Winter is back at The Bentway! We’re pleased to welcome neighbours and fun-seekers for ice skating, the return of our annual crowd-favourite Polar Bear Skate, and more.
The Bentway’s new season of winter programming opens December 21, just in time for the holidays. Our seventh season welcomes back neighbours and outdoor enthusiasts with the return of ice skating under the Gardiner.
Skaters are invited to cruise our 220m figure-eight skate trail from December 21, 2024 through February 17, 2025. We have special opening hours for the holidays, and in the new year our popular free skate rental nights and free hot chocolate nights will return.
Mark your calendars for winter’s wildest tradition, Polar Bear Skate, on December 29, as well as our season-end on Family Day Weekend, February 14-17.
The Bentway is the best place to skate in the city – there’s nothing else like it in Toronto. We’re thrilled to welcome back familiar faces and first-time visitors alike to discover how we can flip our urban expectations. Don’t hibernate this winter, come skate together at The Bentway.
David Carey, Co-Executive Director of The Bentway
Holiday Programming
The Bentway’s winter season opens with plenty of joyful family fun, including free hot chocolate on December 21 opening day, courtesy of CityPlace Fort York BIA.
December 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Daily, 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Skate rentals and skate sharpening available 12:00pm-8:00pm.
The Concession Stand is open daily from 12:00pm – 8:30pm.
December 29
12:00pm
Brave Torontonians are invited to strip down to their skivvies and skate the trail as a bold way to close out the year. The event is free to attend, but guests must register in advance as space is limited. For those looking to drop layers or even just cheer on the Polar Bear Skaters, donations of warm winter clothing will be collected onsite by New Circles Community Services and distributed to local individuals and families in need. Polar Bear Skate is sponsored by Home Network, Flavour Network, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and the City of Toronto.
Home Network & Flavour Network Holiday Skate
December 29-January 1
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
For four days, guests can enjoy complimentary skate rentals and hot beverages courtesy of Home Network and Flavour Network during the Skate Trail opening hours (while supplies last). A custom Home Network lounge will provide cozy winter-themed seating and unique giveaways, while a Flavour Network area will offer guests free hot drinks and cookies. Skate, celebrate, and learn more about these exciting new networks launching on December 30.
December 21 – February 17
On display along the Skate Trail, visitors can enjoy Toronto artist Jessica Thalmann’s new work Resurfacing, presented in partnership with Exhibition Place, which explores the many transformations of the Gardiner Expressway over time.
2025 Winter Programming
January 6, 2025 – February 17, 2025
Winter fun continues into the new year with free offerings twice a week, helping Torontonians get outside.
From January 6 to February 10, indulge in complimentary hot chocolate every Monday evening from 5:00pm to 9:00pm as you discover the local neighbourhood, courtesy of CityPlace Fort York BIA.
Billy Bishop Free Rental Thursdays
Starting January 9 until February 13, enjoy free skate rentals every Thursday evening from 5:00pm-8:00pm thanks to the generous support of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
January 6 – February 17, 2025
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 opening hours until 8pm 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).
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
sponsors
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:
