Where are the Best Tattoo Shops in Toronto?

Best Tattoo Shop Downtown Toronto

If you're looking for custom ink and you live in Toronto, you're in luck. Toronto is packed to the brim with acclaimed tattoo artists, so no matter what style you're looking for, you're sure to find someone to do it for you. In fact, the trickiest part may actually be securing a booking. If you're looking at the top tattoo shops in Toronto, you should definitely check out Chronic Ink. While the founders specialize in neo-traditional Asian design, there's a rotating roster of artists who are able to work in many other styles. If you’re downtown, the studio on Yonge Street is located in the historic Dominion Bank Building, though you'll have to navigate some stairs to get in. If you need a break on the way, you can always stop off at the Elephant & Castle before heading up. Chronic Ink has a reputation of being one of the best tattoo shops in downtown Toronto with good reason. The entire studio is light and airy, and the shop has an atmosphere of communal artistry. Artists work with their clients on a central table, coming up with custom designs and sharing ideas with others. Once you've settled on your design, you can head into one of the more private areas where the inking process can begin. The downtown location offers the widest variety of services, including not only tattoos and piercings but also microblading and tattoo removal. Microblading is a process similar to tattooing that makes eyebrows look thicker and fuller. By using semi-permanent pigments and brush strokes, artists can create a natural look that shapes and defines the brows. The fact that it fades over time – about 18 months or so – actually allows some flexibility in your look, since you can update the shape of your brows as tastes change.

Best Tattoo Shop Midtown Toronto

Midtown Toronto is home to some truly excellent tattoo and piercing shops, and Chronic Ink is definitely in the top tier. It’s regarded as one of the best walk-in tattoo shops in Toronto. While this well-known and highly-regarded shop does indeed have a wait list – up to four years, in some cases – there's always a chance that an artist will have some free time and be able to fit you in. It will all depend on what you want and whether it can be done within a reasonable time-frame. You've got nothing to lose by stopping in, so it's always worth a try. Chronic Ink's midtown location is on Eglinton Avenue, and in keeping with many of their other locations, the studio is professional, well-run, and very friendly. Chronic Ink keeps a rotating roster of artists, so you should always keep an eye on who's available at any given location. Apart from tattoos, many of the Chronic Ink locations also offer other services, including piercings and laser tattoo removals. In addition to the tattoo removal service, you and an artist can easily design a cover-up that beautifies any mistakes you may have made in the past. By working with one of Chronic Ink's friendly staff, you'll leave with a design you'll be proud to show off.

Best Tattoo Shop Mississauga

You may feel that Mississauga is too far away from the hustle and bustle of the city to truly reflect Toronto's tattoo scene, but nothing could be further from the truth. Chronic Ink has just recently opened up a new location in the Square One Shopping Centre, one of Canada's biggest malls. The move signals a return to Chronic Ink's roots, but with an updated twist. As with the other Chronic Ink locations, the studio is designed to foster communication between clients and artists and serves as a space to elevate the art of tattooing. Chronic Ink artists are well known for their neo-traditional Asian tattoos, though with a rotating roster of world-class artists, you'll be able to design any custom tattoo you can come up with. The staff at Chronic Ink is always on hand to help. If you don't have a clear idea of what you want, an artist will work with you to develop your idea and come up with a design that you'll be pleased to wear on your skin. If you're looking for piercings, Chronic Ink's sister shop, Pierced, is just next door. Since this is a new location, you ought to consider checking here for an appointment first, especially if you've been worried about waiting for years to get your ink done. As word gets around that one of the best tattoo shops in Toronto has opened up a new location, chances are that it will soon be as full as the other studios, so get in before the crowds.

Best Tattoo Shop Markham

Chronic Ink originally opened up in a tiny cubicle in the Pacific Mall, and while they've definitely outgrown the cubicle, they still remain true to their roots. The Markham studio is Chronic Ink's flagship location and is worth a visit. As one of the top tattoo shops in Toronto, the studio on Kennedy Road is a great place to visit if you're looking for custom ink. It's open seven days a week, so you are welcome no matter when the urge for a new bit of ink strikes. The studio has an informal yet professional air which sets you at ease almost instantly. Whether it's your first tattoo or one of many, the staff are on hand to make sure that you have the best experience possible. Since opening the studio, Chronic Ink has won almost a hundred awards for piercings and tattoos alike in a wide range of categories, from “best sleeves” to “best black and grey work.” No matter what location you visit, you can rest assured that you'll be working with some of the best artists in the business. Make sure that you keep an eye on Chronic Ink’s Instagram, as they frequently host international artists at any one of their four locations. You can also get a sense of their permanent artists’ skills and the lively atmosphere of the studios.