Underpass Park Toronto: Beautiful Street Art & Community Space

Underpass Park in Toronto demonstrates how an unused space can be transformed into a beautiful community park with public art. Once an unused and rundown space, it's now one of the best places to view street art in Toronto, as well as an underrated hidden gem to visit near the waterfront.

Like many cities, Toronto has a lack of empty space. New condos and skyscrapers are everywhere as more and more people live and work in the city. With a reduction in empty space comes a lack of public areas, such as community parks.

Thankfully, as part of the waterfront revitalization project, the city of Toronto got creative. By transforming an unused, run-down area beneath a highway overpass into a park, the neighborhood gains an attractive spot to hang out with friends and family.

Now, this is quite the unusual park. There aren't any trees, flowers or sprawling green landscapes. But, that doesn't make Underpass Park any less special. In fact, Underpass Park is all about reclaiming a previously run-down space and transforming it into an outdoor art gallery.

First, there's public art that everyone can appreciate anytime. It's a former industrial space that's been converted into an outdoor art gallery. Plus, there are community events at Underpass Park to enjoy.

Underpass Park Toronto: A Bright Community Space

Underpass Park in Toronto is located beneath the Eastern Avenue, Richmond and Adelaide overpasses. It's the largest park built underneath an overpass in Toronto and the first in Toronto.

The park is designed to be flexible for the needs of the West Don Lands / Corktown community. It's had at least one facelift since its opening in 2012, and there's room for expansion and more commissioned art.

Since this park is underneath an overpass, it's one of the only parks that can be enjoyed in the middle of a rainstorm. There's protection overhead, so you can wander around the public art or shoot hoops at the basketball courts, even if it's raining outside.

Underpass Park Farmers Market

There's a seasonal farmers market that takes place here! Underpass Park Farmers Market happens on Thursdays 4pm to 7:30pm, rain or shine, from the Victoria Day long weekend through to Thanksgiving.

It started in 2017 as a volunteer-run, not-for-profit market. It's always free to shop here. It's also dog-friendly / pet-friendly as long as you keep your pet on a leash. There are all kinds of products here like fresh produce, prepared food products and handmade goods.

Outdoor Recreation

Underpass Park features a playground for children, a skate park, and basketball courts. There's a small climbing wall, a teeter-totter, hopscotch, and a rope octagon to climb on.

Families and kids are encouraged to spend time beneath this highway overpass to participate in sports and activities. There are park benches to relax and take a break. And the greenery that would be present at a typical park is replaced by rainbow splashes of color everywhere you look.

Street Art and Murals at Underpass Park in Toronto

My travel blogging friend, Stephanie, invited me to Toronto to celebrate her birthday. She wanted to explore some new areas of the city and it was her idea to check out Underpass Park.

I really hadn't heard of it before, but I explored some street art in Quebec City beneath a highway overpass which I really loved. Plus, I always love exploring new areas in Toronto.

On a smaller scale, Underpass Park reminds me of the way Wynwood Walls in Miami transformed an industrial area into a thriving artistic space.

As we approached the underpass, I saw concrete pillars painted with portraits and figures. Two internationally renowned graffiti artists, Troy Lovegates and Labrona, painted 16 portraits of east-end residents on 16 pillars.

The community members painted on the pillars are actually the "pillars" of the community, holding up the masses commuting without thought on the roads above.

Every person has a story to tell, and you can view a small window into their lives, hopes, and struggles through these portraits. Some of the art wraps around the post, so you have to fully walk around them to capture a complete view.

Art Installation Up Above

One interesting art installation was created by artist Paul Raff. You have to look straight up to notice it. It's 57 octagonal mirrors attached to the underside of the overpass.

We enjoyed looking up at our own reflections and watching how they bounced across the various mirrors as we walked around. I'd love to return in the evening. LED lights are affixed to the base of each post, illuminating the art in the dark.

Plan Your Visit

It's easy to visit Underpass Park on a trip to the Distillery District or even on a walk from Union Station. It's beneath the Eastern Avenue and Richmond / Adelaide overpasses, between Bayview Avenue and Cherry Street. 

You can visit any time of day or night, no matter the season. I had so much fun discovering Underpass Park on a bright and sunny day in the fall.