Background

The Garden Car: Kensington Market's Blooming Landmark

Toronto's smallest park: a vibrant, community-tended garden blooming from a reclaimed car in eclectic Kensington Market.

4.6

The Garden Car is a vibrant and quirky art installation in Toronto's Kensington Market. A retired vehicle transformed into a miniature garden, it's a beloved community space where flowers, herbs, and vegetables flourish. Maintained by local volunteers, this unique parklet symbolizes the area's creative spirit and commitment to public art, offering a whimsical touch to the bustling neighborhood.

A brief summary to The Garden Car

  • 232 Augusta Ave #254, Toronto, Old Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2L7, CA

Local tips

  • Visit during Pedestrian Sundays (typically May-October) for a lively market atmosphere.
  • Check out the Garden Car's social media hashtag (#gardencar) for the latest photos and community updates.
  • Bring your camera! The Garden Car is one of the most photographed spots in Kensington Market.
  • Explore the surrounding Kensington Market for vintage shops, global eats, and colorful street art.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West, walk west on Dundas Street West for two blocks. Turn right onto Augusta Avenue and walk north for one block. The Garden Car is located on the corner of Augusta Avenue and Oxford Street. This is a heavily pedestrianized area.

  • Public Transport

    Take the 505 Dundas streetcar to the intersection of Dundas Street West and Augusta Avenue. Walk north on Augusta Avenue for one block. The Garden Car is located on the corner of Augusta Avenue and Oxford Street. A single TTC fare is $3.30 CAD.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Ask your driver to take you to the corner of Augusta Avenue and Oxford Street in Kensington Market. From Toronto City Hall, a taxi or ride-share will cost approximately $9-11 CAD. Be aware that traffic in Kensington Market can be congested, especially on weekends.

Unlock the Best of The Garden Car

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about The Garden Car

The Garden Car, nestled in the heart of Kensington Market, is more than just a decorated vehicle; it's a symbol of community, art, and urban reclamation. Since 2006, this eye-catching installation has transformed a regular parking spot into a miniature garden, offering a burst of color and life to the eclectic streetscape. Started by the advocacy group “Streets are for People,” the Garden Car aimed to prioritize public art and green spaces over parking. Today, cared for by local 'CARdener' Yvonne Bambrick and a team of artists, the car is refreshed annually, maintaining its vibrant artistic flair. The current car, a 1992 Sunbird nicknamed Meryl Streep, was donated by actor Hayden Finkelshtain. The Garden Car isn't just a visual delight; it's also a functional community garden. Roses, flowers, herbs, and vegetables grow in its trunk and hood, and the community is invited to enjoy the bounty. It serves as a reminder of Kensington Market's unique character: a blend of the unconventional, the artistic, and the deeply community-focused. More than just a garden, the Garden Car has become a beloved icon, representing the neighborhood's quirky charm and serving as a gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. It embodies the spirit of Kensington Market, where creativity blooms in unexpected places.

Popular Experiences near The Garden Car

Popular Hotels near The Garden Car

Select Currency