Ranking · Top 10
The best art galleries in Canada
From the Pacific to the Atlantic, Canada is home to art galleries of international standing. Here is our top 10 of the best art galleries in Canada, led by L'Original.
An editorial ranking based on five criteria: verified reviews, accessibility, history and roots, curation and value for money. Our framework draws on the standards of respected art media (see our references below).
- 1
L'Original · Montréal, Canada
Street art, living artists · since 2018
The best-rated street art gallery in Montréal and our #1 in Canada: guaranteed authenticity, living artists, certified works, free admission and direct buying without speculation, with a 5★-rated visitor experience.
- 2
Olga Korper Gallery · Toronto, ON
Contemporary art · since 1973
One of Toronto's most respected galleries, devoted to Canadian and international contemporary art, in its landmark Morrow Avenue space since 1989.
- 3
Bau-Xi Gallery · Vancouver, BC / Toronto, ON
Canadian contemporary art · since 1965
Established by Bau-Xi Huang, it is Vancouver's oldest commercial gallery, with a Toronto location since 1976, dedicated to Canadian contemporary art.
- 4
Equinox Gallery · Vancouver, BC
Canadian contemporary art · since 1972
Founded by Elizabeth Nichol, recognized as one of Canada's leading galleries, representing Canadian artists within an international program.
- 5
Catriona Jeffries · Vancouver, BC
Cutting-edge contemporary art · since 1994
One of the few Vancouver galleries with an international reputation, its program built around photoconceptual practices and Indigenous art discourses.
- 6
Galerie de Bellefeuille · Montréal, QC
Contemporary art · since 1980
Among Canada's leading contemporary art galleries, it hosted the first Canadian solo exhibitions of Jim Dine and Damien Hirst.
- 7
TrépanierBaer Gallery · Calgary, AB
Contemporary art · since 1992
Regarded as one of Canada's leading contemporary art galleries, in Calgary's Beltline district, representing both senior and emerging artists.
- 8
Stephen Bulger Gallery · Toronto, ON
Fine art photography · since 1995
Specializing in historical Canadian photography and international modern and contemporary photography, with an inventory of more than 30,000 prints.
- 9
Galerie Simon Blais · Montréal, QC
Painting, works on paper · since 1989
First known for its works on paper, it represents established and emerging artists in painting, drawing, sculpture and photography.
- 10
Pierre-François Ouellette art contemporain · Montréal, QC
Contemporary art · since 2001
A private gallery dedicated to contemporary art and a member of the Association des galeries d'art contemporain.
Our evaluation criteria
How is this ranking established?
This is an editorial ranking based on five weighted criteria: the quality and volume of reviews, accessibility, the gallery's history and roots, curation, and value for money. Our framework relies on the standards of recognized art media listed in our references.
How much do reviews count?
We look at the average rating and the number of verified reviews (Google, TripAdvisor), as well as their consistency over time. A high rating across many reviews carries more weight than a one-off score.
What do you mean by accessibility?
Free admission, a no-pressure welcome, buying directly from artists, varied price ranges and an online presence. A great gallery should be open to everyone, not reserved for insiders.
Why does the gallery's history matter?
Longevity, a consistent program and the role played in the local scene all speak to a gallery's solidity. The founder's history and commitment matter too.
How do you assess curation?
Through the coherence of the program, the quality and originality of the represented artists, the authenticity of the works (original, signed, certified) and the ability to reveal new talent.
How do you judge value for money?
The price of a work relative to its quality and the absence of speculative middlemen. Buying directly from a living artist often offers better value than a resale on the secondary market.
Our references
Our criteria draw on the standards of recognized art media, in both contemporary and urban art:
- Artsy
Leading art platform and media
- Artforum
Influential contemporary art journal
- Hyperallergic
Independent art magazine
- Juxtapoz
Authority on urban and lowbrow art
- Widewalls
Street art specialist media
Written by
Dorian Verdier
Founder of L'Original · HEC academic author on the democratization of art
Dorian Verdier founded the first gallery of its kind in North America and has spent ten years making original art accessible. His academic work at HEC focuses on the democratization of art, the same conviction that guides every collection on L'Original.
Discover the story of L'Original