"Over Floe," a sculpture by local artist John Notten, at ArtworkxTO in Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto.
Torontonian/Alamy

The capital of Ontario—a multi­dimensional, forward-­thinking, diverse city—is experiencing a growth spurt, thanks to a slate of new hotel openings, including W Toronto. But even beyond hospitality, Toronto is a city begging to be discovered and appreciated. On deck this year: the Frida Immersive Dream, from the creators of the immersive Van Gogh exhibit; ArtworxTO, a yearlong initiative showcasing Toronto’s diversity as it supports its local artists; and the Toronto Biennial of Art, featuring citywide programming intended to inspire global conversations. And just in time for summer, the Lake Shore Inflatable Water Park debuted, adding a family-­friendly attraction right off the shore of Ontario Place.

In between excursions, lounge in CIBC Square Park, an elevated park—the city’s first, in an ongoing effort to create green spaces amid ­skyscrapers—complete with public wi-fi and spectacular city views.

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