It’s like love… yes… difficult to define… easy to recognize. Yes, every city seems to have its own character… something that makes it truly special. While difficult to put your finger on, it is still distinguishable nevertheless. New York has that energy. Cairo has the feel of the present colliding with an illustrious past. And Montreal?
Well one of the things that stood out to me in my effort to understand this new and inviting city was artwork like no other. Sure there were art galleries – like any big city, but far more visible and apparent on almost every block was the most vibrant and colorful street art. Come join me and take a look. Explore a colorful and energetic Montreal!

A Chinese scroll and a subway train reflecting a blazing flame

A man reaches for the moon as he stands against a background of pensive blue

A violent clash of alien figures

Inspired by the Rolling Stones, perhaps?

I, too, would appear pensive if I had a street light portruding from my forehead

Where else can you find a two-story raccoon?
We really enjoyed seeing all the unique and intricate street art throughout Montreal, and we hope you have, too.
In what cities have you seen the best street art?
Have any photos to share? Post them on our facebook fan page!
Related posts:
- The Weekly Worldview: Winter in Vieux Montreal
About The Author
Justin
Justin Billard grew up overseas, moving to a new country — and a new continent — every few years with his family. By the time he turned 18, Justin had lived in five different countries. His travel highlights include horse trekking in the mountains of southwestern China’s Sichuan Province, viewing the breath-taking coastline of South Africa’s Garden Route, gazing out across Alaska’s Harding Ice Field (and realizing it’s the size of Rhode Island!), helping build a hospital in La Romana, Dominican Republic, and SCUBA diving in Egypt’s Ras Mohammed National Park. Through all of this, he has learned that no matter which corner of the globe you’re in, there is beauty to be found in the landscape, people, and culture.
11 comments in this article
February 1, 2012 pm29 23:04
Beautiful! I like the one with the guy reaching out to the moon. We have some in San Francisco too, though some are under repair because of human damage.
Annie - FootTracker recently posted..Little Helpers For Winter Travel – Japan
February 1, 2012 pm29 23:40
I bet! Would love to see some of the San Francisco photos. Feel free to post on our facebook page if you have any. I think my favorite is the raccoon wall. Thanks for reading!
Ellen recently posted..Beyond Graffiti: Spectacular street art of Montreal
February 2, 2012 am29 3:50
Beautiful - a great document of some artworks that won’t be there forever.
robin recently posted..Real Estate
February 2, 2012 am29 10:03
I know, it’s sad to think about that …
February 2, 2012 am29 9:14
a friend of mine showed me a book with photos of graffiti in germany. i thought they were superb. but your photos here of montreal are wayyyy better ^_^
Gladys | WanderingTandem.com recently posted..Packing my Son’s Luggage for a Trip
February 2, 2012 am29 10:02
Well thank you! I’ve heard Germany, particularly Berlin, does have great street art. I’ll have to check it out, too!
February 2, 2012 pm29 23:06
That first shot is my favorite. Street artists have real talent.
Scott - Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..Woohoo! One year of Quirky Travel Guy
February 3, 2012 am29 0:07
I agree, they don’t get the credit they deserve for being real artists. Instead, they’re seen as criminals or, at best, a nuisance. Thanks for reading!
February 3, 2012 pm29 20:39
You know me, I love graffiti. I’ll need to do a post on it this week, there is some stunning art in Wellington I want you both to see! Great photos!
Ryan Brown recently posted..TAGGED! My ABC’s of Travel!
February 4, 2012 pm29 12:26
Yeah, I noticed that on your ABC’s! Can’t wait to see your graffiti photos from Wellington! Thanks, Ryan!
Ellen recently posted..The Weekly Worldview: Notre-Dame Basilica