festivals), the iconic Horseshoe Tavern for live music and much more.
Other street art spots in Toronto
Do you love street art? If you’ve been to Graffiti Alley and are looking for a few more places to visit, Toronto is full of them. But, like the art found in Graffiti Alley, things tend to change from year to year, so keep that in mind in your search for street art.
- At the corner of Bloor and Shaw streets, you’ll find the Make Good mural on the wall of Studio 835, created by 416Gallery owner and artist Jimmy Chiale.
- Wherever you look at Kensington Market, you’ll likely be treated to some form of street art (so keep your eyes peeled).
- The road north of Dundas St. West between McCaul and Beverly Street is home to colorful street art.
- Reclamation Wall is located on the Metrolinx along Joe Shuster Way, spans about 1000 feet and features murals by 65 artists across Canada.
- Just west of the corner of Queen and Ossington, known as the Ossington Laneway, there is another Toronto street art series to visit.
- Underpass Park is also home to extensive street art. The park is located under the Eastern Avenue, Richmond and Adelaide flyovers.
