The Best Street Art in Ottawa For a Unique Kind of Treasure Hunt
If you look hard enough, art isn’t confined to museums. In fact, it can be found everywhere!
Sometimes it’s the art on your latte, drawn with milk, or the doodle you made when you were bored in a meeting. Other times, it’s found on the streets in the form of murals.
This is one of the reasons why I love strolling around Ottawa. I often find myself suddenly stopping in my tracks to admire a beautiful mural.
Don’t worry, I make sure to move to the sidewalk first—no need to give drivers a heart attack!
Over the years, I’ve collected my favorite spots to see murals, and with this article, I hope you get to enjoy them too.
1. Bank Street
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iPqrxsdpGdtg53Up8
Buzzing Bank Street is known for several things – its vibrant LGBT neighborhood, its diverse array of shops and restaurants, and its colorful street art scene.
The street art on Bank Street adds character to the neighborhood that’s as lively as the people who call it home.
From murals by Cassandra D, best enjoyed while sitting down in one of the designated areas, to the LGBT-themed painting by Gilmore, walking in this area guarantees a delightful visual feast.
2. Hintonburg
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ynV5SgkCFciu5Cwq6
If it’s art you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Hintonburg – Ottawa’s hip and artsy neighborhood.
Here, you’ll find a plethora of street art that adds a splash of color and personality to the already vibrant area.
You might stumble upon intricate portraits celebrating local heroes or abstract designs that challenge your perspective, where you might even catch art appreciators doing a collective “hmmmm.”
Keep an eye out for artworks by ARPi, prominent throughout the neighborhood, often showcasing realistic depictions of animals and insects.
3. ByWard Market
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bvQgRmHTSJnsFAZC6
It’s impossible to explore the legendary ByWard Market without seeing captivating murals around that seem to beckon you to pause in your tracks.
One standout is the larger-than-life mural by the Laporte Brothers and Dan Metcalfe, an unmissable landmark in the neighborhood.
Hidden away in alleys, you’ll also find smaller street art gems that enhance the charm of your stroll. Don’t forget to take out your phone and snap a picture!
Trying to spot all the street art is one of the fun things you can do in ByWard Market, for sure, making it a must-do activity for visitors and locals alike.