A quick 90-minute flight from D. C. to Toronto will have travelers exploring vibrant street art and some of the largest galleries in Canada.
Yorkville Murals Festival rooftop party. (Courtesy Nick Lee)
Courtesy Nick Lee
ROM After Dark event at the Royal Ontario Museum. (Courtesy Cassandra Popspecu)
Courtesy Cassandra Popspecu
In “D. C. Getaway,” WTOP contributor Briana Thomas shares travel tips for spots just a short distance from D. C. This piece is based on a press trip sponsored by Destination Toronto and reflects Briana’s independent research, with no editorial input from the sponsor.
This summer, Toronto is set to attract visitors for FIFA World Cup matches, exciting concerts, and food festivals. However, in Canada’s cultural capital, the visual art scene is also worth experiencing.
Just a 90-minute nonstop flight from Reagan National Airport to Toronto Pearson International Airport will take travelers to see stunning street art and explore some of Canada’s biggest galleries. Spend hours enjoying over 120,000 pieces at the Art Gallery of Ontario during a solo trip or check out unique spots like the Black-owned BAND Gallery with friends for diverse exhibits. From ancient artifacts to modern ceramics, these museums and galleries can easily fill up a three-day visit.
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ROM After Dark event at the Royal Ontario Museum. (Courtesy Cassandra Popspecu)
Courtesy Cassandra Popspecu
In “D. C. Getaway,” WTOP contributor Briana Thomas shares travel tips for spots just a short distance from D. C. This piece is based on a press trip sponsored by Destination Toronto and reflects Briana’s independent research, with no editorial input from the sponsor.
This summer, Toronto is set to attract visitors for FIFA World Cup matches, exciting concerts, and food festivals. However, in Canada’s cultural capital, the visual art scene is also worth experiencing.
Just a 90-minute nonstop flight from Reagan National Airport to Toronto Pearson International Airport will take travelers to see stunning street art and explore some of Canada’s biggest galleries. Spend hours enjoying over 120,000 pieces at the Art Gallery of Ontario during a solo trip or check out unique spots like the Black-owned BAND Gallery with friends for diverse exhibits. From ancient artifacts to modern ceramics, these museums and galleries can easily fill up a three-day visit.
Travel through time
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) are two must-visit art spaces in Toronto. Their collections feature historic objects, colorful paintings, tech-savvy exhibitions, and mixed-media works that span different eras. At ROM, a gigantic Futalognkosaurus dinosaur stands an impressive 110 feet tall inside the main entrance, setting an adventurous tone for its engaging natural history displays. It’s just one highlight of the “Age of Mammals” gallery that showcases hundreds of specimens from long-extinct animals dating back 65 million years ago. You’ll journey through five levels featuring exhibits on evolution as well as Earth’s land and sea creatures while stepping into galleries dedicated to ancient cultures-from Egyptian tombs to Chinese sculptures and Korean calligraphy. Each season brings a monthly ROM After Dark series where visitors can enjoy drinks, sample local foods, and experience live music or magic shows after hours. An eight-minute bike ride away leads you to AGO’s grand facade where a bronze-cast elephant made from old leather sofas by Canadian artist Brian Jungen welcomes guests out front. Inside, you’ll find striking architecture with sunlit windows offering views of the iconic CN Tower while bathing thousands of artworks in warm light. While much of its collection highlights Canadian artists’ work, it also features international pieces including Italian Renaissance paintings and Impressionist works by artists like Claude Monet and Jacopo Tintoretto alongside rare books in its library. If you’re looking for something more modern, until Oct. 25 visitors can step inside Yayoi Kusama’s “Infinity Mirrored Room: Let’s Survive Forever,” filled with psychedelic reflections. If you go: ROM is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a. m. to 5:30 p. m., with admission starting at $26+. The address is 100 Queens Park, Toronto, Ontario. AGO welcomes guests Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 a. m. to 5 p. m., Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 a. m. to 9 p. m., Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a. m. to 5:30 p. m., with adult admission priced at $30; ages 10-17 pay $15; free entry for those aged nine or younger. The address is 317 Dundas Street West Toronto Ontario.Celebrate cultural heritage
Since its inception in 2010, Black Artists’ Networks in Dialogue Gallery (BAND) has brought local flair into Toronto’s mainstream art scene. The homegrown collective is currently working on sustainable renovations for its Victorian home located within Parkdale-a historic neighborhood known for its Black community. Instead of their usual spot, take part in pop-up exhibitions around town that showcase photos, pictures, and prints reflecting traditions stemming from Africa, the Caribbean, and other cultures within the Black diaspora. For even more cultural experiences, take an easy day trip out toward Mc Michael Canadian Art Collection. Set amid lush forest on 100 acres along Humber River Valley, this museum offers plenty space ideal relaxation along hiking trails, sculpture gardens, and Minokamik Garden-home native plants! Inside, you’ll discover an impressive selection Canadian artwork-including creations by Group Seven-the famed painters who shaped Canada’s landscape artistry-as well woodwork, fashion designs, and sketches highlighting Indigenous talents & history! If you visit: BAND hosts rotating events. Check their website details! The Mc Michael opens Tuesday-Sunday between 10am-5pm. Adult tickets cost $20. Children ages 6-25 enter free while kids under five get complimentary access. Parking available @ just $7! Find them located @10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg, Ontario!Discover art beyond walls
<p“There are no empty spaces,” states this year’s theme celebrating Yorkville Murals Festival. Later this August, Yorkville Avenue-from Bellair Street down Hazelton Avenue-will morph into one sprawling outdoor exhibition space! Everyone-and even pets-can enjoy various public installations including live painting sessions, inflatable displays, gigantic murals & interactive setups spread across two days! Beyond those colorful visuals, a full line-up events awaits attendees: DJs performing rooftop sets, everyone coming together block party style, vendors serving food, outdoor drink tastings, dance competitions plus group fitness classes await your participation! If you plan ahead: The festival runs Aug22nd-23rd @Yorkville Park&Lower Bay Station timing between9am-10pm Saturday&9am-7pm Sunday. Entry remains free during block parties &street/park happenings but other experiences may vary based pricing ticket-wise!Plan your Toronto trip
No matter how you choose:
-Getting There:
*Direct flights leave regularly DCA( Reagan National airport )taking roughly only90 minutes.
-Getting Around :
*Downtown TORONTO AND York VILLAGE neighborhoods walkable ! To venture farther out try rideshare/bike share options available sustainably !
-Where To Stay:
*If choosing trendy YOrkvile area close nearby museums/luxury shops/restaurants consider booking room/city-view suite AT PARK HYATT TORONTO starting @$400/night!!
Briana Thomas serves as journalist/tour guide residing within Washington, D. C. with strong passion towards exploring/traveling. If interested reading more explorations subscribe her DC GETAWAY newsletter! She operates local history/culture tours via BLACK BROADWAY TRAVEL company additionally writes about arts/culture topics featured within WASHINGTONIAN MAGAZINE !!
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