As a lover of street art, I have always been captivated by the vivid colors and unique messages that adorn the walls of cities around the world. This is part of a virtual journey across Canada and the United States in search of some of the most incredible examples of American street art.
I call it virtual, as I connected online with fellow travel bloggers who contributed their own personal favorites to create this collection of awe-inspiring street art in North America.
I found it interesting that when I asked top travel bloggers to share photos of their favorite Canadian and American street art, nearly all sent photos of people. Is this a trend in North America, or simply a coincidence?
Whether you’re a fan of graffiti, murals, or installations, there’s something for everyone in this collection of American street art. Join me as we explore some of the most breathtaking examples of street art from across the continent.
A few examples of Canadian street art
British Columbia
Hidden in Downtown Vancouver off of Cordova Street is one of the most impressive street art mural collections we’ve ever discovered.
Photo contributed by Lance and Laura of Travel Addicts. See more at Vancouver’s Surprising Street Art Mural
Ontario
Toronto’s Rush Lane has one of the largest and densest collections of street art in the world. Hundreds of murals extend for over a kilometre. Nearby Chinatown has its own graffiti alley.
Photo contributed by Lance and Laura of Travel Addicts. See more at A Walk Through Graffiti Alley in Toronto.
Quebec
Here are two examples from the French province of Quebec. Both contributed by Paula McInerney of Contented Traveller. The first is from Quebec City, while the second is from Montreal.
A few examples of American street art
California
San Francisco is a city defined by its urban art. Murals in the Mission District depict everything from struggle, to satire, to cultural legacies lost. This Art by CK1
Photo contributed by Taylor and Daniel of Travel Outlandish. See more at Gritty is Pretty: Street Art in San Francisco, USA
Oregon
Starting the American street art section with a shot I took, this piece is from one of the Lovejoy Columns. From 1948 to 1952, long before street art was popular a railway watchman kept himself occupied by painting on these columns, often from the top of train boxcars as they waited at the crossings. See more at 14 Free Things to Do in Portland: Explore its Natural Beauty
New York
Two contributions from New York:
- Entitled Dream, the first was spotted in New York City. It was painted by Iranian street artists Icy and Sot, and contributed by Paula Morgan of Expert Abroad.
- The second was photographed in Toofly Welling Court in Astoria, a neighbourhood of Queens, New York City. This photo was contributed by Ben and Jazzy of Road Affair.
Texas
The city of Austin is the least ‘Texas’ thing about The Lone Star State. Populated by ultra-cool looking people and decorated in impressive street art, Austin has got it going on. Some of the most notable street art in Austin is found at Castlehill, close to the hipster So Co area. We actually took advantage of the skilled artwork during the photoshoot of our secret elopement in Austin, posing in front of the Frida Kahlo print (not shown).
Other cool spots to find is the ‘I love you so much’ wall as well as the ‘I hate you so much’ counter graffiti! Snapping street art is one of the many cool things to do in Austin.
Photo contributed by Gemma of Two Scots Abroad. Photo Credit: Corey Mendez Photography for Two Scots Abroad.
Thinking about becoming a street artist?
Often larger than life, creating street art takes a certain set of skills. If you’re thinking about becoming a street artist, this “cookbook” might be useful: Street Art Cookbook: Street Art Cookbook: A Guide to Techniques and Materials.
More street art you might like
Any favorites among the Canadian and American street art?
Claudya
I love street art. Happy to see my beautiful city of San Francisco represented.
Rhonda Albom
I love Street Art and San Francisco.
indah nuria
Those are beautiful displays of artworks. Interestingly, I have similar, if not exactly the same mural, in Welling Court Astoria, NYC, with the one shown in Brooklyn here :).
Rhonda Albom
Interesting that you both shot the same mural. I looked it up on the artists page, and changed my caption above. I was pretty sure that was going the be what I found, as your second shot has you standing in front of the art. I know sometimes when I get home at night and download my photos for the day, I get a bit confused as to which one was where. Thanks.
Ruth Daly
I’ve never really taken much notice of street art until last year when I was in London. Now I’m completely fascinated by it and find myself looking for it whatever city I’m in. Really enjoyed your blog – great pics!
Rhonda Albom
I’ve been on walking tours of street art and they have totally drawn me in.
Lauren
Love this roundup!! So many great websites to check out, not to mention all those beautiful urban landscapes that I need to add to my must-visit list.
Rhonda Albom
And there are a lot of places with urban art. Too many to see them all.
Jackie
I have many posts about Canadian and US street art. They are filed under “mural”.
I also have a lot of Mexican murals,
Rhonda Albom
Thank you for that. You have photos of a wide range of street art, some of it quite elaborate.
Comedy Plus
I’ve seen some lovely street art that the gang bangers have tagged. It’s a shame. I do love it though.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
Sounds like you have some pretty rough thugs in your neighborhood. Too bad they spoil things for everyone.
stevebethere
Love these they are absolutely stunning I can’t even pick a favourite it wouldn’t be fair all talented artists
Have an artistictastic day Rhonda 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Yes, I gave you a challenge I couldn’t do either. They are all my favourites of what was submitted. That’s how they ended up here.
bettyl - NZ
I often wonder if the artists that do this type of art go on to do different types. I admire their talent so much.
Rhonda Albom
Interesting thought, and I hope so.
Gemma
I really am such a big fan of street art. This article displays such lovely work! Thanks for featuring us!
Rhonda Albom
Yes, and your submission has such a cool story to go with it.
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – what a wonderful idea … and yes street art is extraordinary … so creative and so amazing … cheers Hilary
Melody Lassalle
I love street art. I am always in awe how one turns out such beautiful works on such a large imperfect surface.
This is a neat representation of different styles. I like the Asian themed mural. I also like the simplicity of Dream. This is a neat representation of different styles.
Rhonda Albom
It was fun pulling it all together.
Amy
LOVE street art! Some people are really clever
Rhonda Albom
It always amazes me when people can visualize what something that big will look like before they start.