The Bentway skate trail located at the public space designed by PUBLIC WORK and Ken Greenberg Consultants located under the Gardiner Expressway, will reopen for the 2022-23 season on December 17th.
Credit: The Bentway Skate Trail
The Bentway is a unique and innovative public space that has transformed 1.75km underneath Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway, from Strachan Avenue to Bathurst Street. The area also includes a 220-metre figure-eight skate trail.
This year’s programming will include live performances and storytelling. There will also be a new glowing new art installation, Beacons, by Shellie Zhang.
Brave visitors can welcome the new year at the Skate trail as 2022-23 season will see the return of the famous Polar Bear Skate and participants can strip down to their bathing suits and skate the trail.
The event is also a clothing drive for newcomer and refugee families experiencing winter in Toronto for the first time. Donations of warm winter clothing will be collected onsite by New Circles Community Services.
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Bentway Skate Trail is free to skate and rentals are available onsite.
In 2023, there will be free skate rentals will be available every Friday from 5pm-9pm, courtesy of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport starting January 13th.
Free hot chocolate is available every Monday from 5 pm-9 pm starting January 9 courtesy of CityPlace Fort York BIA and free skate lessons will be offered to novice skaters every Tuesday, 5:00 pm-6:00 pm for children aged 6 to 12, and 6:00 pm-7:00 pm for those aged over 12 starting January 10th.
Bentway Skate Trail 2022 – 23 Season
Bentway
What: Skate on the 220-meter figure-eight skate trail, located under the Gardiner Expressway.
Alongside skating, perennial festive favorites return, including free skate rental nights, free hot chocolate nights, beginner skate lessons, and The Bentway’s Polar Bear Skate.
When:
Holiday Period: December 17 – January 8
Daily: 12 pm – 9 pm
Post-Holiday Period: January 9 – February 20
Weekdays: 5 pm – 9 pm
Weekends, Holidays, & Elementary PA Days: 12 pm – 9 pm
Where: Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto
How Much: Free