Toronto’s favourite under-Gardiner skate trail opens December 16, with Mayor Olivia Chow first on the ice.
The Bentway’s 220m figure-eight skate trail under the Gardiner Expressway opens for the season at noon on Saturday, December 16 with special guest Mayor Olivia Chow joining in on the festivities. Mayor Chow will join us and fellow Torontonians on the skate trail at 12:00pm. Special guest Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik will also be in attendance.
We are delighted to have Mayor Chow join us for the opening of The Bentway’s winter skating season. Gathering friends, families, and neighbours under the Gardiner is a uniquely Toronto tradition. Let the skating season begin!
David Carey, Co-Executive Director of The Bentway
The skating rink will be open from noon to 9pm daily starting December 16 through January 7. Weekday hours change as of January 8, until season closing February 19. Skate rentals and concessions are available on site for a fee. There will be food vendors on site for opening weekend too.
New for this year, a colourful procession of woven arches stretches above the skate trail, bringing the magic and movement of the northern lights into the city. Inspired by the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis and the role of weaving in their cultures, Canadian artistic duo Yi Zhou and Carlos Portillo’s installation The Gateway accentuates the monumental architecture of the Gardiner with vibrant hues of green, blue, violet, and magenta. The piece was selected from a national call for submissions and commissioned by The Bentway for this winter season, supported by TD Bank Group.
Alongside skating, perennial festive favourites return to The Bentway this winter, including free skate rental nights, free hot chocolate nights, beginner skate lessons, the highly anticipated annual crowd-favourite Polar Bear Skate, and of course, Family Day fun in February.
Winter Skating
December 16 to January 7 (During the holidays)
- Open Daily: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
- Skate rentals (until 8:00 pm), skate sharpening, and concessions will be available to purchase
January 8 to February 19 (After the holidays)
- Open weekdays: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Open weekends, holidays, and TDSB Elementary P.A. days: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
- Skate rentals (until 8:00 pm) and skate sharpening available for a fee during opening hours
- Concessions open Fridays through Mondays
Location
The Bentway Skate Trail (250 Fort York Blvd), under the Gardiner Expressway west of Bathurst Street.
sponsors
The Bentway’s Winter 2023-24 season is generously supported by:
