Mimi Lien, “Parade” (The Bentway)

The Bentway always offers a cool reprise — in all senses of the word — from the Gardiner Expressway traffic above. This summer, the outdoor trail and public art locale has a packed schedule, starting with New York artist Mimi Lien’s “Parade,” a 650-foot conveyor belt carrying colourful pylons, bicycles and other road symbols high above the skating trail. (Though not necessary, pretend you’re in Xanadu and book roller skate rentals in advance at susoskateco.com.) The installations extend through the summer with works by the Ogimaa Mikana Project, which focuses on reinstalling Anishinaabemowin place names throughout the city, and Michael Lee Poy’s joyful Carnival-inspired transformation, which ends with a community parade on July 17. This summer the Bentway is busting out of its home with a series of workshops and performances, including nightwalks led by teenagers, produced by the popular Mammalian Diving Reflex. Check out all the activities and register at thebentway.ca.