The 23 Best Graffiti And Murals in Toronto [2023]

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The best graffiti and murals in Toronto are the perfect spots to explore the city’s vibrant street art scene. From colourful murals to intricate graffiti pieces, these works of art add character to Toronto’s urban landscape.

Toronto is undeniably a city overflowing with culture and character. And while there are endless options for things to see and do, one of the best ways to experience the city is by exploring its Graffiti and murals.

From the vibrant streets of Little Italy to the trendy neighbourhoods of Queen West, you’ll find incredible artwork on every corner. So whether you’re a local looking for a new way to explore your city, or a visitor looking for an authentic Toronto experience, be sure to check out its graffiti and murals!

For more cultural experiences in Toronto, check out the museum in Toronto. Or if you’re also interested in learning about the city’s nightlife scene or outdoor activities, don’t miss out on our list of things to do after dark and best roller skating locations.

Summary

The Best Graffiti and Murals in Toronto

Here are the most notable graffiti and mural pieces in Toronto:

1) Graffiti Alley - 753 Queen St W

Graffiti Alley is one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets. Tucked away in a back alley, this hidden gem is home to a massive swath of vibrant street art. Though relatively well-known by city-dwellers, if you’re new to Toronto or just visiting, you’re likely to walk right by it if you’re not paying attention or don’t know where to look. Here are some of our favourites you can find at Graffiti Alley

2) Black Panther - 753 Queen St W

At first glance, the mural on the side of the building is a colourful and eye-catching scene. But upon closer inspection, the image takes on a new meaning. The black panther depicted in the mural has eyes of orange, a tribute to the activists of the Black Panthers.

3) The Pink Lady - 753 Queen St W

This is another mural found in the Graffiti Alley, and it is one of the most impressive ones. This mural shows pink female characters which gives off a cyberpunk feel. The black background makes the colours pop, and it is a mesmerizing mural.

4) Big Blue Cat - 753 Queen St W

Another great piece found in the graffiti alley. This mural features a big blue cat painted alongside a brick building. The style gives off a retro vibe with its references like the jukebox and gold chains which were quite popular in the early 90s.

5) Yorkville - 99 Yorkville Ave

Yorkville is another great spot to check out stunning murals in Toronto. Once a year they host a three-day cultural event that celebrates contemporary muralism and public art. From August 20-28, 2022, the event will take place in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood.

The murals will be created by local, national, and international artists, and will be accompanied by cultural activations such as artist installations, speaker panels, and movie screenings. The goal of the project is to make Yorkville a landmark in Toronto for public art and an ultimate tourist destination.

6) Ola Volo Mural

This mural features an electrifying portrait of what seems to be a French lady. This large mural was created by Montreal-based artist Ola Volo and can be found on the side of a building in Yorkville

7) Mathieu Bories Mural

This mural was created by French artist Mathieu Bories and is located on the side of another building in Yorkville. The woman in the mural is wearing a blue and yellow headscarf, the colours create a striking contrast against the dark background.

8) Chinatown - 222 Spadina Avenue

If you’re looking for Asian-inspired street art, look no further than Chinatown. This neighbourhood is home to some of the most colourful and intricate murals in the city. From giant dragons to traditional calligraphy, these murals add a touch of culture and character to an already vibrant neighbourhood.

9) The Dancing Dragons - 222 Spadina Avenue

This LCBO in Chinatown is one of many businesses in the area that has been adorned with a beautiful and colourful mural. The mural depicts a traditional Chinese dragon dance. The mural is a fitting addition to the neighbourhood and is sure to brighten up your day.

10) The Dragon and the Lady - 222 Spadina Avenue

This is another mural in Chinatown that is definitely worth checking out. This is another mural which features a Chinese dragon alongside a beautiful woman. This mural is stunning and is a great example of the amazing street art that can be found in this neighbourhood.

11) Cartoon Town - Sussex Ave & David French Ln

This mural is one of the must-see stops on any Toronto street art tour. This piece depicts a cartoonized version of the cityscape with several abstract buildings. This is a giant mural that covers half an entire building, so it’s impossible to miss!

12) Girl, Tiger, & the Bird - Sussex Ave & David French Ln

Created by artist Ted Hamer, this mural depicts a stunning woman, tiger, and a bird. Hamer is a local artist who’s work can be seen all over the city. This mural is one of his most iconic and well-known pieces.

13) Piano Piano - 623 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto

This beautiful mural at Piano Piano is one of the most photographed spots in Toronto. This Italian restaurant is known for its mouth-watering dishes and its Instagram-worthy mural. The mural features an eye-catching pink background with detailed sketches of roses, vines, and leaves.

14) PICCOLO PIANO PIZZERIA - 89 Harbord St, Toronto

If you’re looking for a truly unique mural, look no further than Piccolo Piano Pizzeria. This pizza spot is known for its creative and colourful murals. On the side of their building, you’ll find a stunning tiger mural that’s sure to catch your eye.

15) Kimpton Saint George Hotel - 280 Bloor St W, Toronto

If you’ve driven in the city, you’ve likely seen this mural on the side of the Kimpton Saint George Hotel. The hotel commissioned Toronto street artist Jerry Rugg to paint a giant owl mural on the facade of the building.

In the lobby, local artist Tisha Myles painted dreamy images of clouded forests on the walls, creating a stunning backdrop for check-in.

16) Lee's Palace - 529 Bloor St W, Toronto

Lee’s Palace is a live music venue that has been a staple in the Toronto music scene for decades. The building is covered in murals, each one more colourful and vibrant than the last. The murals were created by local artist Alex Currie. There’s a lot of history behind the murals, and they’re definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of street art.

17) L KINKA IZAKAYA - 559 Bloor St W, Toronto

Kinka Izakaya is a Japanese restaurant that is known for its delicious food and unique atmosphere. The mural on the side of this restaurant is based on a classic Japanese woodblock print, The Great Wave Off Kanagawa. This mural is a beautiful and unique addition to the Toronto street art scene.

18) Daniels Mural Project - 1 Spadina Crescent

The Daniels Mural Project is an integral part of the University of Toronto’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report. The project, which aims to fund and place more Indigenous public art across all three campuses, is a direct response to Call to Action #2 of the report.

The project is being carried out in close consultation with local Indigenous communities, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. The mural is a powerful symbol of the University’s commitment to Reconciliation, and a reminder of the important role that public art can play in raising awareness and promoting healing.

19) Grossman's Tavern - 377 Spadina Ave., Toronto

Grossman’s Tavern has been a fixture on the Toronto music scene for over four decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The club has hosted some of the biggest names in blues, rock, folk and jazz, and has earned a reputation as one of the city’s best live music venues.

The mural on the side of the building is iconic and has become one of the most recognizable pieces of street art in Kensington Market.

20) Blue Mural - Bloor Annex

This mural, which is also known as the Blue Mural, pays homage to the building’s history as a former jazz and blues venue. The mural is interactive, and you can use your Android phone to learn more about the music, the building, and the people who played there.

The mural is a fitting addition to the Bloor Annex neighbourhood, and it will surely be a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

21) Danforth Mural by Elicser Elliott - 975 Danforth Ave

Elicser is a local artist whose work often captures the hustle and bustle of Toronto city life. This mural, located on the Danforth, is one of his most well-known pieces. Depicting a group of giants walking through the city, this mural is a playful take on the everyday lives of Torontonians.

22) Nick Sweetman’s Bee Mural - 2 Howland Ave

The mural itself features a vibrant depiction of Toronto’s skyline, overshadowed by a large green sweat bee pollinating a flower, and a vast section of outer space that hangs overhead. Commissioned by Burt’s Bees Canada in partnership with the city’s StreetARToronto (START) program, the mural is a clever way to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and their role in our ecosystem.

23) Vudu Cat Mural

This vudu cat mural created by artist Christina Mazzulla, an artist with a multidisciplinary approach based in Toronto, is a striking piece of public art. This vibrant and colorful mural is a fantastic example of Mazzulla’s signature style, which blends intricate cutouts with bold, electric color gradients. Her artistic expression is greatly influenced by psychedelic visuals, and she seamlessly incorporates elements such as wildlife, surreal landscapes, and striking color gradients in her work.

FAQs About Murals in Toronto

What is the history behind the murals in Toronto?

The history of the murals in Toronto is a long and varied one. Murals have been used as a form of expression for centuries, and they continue to play an important role in our city today.

What is the difference between a mural and graffiti?

Graffiti and Murals are both artistic expressions that can be found on the surfaces of buildings all over town. A mural is painted by an artist whereas a piece was done through vandalism or simply tagging something with spray paint has become known as “graffitti.”

How can I find out more about the murals in my neighbourhood?

There are a few different ways that you can learn more about the murals in your neighbourhood. You can ask your local councillor or Community Centre for more information. You can also check out the City of Toronto’s website, which has a map of all the murals in the city.

I want to create a mural in my neighbourhood. Who do I contact?

If you are interested in creating a mural in your neighbourhood, you can contact the City of Toronto’s Street Art Program.

Final Thoughts

The murals in Toronto are a great way to add some colour and life to your neighbourhood. They are also a great way to learn about the history and culture of our city. If you have the opportunity, take the time to explore the murals in your neighbourhood. You might be surprised by what you find!

Moru Li

Meet Moru, a talented marketing manager who has called Toronto home for over a decade and truly adores the city. Learn More About Moru