An Ottawa-based artist has created one of the official public sculptures for the "Beaver Hunt" in downtown Toronto during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The project integrates public art with the global sporting event to welcome international visitors and celebrate the various nations participating in the tournament.
The sculptures are spread throughout the downtown Toronto area, including Berczy Park and the surrounding neighborhood [1, 2]. This initiative transforms the city center into an open-air gallery, encouraging fans and residents to explore the urban landscape while searching for the artworks [1].
In total, there are 51 beaver sculptures placed across the city for the scavenger hunt [1]. Each piece serves as a welcoming gesture to the world, utilizing the beaver, Canada's national animal, as a symbol of hospitality and national identity [3].
The Ottawa artist's contribution is part of a wider effort to engage the community through creative expression during the month of June. By placing these figures in high-traffic areas like Berczy Park, the city aims to create a shared experience for the thousands of tourists arriving for the matches [1, 2].
The "Beaver Hunt" combines the excitement of the tournament with a cultural showcase, highlighting the ability of Canadian artists to contribute to large-scale international events [3].
“51 beaver sculptures placed across the city”
The integration of a city-wide scavenger hunt with the FIFA World Cup reflects a strategy to use public art as a tool for urban tourism and civic branding. By decentralizing the celebration from the stadiums to neighborhoods like Berczy Park, Toronto is attempting to distribute the economic and social impact of the tournament across its downtown core.
