Find answers to commonly asked winter skating questions below.
What are your hours of operation?
Please CLICK HERE to see our hours of operation. If the Skate Trail is closed due to weather conditions, we will post a notice on our website homepage and on Instagram.
Skate Rental and Concession Stand
What size skates do you carry?
We offer skate rentals on a first-come, first-serve basis. The size range we carry is kids (BAUER LIL CHAMP BLUE) – size 6/7 up to adult hockey (BAUER NSX) – size 12.
Rentals are $12 for adult sizes and $10 for youth sizes (youth rentals include a helmet).
Can I return skates after operating hours?
No. Skates are rented for a maximum 2-hour period. The last time to rent skates is 8:00pm, and all skates must be returned by 8:45pm to the Skate Rental Container.
Why do I have to wear socks when I rent skates?
All our rented skates are available to all members of the public. We require all skaters to wear socks when renting our skates. Socks are available for sale at our Concession Stand for $4.50 per pair.
How can I get my skates sharpened?
We offer skate sharpening for both hockey and figure skates. Skate sharpening is available during most of our operating hours for a fee. Skate sharpening will not be available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from January 6 to February 17. Please see our operating hours here.
What methods of payment do you accept?
Our skate rentals and concessions stand are cashless. We are only able to accept debit or credit cards.
Skating Trail Questions
Do I need to make a reservation to skate?
Skating is free and does not require reservations. Skates and equipment can be rented for a small fee on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Can I wear my shoes on the ice?
No, only sharpened single-blade skates are allowed on the Skate Trail.
Do I have to wear a helmet while I skate?
It is highly recommended that all skaters, especially those aged 6 and under, wear a helmet approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) while on the ice. Please note that bike helmets are not CSA-approved for use on ice surfaces.
Can people under age 18 use the Skate Trail?
All ages are welcome, but there are a few rules:
- Children aged 10 and under must be actively supervised by a responsible person aged 16 or older at all times.
- It is highly recommended that all skaters, especially those aged 6 and under, wear a helmet approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) while on the ice. Please note that bike helmets are not CSA-approved for use on ice surfaces.
- 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.
- Youth aged 11-17 who have their own equipment are able to use the Skate Trail without a guardian present; a guardian is only required to be present for skate rentals and/or to supervise children 10 and under.
Can I play hockey on the Skate Trail?
No. The following items and behaviours are not permitted on the Skate Trail:
- Food and drink
- Pets
- Smoking
- Littering
- Hockey sticks or any other sports equipment
- Sleds, toboggans, strollers, chairs, or unapproved skating aids
- Rough play, racing, multi-player games, loitering, or obstruction of skaters
- Offensive language, excessive noise, or abusive behaviour
Can I bring a stroller onto the ice?
No. The following items and behaviours are not permitted on the Skate Trail:
- Food and drink
- Pets
- Smoking
- Littering
- Hockey sticks or any other sports equipment
- Sleds, toboggans, strollers, chairs, or unapproved skating aids
- Rough play, racing, multi-player games, loitering, or obstruction of skaters
- Offensive language, excessive noise, or abusive behaviour
Can I bring my dog to the Skate Trail?
For everyone’s safety, dogs and other pets are not allowed on the ice. They are welcome at The Bentway as long as they are leashed the entire time and stay off of the Skate Trail. Our winter season can be very busy; if you bring a pet to The Bentway, please be mindful that people will be walking around various spaces with skates on.
Do you have skate aids?
We have skate aids (plastic frames) available to borrow at the Skate Trail. Skate aids are limited in supply and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please speak to our staff to borrow one. Unapproved personal skate aids are not permitted on the ice.
Can I bring my own skates?
Yes! Our Skate Trail is free to use, and you are welcome to bring your own skates. CLICK HERE to see our Skate Trail hours of operation.
It is highly recommended that all skaters, especially those aged 6 and under, wear a helmet approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) while on the ice. Please note that bike helmets are not CSA-approved for use on ice surfaces.
Can I skate outside of your opening hours if I have my own skates?
No. The Skate Trail is not maintained or staffed outside of operating hours, and we kindly ask that people do not skate during these times as we cannot guarantee the safety or quality of the ice.
Will the Skate Trail be busy?
We’re unable to definitively say how busy the Skate Trail will be as numbers vary by day and time. Typically, the Skate Trail is busiest on weekends and evenings.
General
Do you have lockers?
Unfortunately, we do not have lockers on site.
Where can I put my belongings?
It is best to pack light and keep your personal belongings with you at all times. Some people bring a small backpack to place their shoes in and skate with it. Others leave their belongings under seats, but please note that The Bentway is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Be sure to keep valuables on your person.
Do you have a lost and found?
If you think you lost something at The Bentway, please email hello@thebentway.ca and include the date you were there and a description of the lost item. Please note that The Bentway is not responsible for lost and found items, but we will do our best to help. Any high-value items that are turned in to our staff (i.e. cell phones, IDs) will be held at our office for a maximum of 30 days.
Is there a place to warm up?
We do not have an indoor space for visitors to linger in. There is an outdoor warming container that can be used for putting skates on and rest. Our washroom facilities, concession stand, and first aid station are indoors.
Are there public washrooms available?
Public washrooms are available on site. Washrooms are open during skating operating hours. Please find our operating hours here.
When is the ice maintained?
Ice is maintained during our operating hours. Zamboni floods will occur as needed based on weather, the number of skaters, and ice conditions. We cannot tell you ahead of time exactly when the Zamboni floods will occur.
Skaters must be off the ice when the ice is being resurfaced.
Can I book a private event with exclusive access to the ice?
Yes. Please email hello@thebentway.ca for event rental requests so we can direct your inquiry to the right team.