Lisa Lagace

For many years a hidden gem whose appeal was appreciated only by locals, this Canadian city has had time to develop its hosting gigs, playing home to a slew of events that cater to a variety of interests: the best festivals in Toronto are, today, mirrors of the city's soul, propelled in their grandiosity by the multicultural population that makes up the essence of Toronto. Born and raised in town, Drake put Toronto on the map (according to a Vice News report, the artist is actually responsible for 5% of the city's $8.8 billion total annual tourism income), but there is a reason folks keep coming back: from out-of-the-ordinary restaurants to stellar breweries, enticing museums and a revelry of festivals that will make you go gaga, Toronto is simply awesome. Art fiends will flock to town in June, for two-and-a-half-weeks of curated exhibits and performances at Luminato, while foodies will likely run here for July's Summerlicious, a food festival not easily forgotten. And if it is architecture that you're into, you'll surely enjoy the free Doors Open event, a yearly happening that allows all to explore the inside of buildings and cultural institutions whose doors are usually closed.