A Persistent Crossing
May 9, 2026 to Spring 2027
Bentway Staging Grounds hosts the final chapter of its immersive installations, where human silhouettes, native vegetation, and Ontario pollinators invite visitors to reflect on their place within the city. The work blurs boundaries between people, place, and the natural world, revealing the interconnected rhythms of built and living environments.
Opening – Artist Talk and Neighbourhood Walk
Guided by the exhibiting artists, this tour visits two new artworks shaped by CityPlace’s layered histories and rhythms. Experience the inaugural Step-Up Series mural which threads vivid colour and narrative into the architecture of West Block, and celebrate Staging Ground’s final chapter, evoking our place in a collective urban ecology.
Shared Rhythms: Music at West Block
Gather at West Block for a joyful afternoon of live performances as musicians from Small World Music’s Incubator program create a shared listening space that celebrates community and cultural exchange. Set against Anahita Akhavan’s newly unveiled mural مجلس Majles / Sitting Room, the event invites neighbours to linger, listen, and connect.
Social Fabric: A Community Textile Activation
Drawing on the textile traditions reflected in Anahita Akhavan’s new mural, West Block becomes a place for shared making. Working with SHEEEP Studio, visitors of all ages will assemble textiles throughout the afternoon, gathering colour, pattern, and the gestures of many hands.
مجلس Majles / Sitting Room
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Rooted in archival Persian rug work, the inaugural Step-Up Series commission transforms the West Block staircases and courtyard into a vivid cultural tapestry, one that threads migration, memory, and everyday connection through the local architecture to welcome gathering and mark shared urban space.
Daylight Saving Skate
Daylight saving steals an hour of sleep, and we’re giving it back the best way we know how: on the ice! On our final day at the skate trail, we’re inviting neighbours to reset their internal clocks together with complimentary coffee and an extra hour of skating –pajamas encouraged!
Public Launch: Cool by Design
Explore the power of shade in public space at this free public talk on March 31, co-presented by The Bentway and DIALOG. This panel celebrates the launch of The Bentway’s Cool by Design, a new report examining how shade shapes health, comfort, and everyday life in cities adapting to rising heat.
Winter Skating, Extended to March 8!
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We are pleased to announce that our popular figure-eight outdoor Skate Trail will remain open through Sunday, March 9, giving skaters more time to glide beneath the Gardiner Expressway and enjoy one of Toronto’s most distinctive winter experiences!
Partner EventSkate with Ausma
Join Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik at skating rinks across the ward to embrace winter fun and meet your neighbours!
Partner EventGalentine’s Day Skate Party with CityPlace Fort York BIA
Grab your besties and hit the ice! DJs, performances, cozy patio vibes, free skate rentals and swag bags for the first 200 guests.
Family Day
The Bentway Skate Trail is open 12pm-9pm on Monday, February 16 for the final day of skating!
TDSB PA Day
The Bentway Skate Trail is open 12pm-9pm on Friday, February 13!
TDSB PA Day
The Bentway Skate Trail is open 12pm-9pm on Friday, January 16!
Partner EventSkate with Chris
Join MPP Chris Glover on the PA day, Friday, January 16, 2026, 12-2 pm for his annual Skate with Chris!
Billy Bishop Free Rental Thursdays: February 12
Enjoy free skate rentals at The Bentway skate trail every Thursday evening from January 8 – February 12, thanks to the generous support of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Billy Bishop Free Rental Thursdays: February 5
Enjoy free skate rentals at The Bentway skate trail every Thursday evening from January 8 – February 12, thanks to the generous support of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Billy Bishop Free Rental Thursdays: January 29
Enjoy free skate rentals at The Bentway skate trail every Thursday evening from January 8 – February 12, thanks to the generous support of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Billy Bishop Free Rental Thursdays: January 22
Enjoy free skate rentals at The Bentway skate trail every Thursday evening from January 8 – February 12, thanks to the generous support of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Billy Bishop Free Rental Thursdays: January 15
Enjoy free skate rentals at The Bentway skate trail every Thursday evening from January 8 – February 12, thanks to the generous support of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Billy Bishop Free Rental Thursdays: January 8
Enjoy free skate rentals at The Bentway skate trail every Thursday evening from January 8 – February 12, thanks to the generous support of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Winter Skating Opening Weekend presented by Batiste Dry Shampoo & Hero Patches
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Join the celebration and take your first glide of the season under the Gardiner! 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!
Winter Skating (2025)
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We’re delighted to welcome neighbours and visitors back for another magical season of ice skating under the city lights. Lace up your skates and glide into the holidays with us! Be sure to check our Holiday and New Year hours before you visit.
Polar Bear Skate (2025)
The Bentway’s boldest winter ritual returns on December 28 with the cheeky Polar Bear Skate! Brave Torontonians are invited to strip down to their skivvies and take a fearless lap around trail to bid farewell to 2025.
Billy Bishop Free Rental Thursdays
January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12
Enjoy free skate rentals at The Bentway skate trail every Thursday evening from January 8 – February 12, thanks to the generous support of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.