A little bit European and a little bit Canadian, Montreal is a city that loves good food, good art, and getting outside at every opportunity, no matter the weather. In the spirit of its French settlers, Montreal teems with joie de vivre.

READ: 22 Fun Things to Do in Montreal, Canada

Vancouver is often overlooked in Canada in favor of the country’s largest city (Toronto) and the culture of the East (Montreal). But to travel to …

READ: Six Vancouver Sights Not to Miss

The best things to do in Toronto is a feast for the senses.

READ: Exploring Toronto: The Best of Canada’s Nicest City

“Let’s go down there. There may be some graffiti,” I said to my friend. We turned the corner and entered the alley. Immediately the wafting stench of urine hit our nostrils. “Oh wow, look at these street art murals!” We hit the jackpot off Cordova Street.

READ: Vancouver’s Surprising Street Art Murals

Urban artists craft huge murals welcoming locals and visitors in Rush Lane and Chinatown - the graffiti alley of Toronto. We found an honest beauty and satisfaction in exploring the underbelly of the street art scene in the graffiti alley of Toronto.

READ: A Walk Through Graffiti Alley in Toronto