Here's why an Ontario alley is known as one of Canada's best hidden gems
Ontario is full of hidden gems, and some of them can be found in some pretty surprising places, like an alley full of art tucked between two unassuming buildings.
Martello Alley is Ontario's only open-air art gallery and is considered one of the best hidden gems in the province.
Located in Kingston, the alley is inspired by La Rue du Trésor, an outdoor pedestrian art exhibition in the heart of Quebec City.
The alley hosts an artist collective with on-site talent, as well as colourful artworks and prints to buy.
Visitors have described Martello Alley as charming and unique, noting that it evokes a sense of French culture without ever leaving the province.
The alley was even ranked the top hidden gem in Ontario and one of the best in Canada overall in a study commissioned last year by online tour operator and software company Bókun.
The company, a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, analyzed data from over 1,000 local destinations to compile its ranking of the world's best hidden gems. But it’s not hard to see why Martello Alley took the top spot.
Twenty-six reviews called the Martello Alley a hidden gem, which represented 6.7 per cent of reviewers holding that opinion of the destination.
And a hidden gem it is, indeed.
Even in the literal sense, it is very much hidden — nestled out of view between a couple of shops in downtown Kingston. Perfect for a nice weekend stroll or a road trip getaway for backyard tourists looking to keep a lower profile.
The alley offers a hidden refuge to snap some shots for Instagram or hunt for small trinkets to give to your friends.
If that's not your thing, the alley has much more than art, lined with little studios and stalls that offer souvenirs and crafts to take home with you.
Martello Alley wasn't always a hidden gem.
The alley was just a boring service lane for much of its life, but in 2015, Kingston local David Dossett spearheaded its transformation into the iconic and colourful spot it's known as today.
While alleys can be dingy, this one is anything but, with decor that will rival many interiors. Find hanging artworks and murals, and a bonus courtyard that'll make you feel like you're walking a cobblestone street in Europe.
So if you've been looking for a hidden gem to check out on a summer weekend, now could be your chance. Especially if you like unexpected, off-the-beaten-path spots like this one.
Martello Alley is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all year round.
Martello Alley/Facebook
