Graffiti Alley

Although Graffiti Alley used to be a hub of unsanctioned street art, it was at the center of a struggle to legalize the art form, and was designated an area of municipal significance in 2011. Now you can see murals by some well-known street artists—such as Uber5000, Elicser, Poser, and others—whose work is more openly embraced and celebrated in Toronto than it used to be.

Travelers can visit independently while exploring downtown Toronto or join a walking tour, particularly a street art–themed one, for a richer experience. Tours typically include other Toronto street-art hot spots, such as Kensington Market.

• Graffiti Alley is a popular place for photo shoots, so you might need to wait your turn or carefully line up those snaps to avoid unintentional photobombers.

• Some of the other streets around Graffiti Alley also feature street art, so don’t be afraid to wander off course.

• It should go without saying, but don’t get tempted to add your own tags to the murals. You may see some artists painting over old works, but leave this to the pros.

Graffiti Alley is located in downtown Toronto, so it’s easy to reach. There are many tram stops nearby, on Queen Street West and Spadina Avenue. This part of the city is laid out on a grid, so it should be easy for you to find Graffiti Alley from any direction.

You can visit Graffiti Alley at any time. For the best lighting—and for safety reasons—visiting in the daytime is recommended. Summer is a pleasant time to stroll around Toronto, and while you can check out Graffiti Alley in the frigid winter, you might want to limit the amount of time you spend outdoors.

Kensington Market is about a 15-minute walk from Graffiti Alley and the Fashion District, and is known as one of Toronto’s hippest, most artistic neighborhoods. If you’re visiting Graffiti Alley on foot, make sure to stroll up to this neighborhood at the same time. You can find a lot more street art here, as well as vintage stores, cool cafés, specialty grocers, and art galleries.