A Toronto Winter Tradition Returns: Skating Under the Gardiner Opens December 20

This year the celebration is taking shape on the ice! Now in our 8th year, we’re inviting Toronto back to our iconic 220m figure-eight skate trail, a fitting symbol for how winter has brought paths together across the city since day one.

Kick off the season from Saturday, December 20 to Tuesday, December 23, during our extended Opening Weekend. Enjoy a cozy skate-and-sip featuring complimentary skate rentals, hot drinks, maple taffy, and photo moments courtesy of Batiste Dry Shampoo and Hero Patches.

The Bentway’s boldest winter ritual returns on December 28 at 12:00pm 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. Help your neighbours this holiday season, donations of new or gently used shoes will be collected onsite and distributed by New Circles Community Services to local individuals and families who are living on a limited income.

“The Bentway Skate Trail has become a beloved winter tradition in Toronto. Every year, I’m reminded of how special it is to see people from all corners of the city come together in this shared space. During our coldest months, the trail brings a sense of warmth and connection—whether you’re meeting neighbours, making new memories, or simply enjoying a moment outdoors. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another season of skating, community, and unforgettable urban experiences.”

– Ilana Altman, CEO, The Bentway

Save the date for The Bentway’s winter season finale on Family Day Weekend, February 13 – 16.

See all Winter Programming

Holiday Programming

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. 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.

Winter Skating at The Bentway
December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Daily, 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Skate rentals are available from 12:00pm – 8:00pm.
The Concession Stand featuring warm refreshments and more, 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! Register to skate here.

2026 Winter Programming

Billy Bishop Free Rental Thursdays
January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12
5:00pm – 8:00pm
Enjoy free skate rentals every Thursday evening starting January 8, thanks to the generous support of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Winter Skating at The Bentway
January 5 – February 16, 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.
Skate sharpening is available to pre-book on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6:15pm and 6:45pm. For availability outside of these hours, please inquire with the Skate Rentals team on site.
The Concession Stand is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00pm – 8:30pm and on Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays and PA Days from 12:00pm – 8:30pm. Concessions will not be available Mondays to Wednesdays during this period.

Special Dates

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.