The Bentway’s boldest winter tradition is back! On December 27, brave skaters will strip down to their skivvies and take a chilly lap around the Skate Trail. Join the Polar Bear Skate to bid farewell to 2026, cheer on the brave, and help support neighbours in need through our annual clothing drive.
Round up your most fearless frost-weather friends and get ready for a very chilly tradition! On December 27, join us for Polar Bear Skate and take a cheeky spin around the trail in your skivvies.
Please register in advance, as space is limited.
12:00pm Registration Opens
All participants must sign a waiver before taking part in the Polar Bear Skate. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Waivers will be at the yellow check-in tent.
1:00pm Polar Bear Skate starts!
This event lasts 5-10 minutes, so make sure you arrive early to not miss the main event!
New and gently used footwear and winter coats of all sizes will be collected onsite by New Circles Community Services and distributed to local individuals and families living on a limited income. Help us help our neighbours in need this holiday season.
Not up for the chill? Come cheer on participants and contribute to the clothing drive without taking the Polar Skate plunge.
Come for the spectacle, stay for the community spirit, and help us close out 2026 on a high note!
Sign-in and Registration
- Sign-in and registration begins at 12:00pm. Please make your way to the yellow Bentway registration tent next to the Skate Trail to check in. Space permitting, last-minute registrations will be accepted on the day of the event.
- The Polar Bear Skate will start at or before 1:00pm and last for 5-10 minutes. Arrival at noon is recommended to not miss the main event!
- Bring your own or skates will be available for rent starting at 12:00pm, adult skates cost $15. Please leave yourself extra time to rent a pair, if needed and come early to secure your spot
- An all-gender tent will be provided (The Bentway does not have change rooms) along with coat racks and hangers for your clothes. Please leave your valuables at home or bring a friend to watch your belongings. The Bentway does not have lockers and is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Additional Details
- This event will take place entirely outdoors at The Bentway Skate Trail.
- The Polar Bear Skate is one of our most popular events. Please only participate if you feel comfortable skating with a large group of people.
- Photography, video, and audio recording will occur. By participating in the Polar Bear Skate, you consent to such recording and to the release, publication, exhibition or reproduction of these recordings and photographs.
- This event will go ahead rain/snow or shine, however for the safety of all participants it will not proceed if the temperature is -20°C or below.
- Skate rentals are; first-come, first-served throughout opening hours.
Please note: All participants must sign a waiver before taking part in the Polar Bear Skate. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Waivers will be at the yellow check-in tent.
Winter Coat and Shoe Donations
Donations of new or gently used footwear and winter coats of all sizes will be collected onsite by New Circles Community Services and distributed to local individuals and families who are living on a limited income. For more information, click here.
