The Bentway is pleased to welcome back neighbours and fun-seekers for one of winter’s best activities, ice skating under the Gardiner! Skaters are invited to cruise our 220m outdoor figure-eight skate trail. Skate rentals are available on-site on select dates. No reservations required!
Your favourite seasonal activities return, including free skate rental nights, free hot chocolate nights, Polar Bear Skate, and more.
Skate rentals and skate sharpening are available on-site for a fee.
Please note that starting January 6 through February 17, 2025, skate rentals and sharpening will not be available on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
See full hours and details below.
SKATE TRAIL HOURS
Over the holidays: December 21 to January 5
| Daily | 12:00pm – 9:00pm |
Skate rentals and skate sharpening available daily 12:00pm to 8:00pm.
The Concession Stand is open daily from 12:00pm – 8:30pm.
After the holidays: January 6 to February 17
| Monday to Friday | 5:00pm – 9:00pm |
| Saturday, Sunday, Holidays | 12:00pm – 9:00pm |
Skate rentals and skate sharpening will be available during skate trail hours (up until 8:30pm) on Mondays, Thursdays to Sundays, and PA Days / Holidays, but not available on Tuesdays or Wednesdays during this period.
The Concession Stand is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:00-8:30pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00pm-8:30pm. It will be closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Special Dates
On the following dates, the skate trail will be open for extended hours. Skate rentals, skate sharpening, and concessions will also be open during these hours (until 8:30pm).
| December 29, Polar Bear Skate | Event at 12:00pm, trail open until 9:00pm |
| Friday, January 17, TDSB PA Day | 12:00pm – 9:00pm |
| Friday, February 14, TDSB PA Day | 12:00pm – 9:00pm |
| Monday, February 17, Family Day | 12:00pm – 9:00pm |
The final day for skating for the 2024/2025 winter season will be February 17, 2025.
SKATE RENTALS
Skate rentals are available every day from December 21 to January 5 and on the Special Dates listed above. From January 6 to February 17, skate rentals will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The last time to rent skates is 8:00pm and all skates must be returned by 8:45pm.
- Rentals are for a maximum 2-hour period.
- Sizes range from Youth 6 to Adult 12.
- Socks must be worn in rental skates.
- You must present a valid government-issued ID and sign a waiver to rent skates.
- Those under the age of 18 and/or those without a valid government issued ID will not be able to rent skates without their parent or legal guardian present.
PRICING
Rental Skates and Equipment:
Adult Skates: $12
Youth-sized Skates and Helmet: $10
Adult Helmet: $5
Youth Helmet: $5
Skate Sharpening: $10
Clothing:
Hats: $17
Gloves: $4.50
Socks: $4.50
Plus:
Hot Drinks: $3
Snacks: $3
Hand Warmers: $4
Laces: $4.50
SPECIAL PROGRAMMING
Free Hot Chocolate Mondays
Starting January 6, enjoy free hot chocolate every Monday evening (5:00pm-8:30pm) and explore the local neighbourhood. Special thanks to the generous support of CityPlace Fort York BIA.
Billy Bishop Free Rental Thursdays
Starting January 9, enjoy free skate rentals every Thursday evening (5:00pm-8:00pm) thanks to the generous support of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Only skates and skate aid devices are allowed on the skate trail.
- Skate Aid devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited in supply.
- The Skate Trail closes for:
- Temperatures below -20° or -25° with wind chill
- Heavy snowfall
- Trail closures are communicated on our website via the top-bar and social media channels @thebentway
- Ice is maintained during operating hours; Zamboni floods will occur based on ice conditions.
Skating Dos:
- Make sure your equipment fits properly.
- Skates should be tight enough to support the foot and ankle with little to no movement inside the boot. Skates should be snug, but with enough room in the toes to let you wiggle without pinching.
- Laces should be snug through the ankle area and bottom two sets of hooks. The top two hooks can be looser to keep the ankle flexible.
- Helmets should be worn without a hat and fit snugly, low enough to protect the forehead.
- Wear clothing that allows you to move freely.
- Wear mittens – not only for the cold but they also help protect your hands in a fall.
- Wear thin-to mid-weight socks; bulky, thick socks can limit support and make uncomfortable lumps in your skates!
- Maintain a safe distance from other skaters on the rink.
supporters
Cultural and recreational programming at The Bentway is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
The Bentway’s Winter 2024-25 season is generously supported by:
