Brianna HarrisonWhy visit graffiti alley in Toronto?
Toronto isn’t short of iconic spots. After all, it’s home to some of North America’s most notable landmarks, including the Casa Loma and the famous Eaton Centre.
For today, we’ll talk about a destination known by many Torontonians by heart - Graffiti Alley. And if you haven’t been to the area before, you might want to switch your physical training to a long walk in this famous landmark.
Why? Well, here are some reasons to visit Graffiti Alley in Toronto.
It’s a Celebration of Artistic Freedom
Graffiti Alley wasn’t always the icon of street art in Toronto. In fact, city officials often hold the graffiti culture as an act of vandalism and spurred controversy among city-dwellers.
Unlike pieces poised in sheltered art galleries, the history of Graffiti Alley didn’t have a glamorous start. It’s been a hotspot for unsanctioned graffiti art where artists often made art in the dark, away from the prying eyes of the authorities.
Nowadays, it’s hailed as an example of Toronto’s thriving mural art thanks to StreetARToronto (StART), an initiative designed to replace vandal drawings with street art. Tourists all over the world often arrange rides to the place just to view the iconic artworks.
It’s a Picture-Perfect Backdrop
With electrifying street art covering every nook and cranny, Graffiti Alley is a dream destination for photographers and videographers alike. Of course, it’s also a popular selfie spot for those who just want to spice up their Instagram feeds.
It’s even an awesome backdrop for wedding photoshoots made for couples aiming for extraordinary still scenes. Actually, any event will do, as long as you can get past social media fans swarming around the area.
If you’re at the place at the right time, you may even spot videographers shooting music videos or short movie clips. Who knows, you might even get a glimpse of some rising stars within the city.
It’s Close to the Social Scene
Graffiti Alley isn’t exactly the type of destination that’ll make you want to book a room and spend an entire day in. But, it’s located in the Queen West neighborhood, putting you right at the heart of Toronto’s vibrant social scene.
Surely, there are a lot of things you can do around the area apart from admiring street art. It’s a walking distance away from Eaton Centre where you can score some branded clothes or have your hair done if you please.
If food is more of your thing (which we totally understand), you can drop by any of the restaurants you’ll find in the block. For those who want a more casual meal, there are cafes around every corner that are open until mid-afternoon.
A relaxing day doesn’t always have to be a trip to the spa or an expensive flight to another country. Sometimes, the best collections of art are just around the corner – you just have to know when to look.
