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Canada’s 10 Coolest Street Art Locations You Need to See
- Montreal’s Plateau-Mont-Royal
- Toronto’s Graffiti Alley
- Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant & Main Street
- Edmonton’s Old Strathcona
- Calgary’s Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP)
- Halifax’s North End
- Ottawa’s ByWard Market
- Winnipeg’s West Broadway & The Exchange District
- Quebec City’s Lower Town (Basse-Ville)
- Saskatoon’s Riversdale & Broadway Area
One thing about me is that I’ll always give you that lean-back, crossed-arm, one-foot-to-the-wall, look-to-the-left (gotta show my good side) pose for every photo.
And, of course, to add the cool factor, a killer street art backdrop is a must. (Please, don’t try to stalk me on Instagram—I swear it’s just murals and my signature poses.) After saying “one more!” to my friends for the hundredth time, I guess I’ve done the legwork to figure out where to find the best street art in Canada.
From quirky hidden gems to massive murals that practically beg for a photo op, I’ve scoured the streets for the coolest, most colourful spots—so you don’t have to!
Montreal’s Plateau-Mont-Royal
Media from nancys_917
Address: Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montreal
Walking through Plateau-Mont-Royal feels like stepping into a colourful, living gallery. Start your street art journey at Boulevard Saint-Laurent, the epicentre of Montreal’s mural scene and home to the annual MURAL Festival in June, where artists transform walls in real-time.
From here, explore nearby Rue Prince-Arthur or hidden alleys for unexpected gems. Highlights include A’Shop Crew’s surrealist masterpieces on Saint-Dominique and Faith47’s reflective murals that feel like visual poetry. Don’t miss the quirky mural by Jason Botkin on Rachel Street or the wall near Fitzroy Bar.
For the best photos, visit early to avoid crowds and catch the murals in soft morning light. And don’t forget to take your time; the alleys hold treasures as captivating as the main streets—you could also catch breaks at cafes.
Pro tip:
Visit in June for the MURAL Festival. The energy is electric with live painting, music, and street events. Don’t forget to look down—sidewalks and street corners often hide smaller, whimsical surprises.
Toronto’s Graffiti Alley
Media from graffitialleyt.o
Address: Graffiti Alley, Queen West
Graffiti Alley feels like Toronto’s rebellious heart. Hidden behind the bustling Queen Street West, this alley is a kaleidoscope of colours and styles stretching nearly a kilometre. It’s not just the big murals that steal the show here, though those are undeniably stunning—it’s the details.
Start your journey near Spadina Avenue and work your way westward. Along the way, you’ll spot works by Elicser Elliott, whose portraits are full of raw emotion, and pieces by local collectives that capture Toronto’s multicultural identity.
Graffiti Alley is also a photographer’s dream—midday light bounces beautifully off the walls, creating natural highlights. Look closely at the layers of graffiti; some pieces are witty comments or political statements, while others are just pure artistic genius.
Pro tip:
Bring a wide-angle lens if you’re shooting photos—some of the best murals span entire buildings, and you’ll want to capture every inch.
Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant & Main Street
Media from vanmuralfest
Address: Main Street (between E 5th Avenue and King Ed)
Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood has a way of pulling you in. Around every corner near Main Street, there’s a mural that stops you in your tracks. This area isn’t just about big, colourful walls (though there are plenty of those); it’s about stories.
Make your first stop near Broadway and Main, where you’ll see pieces like Emily Gray’s nature-inspired murals, full of dreamy, organic shapes, and Ness Lee’s playful works, which feel like they’re straight out of a modern fairy tale.
Every August, the Vancouver Mural Festival breathes new life into the neighbourhood, with fresh murals going up and old favourites getting a revamp. The festival often includes interactive pieces, so keep an eye out for art you can pose with or even step into for a cool photo.
Pro tip:
Download the Vancouver Mural Festival app. It has a map of every mural, so you won’t miss a single masterpiece.
Edmonton’s Old Strathcona
Media from myradio580
Address: 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB
Contact details: [email protected]
Old Strathcona might be best known for its historic charm, but its street art scene is a force to be reckoned with. Stroll along Whyte Avenue, where you can’t miss Okuda San Miguel’s geometric animals, bursting with colour and personality.
From there, head to the smaller streets—this is where the Rust Magic Festival’s influence shines. The festival brings in world-class artists, so you’ll find works by names like Faith XLVII, whose ethereal murals often feel like they’re telling a story that’s just out of reach.
If you want to create your art, the local Rust Magic team sometimes organizes workshops. Even if you’re just a casual admirer, peering at the tools of the trade adds a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.
Pro tip:
After exploring, grab a seat at one of the rooftop patios along Whyte Avenue for a bird’s-eye view of the neighbourhood’s art and energy.
Calgary’s Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP)
Media from yycbump
Address: Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP) Calgary, AB
Contact details: [email protected]
Calgary’s Beltline is a treasure trove of murals, and it’s only getting better thanks to the Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP). This initiative has transformed the area into an open-air gallery that celebrates diversity, creativity, and bold ideas.
The best starting point is 17th Avenue, where you’ll immediately spot a few crowd favourites, like Jesse Gouchey’s murals, which often reflect his Indigenous heritage, and Tiffany Wollman’s larger-than-life, intricately detailed works.
What sets BUMP apart is its community focus. Many murals are inspired by Calgary’s history and stories, so you’ll notice themes of resilience and connection woven into the art. Guided tours during the BUMP Festival in August are a fantastic way to get the inside scoop on the murals and artists.
Pro tip:
Evening visits during the festival are special, as many murals are lit up, creating a stunning contrast against the city’s skyline. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at a public art installation workshop—yes, those are a thing during the festival.
Halifax’s North End
Media from hfxstreetart
Address: North End, Halifax, NS
Contact details: [email protected]
There’s a raw, creative energy to Halifax’s North End that can’t be replicated. Gottingen Street is the heart of it all, where the murals reflect not just artistry but also the community’s deep-rooted stories.
Some pieces celebrate local history, like tributes to Viola Desmond, while others are abstract bursts of creativity that feel deeply personal to the artists. This area is a haven for street art lovers who prefer a more intimate exploration—think hidden alleys with tiny, quirky pieces mixed in with larger, bold murals.
The light here is fantastic for photos in the late afternoon when the sun casts a warm glow over the streets. And for the truly curious, some local artists offer workshops on mural-making, so you can pick up a brush and contribute in your own small way.
Pro tip:
Many murals are tucked away from the main drag, so take your time exploring side streets—you’ll be rewarded with hidden gems.
Ottawa’s ByWard Market
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Address: ByWard Market, Ottawa, ON
Contact details: Instagram: @bywardmarket
ByWard Market in Ottawa is so much more than its famous food and artisan finds—it’s a hidden haven for street art that feels perfectly at home amidst its historic charm. Walk along York Street, where multicoloured murals pop against the backdrop of quaint brick buildings.
One standout is the vibrant Canada 150 mural, a tribute to the country’s diversity and heritage that’s impossible to miss. For photographers, this spot is gold—the contrast between old-world architecture and contemporary art is a dream for unique, dynamic shots.
Head over to Sussex Drive, where street art weaves effortlessly between sleek modern storefronts and historic landmarks. One moment, you’re soaking in a bold, edgy piece by a rising local artist, and the next, you’re face-to-face with a mural honouring Ottawa’s cultural roots.
Pro tip:
Time your visit for early morning or late afternoon when the market is quieter, and you’ll have the best angles for photos without the crowds. Plus, grab a snack at the local bakeries—you’ll need the energy for all the wandering.
Winnipeg’s West Broadway & The Exchange District
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Address: West Broadway, Winnipeg, MB; Exchange District, Winnipeg
Contact details: [email protected]; [email protected]
Winnipeg’s West Broadway and Exchange District are rich with street art that showcases the city’s creativity and cultural roots. In West Broadway, you’ll find murals that highlight the Indigenous culture and social themes, including Kal Barteski’s stunning script murals with uplifting messages.
Then head to the Exchange District, where entire building walls have been transformed into stunning canvases. The area lights up with creativity during the Wall-to-Wall Mural Festival, which showcases collaborations between international and local artists.
The historic cobblestone streets and industrial architecture of the Exchange provide the perfect contrast to the vibrant, modern murals. Don’t skip the alleyways—they’re full of hidden graffiti gems if you’re willing to wander a little.
Pro tip:
Visit during the golden hour for stunning shots of the art against the setting sun, and don’t forget to check out nearby coffee shops for a quick break between mural hunting.
Quebec City’s Lower Town (Basse-Ville)
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Address: Basse-Ville, Québec City, QC
Contact details: [email protected]
Quebec City’s Lower Town is like stepping into a storybook with a street art twist. The cobblestone streets and old-world architecture of Basse-Ville are the perfect backdrop for murals that celebrate the city’s rich history.
The must-see here is the Fresque des Québécois, a massive mural on Côte de la Montagne that depicts scenes from Quebec City’s past. From there, meander through the Petit-Champlain district, where smaller, whimsical pieces are tucked into alleyways and courtyards.
Many of these murals reflect local legends, cultural pride, and even a bit of humour. The combination of centuries-old buildings and modern street art creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Pro tip:
For the best photos, visit in the morning before the streets fill with tourists—you’ll have the cobblestones and murals almost to yourself. Combine your mural hunt with a stop at the ferry terminal for waterfront views and even more art installations along the promenade.
Saskatoon’s Riversdale & Broadway Area
Media from j.jacobson_
Address: Riversdale, Saskatoon, SK
Contact details: [email protected]
Saskatoon’s Riversdale and Broadway districts are where creativity blooms in unexpected places. Start your walk in Riversdale, a neighbourhood known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic flair. The murals here often reflect themes of community, diversity, and local pride.
Cross over to Broadway Avenue, where the art takes on a more playful and contemporary tone. Many of these murals are the result of community projects and showcase the talent of Saskatoon’s homegrown artists.
One mural you can’t miss is the large piece near the Broadway Theatre, which feels like a celebration of Saskatoon’s thriving arts scene. And if you’re inspired to create, check out local art co-ops—some offer drop-in workshops for all skill levels.
Pro tip:
Use social media to track down new murals; the art scene here is dynamic, and locals are great about sharing updates. Finish your day with a stop at one of the cozy coffee shops or bakeries on Broadway for a sweet treat.
