Taking The Scenic Route: A DIY Winter Art Walk in Riverside

Here at Riverside, we’ve been very fortunate to be able to work with local creatives in bringing life to the neighbourhood through public art. This year, we’ve even gotten a few notable additions, as well as festive storefronts as part of Riverside Window Wonderland.

Looking for an outdoor activity that’s easy, fun and *free* to do this winter? Let’s go on a little self-guided art walk! It’s a good way to get acquainted with the neighbourhood too if you’re new to the area. Come along and join us for a winter art walk in Riverside:

“Pass It On” by Gust of Wind Studio

Location: 791 Queen St E and 785 Queen St E

We tapped local artist, designer and illustrator Mateusz of Gust of Wind Studio to work his magic on a community-focused mural comprised of several parts using the elements in the public realm around Fontbonne’s Mustard Seed Courtyard and with the adjacent Re/Max Hallmark Realty location.

Riverside Wayfinding Map

Location: Queen St E and Strange St (across Bonjour Brioche)

This wayfinding map on the Metrolinx hoarding, which highlights Riverside businesses and landmarks, was developed by Geocdesign and put up as a collaboration with Metrolinx to provide wayfinding art on construction hoarding for the future Ontario Line station in Riverside.

Love Local Sign

Address: Queen St E and Saulter St (outside Queen Garden Centre)

The sign, produced in collaboration with Pop Marquee for Riverside Local Love, is not only a photo op; it’s a year-round reminder to champion local businesses. It also represents an important milestone for the Riverside BIA. This season, it got a little holiday-themed makeover!

The Laneway Project

Location: Laneway on Thompson St between Carroll St and Munro St, south of Joel Weeks Park

The Laneway Project worked with the Riverside community to co-design murals in the laneway in collaboration with Toronto mural artist Julia Prajza, who was on site to facilitate and provide support to community members during Riverside Community Paint Days last summer.

The Riverside Common Art Project

Address: Riverside Common Park (657 Queen St E)

If you’re familiar with our Riverside C’Mon! event series, then you’ve probably been to Riverside Common Park. With the help of Indigenous artist Que Rock (and Pop Marquee for the word art), it’s gotten a colourful update with vibrant mural art on the benches, tables, poles and electrical boxes.

Riverside Window Wonderland

Address: Several locations

Riverside Window Wonderland may be over, but the window art will be up until December 31st! This year, we worked with nine talented artists and 25+ BIA members. Get to know the artists and where their art can be found by reading the blog posts linked below!

BLOG: Riverside Window Wonderland: Meet The Artists (Part 1 of 2)

BLOG: Riverside Window Wonderland: Meet The Artists (Part 2 of 2)

If you ever post about public art in Riverside on social, don’t forget to tag us @riverside_bia, the artists and/or the businesses — we love seeing your photos!

Be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog for regular updates on public art in the neighbourhood!

We acknowledge and thank the City of Toronto, Government of Canada and FedDev Ontario for support of this campaign as part of the ‘Riverside Ramps it Up’ project through the Transit Expansion Construction Mitigation Fund 2025.

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