Toronto 
Events Description
This winter, experience a one-of-a-kind skate at The Bentway’s 220-metre figure-eight trail, nestled under the Gardiner Expressway. The free ice skating rink opens its doors to the public, creating an urban winter wonderland perfect for skaters of all levels. Open through Family Day, it’s a space where the city’s grit meets the magic of winter, welcoming friends, families, and solo skaters alike.
In addition to free entry, The Bentway will host special skate rental nights, seasonal events, and activities designed to celebrate the best of the colder months. Whether you’re gliding for the first time or a seasoned skater, there’s something for everyone. Keep an eye on updates for event schedules and free rental nights, and make sure to bundle up as you take in this uniquely Toronto experience.
Opening Weekend: Enjoy a cozy skate-and-sip featuring free skate rentals, hot drinks, maple taffy, and photo moments courtesy of Batiste Dry Shampoo and Hero Patches! Guests can sample Hero’s gentle, effective Mighty Patches for clearer skin and Batiste’s world-leading dry shampoo for effortless, voluminous freshness between washes.
Who is it for?
All ages
HOW MUCH
Tickets : Free
Free
How to get tickets?
At the door: Free
WHEN & WHERE
Date:
December 20 to March 8, 2026
Winter Skating Opening Weekend: December 20 – 23, 2025. Daily, 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Join the celebration and take your first glide of the season under the Gardiner! Hero Patches and Batiste Dry Shampoo support The Bentway’s opening weekend with a cozy skate-and-sip featuring free skate rentals, hot drinks, maple taffy, and photo moments.
December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026, Daily, 12:00pm – 9:00pm
- Skate rentals and skate sharpening available daily 12:00pm to 8:00pm.
- Skate sharpening will have limited availability during these hours, please inquire with the Skate Rentals team on site.
- The Concession Stand is open daily from 12:00pm – 8:30pm.
Polar Bear Skate, December 28, 2025, 12:00pm
- Brave Torontonians are invited to strip down to their skivvies and take a fearless lap around trail to bid farewell to 2025. Not up for the chill? Come to cheer on our cheeky participants!
January 5 to March 8, 2026
- Monday to Friday, 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Saturday, Sunday, Holidays, 12:00pm – 9:00pm
- Skate rentals will be available on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00pm – 8:00pm and on Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays and PA Days, from 12:00pm – 8:00pm. Rentals will not be available Mondays to Wednesdays during this period.
Special Dates
- Friday, January 16, TDSB PA Day, 12:00pm – 9:00pm
- Friday, February 13, TDSB PA Day, 12:00pm – 9:00pm
- Monday, February 16, Family Day, 12:00pm – 9:00pm
On the following dates, the skate trail will be open for extended hours. Skate rentals will be open during these hours until 8:00pm, and concessions will be open during these hours until 8:30pm.
The final day for skating for the 2025/2026 winter season will be February 16, 2025.
Venue & Address
The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9
Public space under the Gardiner, stretching from Strachan Avenue to Bathurst Street.
The Bentway is a unique and innovative public space that transforms 1.75km underneath Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway, from Strachan Avenue to Bathurst Street.
The Bentway knits together seven local neighbourhoods with over 77,000 residents, becoming a gateway to the waterfront, while providing access to important attractions and destinations – from Fort York National Historic Site, Ontario Place and Exhibi-tion Place to Harbourfront Centre and the CN Tower.
Paid Parking Available:
– 800 Fleet St.
