A guide to murals and public art in Kingston.

Kingston, Ontario is bursting with art... it’s about time the murals and street art got some attention too! From tributes for The Tragically Hip to colourful alleyways and painted traffic boxes, here are some must-see art spots around the city. Whether you’re on your way to work or visiting for the weekend, keep an eye out. They’re worth the detour.

We’ve organized these 11 must-see murals and local art into three categories, so you can plan your self-guided art walk around what interests you most:

• The Tragically Hip murals: tributes to the band’s music, lyrics, and lasting legacy.
• Other murals: celebrating local history, community and culture.
• Street art spots: colorful, ever-changing pieces tucked into alleys, laneways, and side streets.

Tragically Hip murals

“Forever Hip” Mural 

• Location: Side of HEIST Restaurant, 168 Wellington Street, downtown Kingston.
• Artist: Aaron Forsyth (EronOne)

Hip Mural, Zap Records

• Location: Outer wall of Zap Records, 20 Montreal Street (corner of Brock and Montreal Street.)
• Artist: Shane Goudreau

Hip Mural, Waterfront Pathway (near the Delta)

• Location: Waterfront Pathway by Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront, 1 Johnson Street. Located about a 4-minute walk from City Hall. 
• Wraps all the way around the Delta and features Kingston landmarks in addition to The Tragically Hip section.
• Artist: Aaron Forsyth (EronOne)

Other Murals

DAFT Mural

• Location: Outer wall of DAFT Brewing, 768 Princess Street.
• Artist: Aaron Forsyth (EronOne)

Kingston History Mural

• Location: 787 Princess Street.
• Some of the individuals featured: Don Cherry, Doug Gilmour, Scotty Davidson, and Jayna Hefford.
• Artist: Shane Goudreau

Frontenac Cycle Mural

• Location: Behind the bike shop, 336 Barrie Street.
• Artist: Aaron Forsyth (EronOne)

Pizza Monster Mural

• Location: Outer wall of Pizza Monster, 213 Montreal Street.
• Artist: Aaron Forsyth (EronOne)

Dolly Parton Mural

• Location: 175 Rideau Street (behind Rideaucrest long-term care on the path by the water)
• Artist: Steve Oakley

Street art spots

YGK Street Art Wall (Douglas Fluhrer Park)

• Location: Douglas Fluhrer Park, off Wellington Street.
• Kingston’s only legal “free space” for graffiti and murals, open to artists of any skill level.

Martello Alley

• Location: 203 B Wellington Street.
• An alley full of art to explore.

Traffic Control Box Art

• Painted boxes around the city.
• Five local artists: Sasha Jimenez French, EronOne, Abby Nowakowski, Ben Nelson, and Grace Dixon