The world’s longest rainbow road appeared in the summer of 2024 on Toronto’s Hanlan’s Point. Fifty-three years after Canada’s first Pride event was held here, artist Travis Myers painted the colorful installation to recognize and celebrate the area’s importance to the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
The main attraction of Hanlan’s Point for many is its nude beach—it’s one of two official clothing-optional beaches in Canada. Located at the western edge of Toronto’s Islands, it boasts some of the best views of the city and is a top place to swim in Lake Ontario. While it attracts naturist sunbathers of all orientations, it is also proudly queer. In 2024, Hanlan’s was officially recognized by the city as a historically queer space.
Myters’ rainbow artwork is called “The Long Walk to Equality.” It stretches 2,000 feet and features the six colors of the pride flag. At either end are chevrons with colors representing trans and BIPOC communities, and those who have died of HIV/AIDS.
Toronto’s Rainbow Road is accessible to pedestrians, roller skaters, cyclists—anyone but drivers (the island is car-free). Walking the long path is not only a fun way to reach the entrance to the beach, it’s a marker to all visitors that they are entering a LGBTQ+ safe space—and to bring good vibes to the entire island.
