Is it art or is it vandalism? In Toronto, the answer is: yes. This 90-minute street-level dive into graffiti culture starts beside the Mountain Equipment Co-op on Queen West—fitting, since we’re about to explore the rougher edges of one of Toronto’s trendiest areas. 

We’ll walk through the back alleys and laneways where Toronto’s graffiti scene flourishes, including the iconic Graffiti Alley. This is where the walls talk—about protest, pride, identity, and turf. Your guide won’t just point out pretty murals; they’ll help decode the culture behind them, from wheatpaste posters to throw-ups to full-blown burners. Expect stories from the underground: the politics of paint, the meaning of “getting up,” and what happens when the city itself becomes both canvas and critic. 

As we trace the evolution of graffiti—from illegal tags to city-sponsored murals—you’ll hear about the tensions between artists, building owners, law enforcement, and city officials. Some of these murals were commissioned. Others were chased. All of them reveal something about who we are—and who gets to take up space. You don’t need to be an art buff to enjoy this tour. Just bring an open mind, good shoes, and maybe your camera (yes, you’ll get those killer IG shots). 

Whether you love graffiti, hate it, or just want to understand it better, this tour will help you see Toronto through a different lens—one that’s been spray-painted, stickered, and stencilled.