The Best Photography Galleries in Toronto

Posted by Joseph
April 8, 2008

20080408_topphotogalleries.jpgDuring the month of May more than 200 venues in Toronto will showcase local and international photographers in the largest photography event in the world, Contact. The festival highlights not only this city's love for photography, but gives a chance for many talented photographers to display their work.

But May is not the only month to view great photography in Toronto. Dozens of galleries dedicate their exhibit space exclusively or predominately to photography all year long.

In our Best of Toronto survey, a wide-range of photography galleries were selected by our readers. Community-based and artist-run galleries like Gallery 44 and Gallery TPW offer exhibition space for their members. Pikto and Toronto Image Works display photos and also provide a wide-range of photography services in their store. In addition, readers highlighted more traditional individually curated venues, such as The Elaine Fleck Gallery and, our winner, the Stephen Bulger Gallery.

Stephen Bulger Gallery

Stephen Bulger Gallery

Focuses largely on documentary photography or photos that tell stories, and exhibits historic, established or mid-career artists. One of the major forces behind CONTACT. More...

Gallery 44

Gallery 44

Founded in 1979, Gallery 44 is a non-profit artist-run centre that features contemporary photography exhibits. Workshops and education programs are offered and a resource centre, darkroom and production facilities are available to members. More...

Gallery TPW

Gallery TPW

Vibrant gallery explores the vital role still and moving images play in contemporary culture. The new location on Ossington opened in the fall of 2006. More...

Lens Factory

Lens Factory

The Lens Factory gallery on Queen features contemporary photography. More...

Pikto Gallery

Pikto Gallery

Pikto Gallery has a small exhibition space that complements its suite of services geared toward photography professionals including studio space and lab services. More...

Pentimento Fine Art Gallery

Pentimento Fine Art Gallery

Opened in the summer of 2006, Pentimento Fine Art Gallery is located in the heart of Leslieville. Featuring a wide range of artists and media in all stages of their careers. More...

Ryerson Gallery

Ryerson Gallery

Student and faculty run gallery programmed by Ryerson's School of Image Arts. Founded in 1990, the space also provides a venue for Canadian film and new media. More...

The Elaine Fleck Gallery

The Elaine Fleck Gallery

Contemporary photography dominates this College Street West gallery and photography courses and portfolio reviews are offered throughout the year. More...

Toronto Image Works

Toronto Image Works

Popular destination for photo and digital printing and services, TIW also houses a small gallery space. More...

SPORT Gallery

SPORT Gallery

SPORT Gallery is tucked away on the second floor of the Stone Distillery Building in Toronto's Distillery District. The industrial space features a selection of photography, illustration and fine art from the magazine's archives. More...

Derek on April 8, 2008 at 4:20 PM

I love the quick reviews AND a map to boot!
I can't find a map on the Contact website, although my ADHD kicked in after 3 minutes of searching. Any idea where I can get a map of all the sites featured during the Contact Festival?

Sean Galbraith on April 8, 2008 at 4:54 PM

And opening this week is a new gallery (of mine) called galleryDK, at 1332 Queen Street West. We will be primarily a lens-based media gallery (photo, photobased and video). Hopefully next year we'll make this list!

KatieC on April 8, 2008 at 10:25 PM

Derek --

The CONTACT magazine will be out April 16 with all the maps.

KatieC on April 8, 2008 at 10:26 PM

Also, a pdf version of the guide should be available at this link soon:
http://www.contactphoto.com/magazine.php

Derek on April 9, 2008 at 7:08 PM

Thanks Katie(C). I have bookmarked the link!

Liset Cruz-Font on April 17, 2008 at 11:11 AM

I highly suggest to check QSQ (Queen Street Qreative), a gallery/giclee printing shop located on 246 Queen St. East.

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