There’s something about winter that makes walking around public art extra fun. And Canada has some incredible pieces, hidden away in plazas & parks. Here are ten public art installations our readers recommended seeing in the winter, without the summer crowds. Which one would you choose for an afternoon walk?
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The Archer, Toronto
Many of our readers mentioned that they used to walk past The Archer near City Hall without even realizing it. But Henry Moore’s big bronze sculpture has been at Nathan Phillips Square since the ‘60s, pointing dramatically at the sky. Those who did notice it said this piece is rather difficult to describe in words. You just have to see it.
Digital Orca, Vancouver
Douglas Coupland’s blocky whale piece, titled Digital Orca, stands there as though it’s mid-jump, staring across Burrard Inlet. You’ll find it right by the convention centre, where tourists & joggers both pass by. A few readers mentioned it’s best to look at when you can see the mountains peek through behind it. It looks like a glitch in real life, which is sort of the point.
A-maze-ing Laughter, Vancouver
Down by English Bay is a whole crowd of bronze figures laughing. What’s the joke? They’re all Yue Minjun’s face, frozen mid-giggle, with one reader saying that they usually visit the installation in the early morning before the beach rush. Apparently, the empty park makes the grinning statues feel even stranger, and it’s something that has to be seen to be truly believed.
Wonderland, Calgary
Essentially, Wonderland is a giant wire-mesh head outside The Bow, and it looks rather delicate. But up close, it towers over you. You can walk inside it, too, since it’s hollow, so everyone ends up taking those “inside the brain” selfies. Several readers said they prefer visiting at night because the mesh glows against the skyline.
Talus Dome, Edmonton
Quite a few Edmonton locals suggested taking the trail under the bridge to stand right beside the Talus Dome. Usually, drivers see it first. It’s a shiny pile of steel balls near Whitemud Drive that reflects everything, like cars & the sky. Since the reflections shift all the time, it’s surprisingly fun to watch.
Maman, Ottawa
Right outside the National Gallery is Maman, a towering spider guarding her marble eggs. It’s been there since 2005, and people either stop dead or speed-walk past. But some visitors told us they make a point of swinging by every time they’re in the capital because seeing her never gets old. Or less weird.
La Joute, Montréal
La Joute is a piece that’s hidden in a busy square downtown & a few readers admitted they stumbled on it by accident. The fountain sculpture is in a ring, and when the water’s off, you can get right up close. In fact, one reader joked it’s their “shortcut art stop” between meetings. That feels very Montréal.
The Illuminated Crowd, Montréal
You can’t miss this strange huddle of cream-coloured figures walking down McGill College. Known as The Illuminated Crowd, some of the figures are reaching out & some are shielding their eyes. The resin has this odd glow at dusk. That’s exactly when a few readers said they like to pass by, and the piece has been standing there since the late ‘80s, quietly watching.
Emptyful, Winnipeg
You’ll find Emptyful in Millennium Library Park. It’s a tall steel structure that sprays mist & lights up at night, and although it’s not flashy during the day, many readers assured us that it looks much better after dark. Why? Because the lights & fog make it seem otherworldly, and one reader said they time their evening walks so they catch the lights while the park’s quiet.
The Wave, Halifax
The Wave is a curvy granite sculpture that’s on the waterfront, and it has been part of local photos for decades. Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to climb it. But people do it anyway. Even so, the sunset behind it is unreal, and quite a few readers said the view from this installation never disappoints.
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