The Ultimate Self-Guided Street Art Walk in The Glebe, Ottawa

The Ultimate Self-Guided Street Art Walk in The Glebe, Ottawa

If Hintonburg is the gritty, hipster cousin of the Ottawa art scene, The Glebe is its refined, historic counterpart, but don't let the Victorian homes fool you. The Bank Street corridor that runs through this neighbourhood is home to some of the most iconic and "Instagrammable" street art in the National Capital Region.

While many visitors flock to Lansdowne Park, the real visual treat lies in the alleyways and side streets that branch off the main strip. This self-guided walking tour focuses on the incredible density of works between the Queensway and the Rideau Canal.

Don't forget to open the OTTAWALLS Interactive Map to follow along and find exact locations for every stop on this list.

Why The Glebe?

The Glebe’s street art scene is defined by its community integration. Unlike the industrial sprawl of other districts, murals here are woven into the fabric of daily life. Murals adorn bookshops, bakeries, and hidden laneways used by locals. The art here often reflects themes of nature, literature, and childhood wonder, making it a perfect distinct "vibe" from the rest of the city.

Stop 1: The "Alleyway Gallery" (Bank & Third)

If you only visit one spot, make it the alleyway running between Third and Fourth Avenue (just off Bank Street). This location is practically an outdoor museum, featuring a piece by local legend Dan Metcalfe.

Here you will find "Flying Over", the beloved mural of a young aviator soaring over a map of the neighbourhood. It captures the spirit of exploration that defines the area.

Stop 2: Literary Roots at Octopus Books

Heading south to Third Avenue, you can't miss the stunning work by Dominic Laporte at Octopus Books. Titled "Nature Entwined", this piece perfectly marries the identity of the independent bookstore with the organic style Laporte is famous for.

The mural features birds, roots, and flora, symbolizing the deep connection between knowledge (books) and growth. It is a masterpiece of colour and flow that demands a wide-angle lens.

Stop 3: Skating Through History (728 Bank St)

At 728 Bank Street, you will find a powerful new addition to the neighbourhood (painted in 2025). "Chinese Aces Skate the Canal" by Tia Wong is a stunning tribute to the diverse residents who helped build the character of the Glebe.

This mural is a masterclass in Canadian nostalgia. Wong honors the Chinese Aces by blending the fine art landscape style of the Group of Seven with cheeky, instantly recognizable icons. It is a "must-see" winter scene that bridges the gap between fine art and shared community memory.

Stop 4: A Modern Fairytale (802 Bank St)

Next, head south to 802 Bank Street (located on the side of Shoe+Shoe) for a piece that feels like a storybook come to life.

"The Start of a Fable" by Mique Michelle is a vibrant, graffiti-style mural that reinterprets classic folklore for the modern street. Mique, a celebrated Franco-Ontarian artist, is known for her neon-bright colour palettes and the use of animals to represent the evolution of storytelling.

Stop 5: The Underground Pop-Culture Mashup (1-33 Regent St)

For the true urban explorers, this next stop requires stepping off the beaten path. Tucked away at 1-33 Regent Street, hidden from the main bustle of Bank Street, lies a fascinating, anonymous piece that feels like a collision between high art and pop culture.

The artist remains a mystery, but their style is unmistakable. It channels the chaotic, neo-expressionist energy of Jean-Michel Basquiat, blending jagged lines and raw colour with modern icons. Look closely to spot a Storm Trooper helmet and other pop-culture references hidden within the abstract "noise." It is a gritty, vibrant reminder that the best street art is often found where you least expect it.

Explore More of The Glebe

This guide covers just five of the incredible works in the neighbourhood, but the walls are always talking. From hidden tags in the back alleys to massive commissions on the main strip, there is so much more to see.

To see more:

1. Open the Map: www.ottawalls.art/map.
2. Filter by Neighbourhood: Select "The Glebe" to see the cluster of pins along Bank Street.
3. Or, use the map on this page that is already curated for you!

Help Keep the Archive Alive

The Glebe is constantly evolving. Did you spot a new piece we missed?

Submit a Mural and help us keep the National Capital Region's living archive up to date.