Hidden In Plain Sight:
Toronto's Public Art Walking Tour
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities on the planet, and its streets tell that story through bronze, stone, steel, and paint. On this relaxed public art walking tour, you'll explore a dozen remarkable works of public art scattered across downtown Toronto.
From bold modernist sculptures to architectural masterpieces to hidden murals you might walk past without knowing their story, you'll learn about the history and culture of Canada's largest city through the lens of its artists.
Starting outside of Union Station, your guide will take you to visit hidden art in multiple downtown neighbourhoods, weaving together history, Canadian identity, and the stories of the pieces in the artists' own words as much as possible.
Solo travellers are always welcome. This tour has no minimum number of participants to depart.
A note from your guide: This isn't an art history course, and your guide is no art expert, just someone who fell down a rabbit hole researching Toronto's public art that he saw every day and wanted to know the stories behind. Expect enthusiasm over authority, good stories over academic theory, and plenty of room for your own observations.
Itinerary
Union Station
We'll learn about Toronto's public art programs and a controversial sculpture that divided city council before exploring "underwater" art underfoot
South Core
Moving to this relatively young neighbourhood you'll learn about the many meanings of home for a Torontonian and see some animals at play
Meeting Point
Tal
Shaun is definitely one of the best tour guides I’ve ever had! Over the years, and across more than four different continents, I’ve taken many Guru tours, but Shaun truly stood out. He was incredibly professional, patient, kind, knowledgeable, and pleasant to be around. He made the tour so interesting and enjoyable from beginning to end. I highly recommend him and would absolutely take another tour with him!
Oleksandr
Just like the title suggests - if you choose to attend this tour, Shaun will show you incredible art that, living in Toronto, you might walk right by and not even notice. But every piece that we saw had a message, a history, a purpose. The tour is fascinating, Shaun is well-versed in the arts and history so he was able to answer our many questions. I recommend this tour to everyone, regardless if you a Toronto local or just visiting.
Yaron
Fantastic tour! Shaun was a great guide, and the tour was interesting, informative, and fun. He chose a great variety of unique and unexpected stops, each with its own story, which made the experience even more special. I learned so much and saw a completely different side of Toronto. Highly recommended!
Julia
I recommend this tour to everyone - today was my first day in Toronto and I couldn't have been happier with my choice. Shaun is a fantastic guide with clear passion for the subject and the selection of artworks you get to see on the tour is large and varied, and never boring. I asked a lot of questions and Shaun was able to answer every single one, including the non art-related ones. The tour also includes several sections on Toronto's history, which I appreciated a lot. Thank you so much!
Andrew
Shaun did an absolutely super job of bringing his passion for the city and art together in a unique and highly engaging tour. We saw so much of the city, it's art and history in just two hours. We highly highly recommend this tour!
stuart
Excellent tour that surprised us with the amount of information and history. Shaun was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. The pace of the tour worked well. Would thoroughly recommend
Jean-Simon
I book last minute and was the only participant, so I got a private tour. Shaun knows what he is talking about and the tour is different and interesting. Go ahead and book ahead your tour. Thanks Shaun!
katharina
The Free Walking Tour with Shaun last week was fantastic! It was so cool to learn about Toronto’s public art—pieces you’d normally walk right past without noticing. Shaun is an awesome guide. A must-do to see the city from another perspective!
FAQ