Mount Pleasant Murals Vancouver
A vibrant Vancouver neighborhood transformed by stunning street art, vintage finds, and a thriving artist community.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the peak of mural art
Mount Pleasant Murals Vancouver
Best Time
Experience the peak of mural art
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Vancouver neighborhood transformed by stunning street art, vintage finds, and a thriving artist community.
"This former hotel turned artist haven is a colorful gem, but locals hope it's preserved."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to discover all the murals!
🗺️ Explore Laneways
Don't stick to the main streets; hidden art awaits in the back alleys.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vancouver Mural Festival Art
Throughout Mount Pleasant
Discover a diverse collection of large-scale murals by local and international artists, transforming the neighborhood into an outdoor gallery.
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Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions
Main Street
A popular spot for vintage finds and community events, often featuring live music and a lively atmosphere.
Hidden Laneway Art
Various laneways
Venture off the main streets to find unexpected artistic gems and smaller murals tucked away in the neighborhood's back alleys.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Art Walk
Community & Conservation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to discover all the murals!
🗺️ Explore Laneways
Don't stick to the main streets; hidden art awaits in the back alleys.
📅 Check Mural Fest Dates
Visit during the Vancouver Mural Festival for guided tours and more art.
📸 Capture the Art
Bring your camera or phone to photograph the vibrant street art.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to discover all the murals!
🗺️ Explore Laneways
Don't stick to the main streets; hidden art awaits in the back alleys.
📅 Check Mural Fest Dates
Visit during the Vancouver Mural Festival for guided tours and more art.
📸 Capture the Art
Bring your camera or phone to photograph the vibrant street art.
☕ Support Local
Pop into vintage shops and cafes while you explore.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the vibrant and extensive mural art that transforms Mount Pleasant into an open-air gallery. Many appreciate the neighborhood's unique character, vintage shops, and artist studios, hoping for its preservation. Some express concern over ongoing development potentially altering its charm.
"This former hotel used to my party and vice hood business 🥳 place back when it was a active hotel in my hardcore east van vice hood days ... I love that artists have made this vintage hotel look beautiful .... its sad thier is a development sign outside...it should be kept as is for the community & not torn down ......the art work is beautiful 😍 love it"
Louise Boilevin
"Love that the artists created this beautiful place and hope they can stay!! It's so important for cities and communities to give artists spaces like these. Let's support them! 💖"
Mia Uu
"I really hope they keep it as this cool artist space and not turn into another massive tower block..."
Timothy Yu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Pleasant is easily accessible by public transit. Several bus routes run along Main Street and Broadway. You can also take the SkyTrain to the Main Street–Science World station and walk or take a bus. +1
Street parking is available but can be challenging to find, especially on weekends. Consider using public transit or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, Mount Pleasant is a very walkable and bikeable neighborhood. There are many bike lanes and it's a pleasant area to explore on foot.
The murals are spread throughout the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, with a significant concentration along Main Street and in surrounding laneways.
Yes, the neighborhood is relatively easy to navigate. Using a map or a mural festival guide can help you plan your route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, viewing the murals is free and accessible to everyone. The Vancouver Mural Festival may offer guided tours for a fee.
The best time to visit is during the Vancouver Mural Festival in August for the most vibrant atmosphere and potential events. Weekday mornings offer a quieter experience.
There are no entrance fees to enter the Mount Pleasant neighborhood or to view the public art.
While the murals are visible at night, they are best appreciated in daylight for full detail and color. Some businesses may have lighting.
Main Street is a great starting point, but don't miss exploring the laneways between 5th and 10th Avenues for hidden gems.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
The Vancouver Mural Festival is an annual event that brings artists to paint new murals across the city, including Mount Pleasant, and offers guided tours and community events.
Yes, the Vancouver Mural Festival often organizes guided walking tours led by local experts, providing insights into the art and artists.
You'll find a wide variety of styles, from abstract to figurative, often with social commentary or celebrating local culture.
Yes, some TikTok videos have highlighted unusual art, like a taxidermied squirrel in a cardigan, adding to the neighborhood's eclectic charm.
Mount Pleasant is known for its vintage shops, independent boutiques, cafes, and a lively arts scene. +1
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Mount Pleasant offers a diverse culinary scene, from casual cafes and food trucks to trendy restaurants. Main Street is lined with many options.
Absolutely! You'll find numerous independent coffee shops scattered throughout Mount Pleasant, perfect for a break.
You can find everything from international cuisine to classic comfort food. Many places offer locally sourced ingredients.
During the Vancouver Mural Festival, there are often local art vendors and food stalls.
Yes, Mount Pleasant is known for its progressive food scene, so you'll find plenty of vegan and vegetarian-friendly eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere with a mural! Look for vibrant colors, interesting compositions, and unique street art. Laneways often offer more intimate shots.
Some murals are very large, so you might need to step back or use a wide-angle lens. Golden hour can provide beautiful lighting.
Yes, capturing people admiring or posing with the murals can add a dynamic element to your photos. Always be respectful of privacy.
Generally, photography of public murals is allowed and encouraged. However, always be mindful of private property and any posted signs.
A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most visitors. For more professional shots, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens is ideal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many of the murals are large and visually stimulating, keeping younger attention spans engaged. The neighborhood also has plenty of cafes and casual eateries perfect for a family pit stop. Consider visiting during the Vancouver Mural Festival for a more lively atmosphere, but be prepared for larger crowds.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, take advantage of public transportation to get to the neighborhood. Pack snacks and water, or enjoy affordable eats at local cafes and food trucks. Exploring the vintage shops can also be a fun, low-cost activity, even if you're just window shopping.
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
+1 Look for unique angles, play with light, and capture the scale of these impressive artworks. Consider visiting during the Vancouver Mural Festival for the most current art and potential events. Exploring the laneways can lead to discovering lesser-known but equally captivating pieces.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vancouver Mural Festival Experience
+1During the festival, guided walking tours are frequently offered, providing invaluable insights into the art, the artists' intentions, and the history of the murals. These tours are a fantastic way to discover hidden gems and learn about the creative process.
+1 Beyond the murals themselves, the festival often includes live music, art vendors, and community gatherings, making it a lively and engaging event for all visitors. Many residents express a strong desire to preserve these artistic spaces, hoping they won't be replaced by development. Supporting the VMF and appreciating the art contributes to maintaining Mount Pleasant's unique cultural landscape.
Mount Pleasant's Eclectic Charm
The area also boasts a thriving arts scene, with many buildings housing artist studios. This creative energy is palpable, contributing to the neighborhood's distinctive vibe. You might even stumble upon some quirky and unexpected art, like a taxidermied squirrel in a handmade cardigan, which adds to the neighborhood's memorable and sometimes surreal charm.
However, this charm is also a point of discussion regarding gentrification and development. Many locals and visitors hope to see the area's artistic heritage and community spaces preserved, rather than replaced by new construction.
Navigating Mount Pleasant for Art Lovers
While Main Street is a primary artery for murals, don't hesitate to venture into the laneways. These often-overlooked spaces can reveal some of the most intricate and surprising artworks.
Public transportation is a convenient way to reach Mount Pleasant, with numerous bus routes and SkyTrain access nearby. This is often recommended over driving due to limited and sometimes challenging parking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit