Toronto’s Next Great Connector
December 15, 2025
For years, the spaces beneath the Gardiner Expressway have been developed in fragments, resulting in short trail segments and disconnected public spaces. The Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan aims to address the current gaps by outlining a cohesive roadmap for improvements along the corridor. This includes streetscape standards that make wayfinding intuitive, predictable amenities such as seating, lighting, and rest areas that make the route welcoming for everyone.
A Toronto Winter Tradition Returns: Skating Under the Gardiner Opens December 20
December 1, 2025
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.
Billy Bishop Free Rental Thursdays
January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12
Enjoy free skate rentals at The Bentway skate trail every Thursday evening from January 8 – February 12, thanks to the generous support of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Skate Sharpening
Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6:15pm and 6:45pm
Hit the ice in style, sharpen those skates so you can sharpen those skills! Starting January 5, we will be offering bookings for skate sharpening on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6:15pm and 6:45pm.
Bentway After School
Two 5-week session options; Jan 6-Feb 3, or Feb 10-Mar 10.
This winter, The Bentway invites young urbanists to explore and learn about their city with lots of fun, creativity, and outdoor discovery along the way! The program empowers participants to understand and influence concepts in urban design, city building, and placemaking through neighbourhood investigations, storytelling, and recreation.
Bentway After School: for curious and creative city explorers, ages 9-14
November 10, 2025
This winter, The Bentway invites young urbanists to explore and learn about their city with lots of fun, creativity, and outdoor discovery along the way! The program empowers participants to understand and influence concepts in urban design, city building, and placemaking through neighbourhood investigations, storytelling, and recreation.
The Bentway and Exhibition Place announce plans to connect our two sites
October 29, 2025
The opening of a new joint mural project signals the future westward expansion of The Bentway’s programming offerings and trail, under Strachan Ave into Exhibition Place.
Tips on how to experience A Lake Story
September 19, 2025
On September 27 & 28, audiences are invited to celebrate the shoreline with A Lake Story, created by artist Melissa McGill. Discover more about the project and check out our recommended viewing areas to get ready for the performances!
“Paddle Power”: enable A Lake Story with a donation today
August 7, 2025
A Lake Story will soon take shape on Lake Ontario and become The Bentway’s most ambitious public art project to date. Realized with artist Melissa McGill through 500 volunteers, 120 canoes… and you!
Roller Skate Lessons: September 5
September 5 6pm-7pm and 7pm-8pm
Learn how to roll with us! This summer, we’re offering weekly roller skate lessons for those who are looking to gain basic skills. Our expert instructors will help novice skaters build confidence on wheels and navigate our figure-eight trail.
Cool Spots: Remapping a Hotter Toronto
Accepting Cool Spots July to September
Discover and share the places that keep you cool in Toronto! From shaded underpasses to breezy green spaces, your submissions will help shape a growing community map of urban relief and resilience.
From Milkweed to Monarchs
Did you know that monarch butterflies migrate 4,800km each year from Canada to Mexico? Join us for this hands-on workshop to learn how milkweed plants help support this journey with presented with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority!
Beautiful Native Plants
Why is it so important to re-plant native plants across Toronto? Come find out at this hands-on workshop with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority!
Toronto’s Summer Forecast? More Art Workshops, Roller Skating, and Urban Canopy Parades
June 17, 2025
The Bentway’s summer 2025 programming is in full swing and we are excited to announce that tickets are available for our events in July, August, and September! Spend some time in your community and meet us under the Gardiner for workshops, parades, parties, and more.
Art Socials: July 9
In this workshop, you will learn some of the basics of creating miniature foods using polymer clay. Together with instructor Kiana Simmons, participants will mix clay to achieve realistic colours, shape the pieces, and add details using clay and clay tools. You will take home a tiny wooden box of miniature food and the skills to continue exploring polymer clay miniatures at home! All supplies will be provided, and you may even have some extra clay to take home.
Roller Skate Lessons: August 22
August 22 6pm-7pm and 7pm-8pm
Learn how to roll with us! This summer, we’re offering weekly roller skate lessons for those who are looking to gain basic skills. Our expert instructors will help novice skaters build confidence on wheels and navigate our figure-eight trail.
Art Socials: June 18
Find out how fun and easy it can be to screen print designs on felt to create your own custom patch and pouch! Erin MacKeen will show you how to print using small frameless screens of illustrations inspired by The Bentway’s Sun/Shade exhibition and share simple techniques for stitching and assembly. You can use what you made to add a little personality to your favourite backpack and finally have a place to keep your headphones (or a secret snack).
Sun & Shade take centre stage at The Bentway this summer
April 14, 2025
The Bentway’s summer 2025 programming explores sun as a creative collaborator, shade as a new essential resource, and brings back visitor-favourites like roller skating.
Art Socials: August 27
Get ready for an all-ages drawing night centered around making comics. Comic books are a fantastic art form for sharing stories of all kinds. But if you’ve never made a comic before, then where do you start? Join professional comic book artist Josh Rosen as he leads a series of fun, beginner-friendly comics activities. He’ll be sharing tricks of the trade and teaching participants the quick path towards making comics of their own.
Art Socials: August 13
Explore linework and pattern making with this fun and accessible approach to creating prints. In this workshop with local artist Sarah Aranha, you’ll create your own designs by carving custom foam blocks and then apply ink to these forms to print your own set of greeting cards, just in time for the approaching fall season.
Art Socials: August 6
Curious about the world of bookmaking and type? In this workshop with local printmaker Phoebe Todd-Parish, you’ll ink and letterpress print your own alphabet from antique wood type on a line-o-scribe press—a midcentury sign press! While your print dries, cut out letters from previously printed alphabets to assemble your banner and share your message with the world to display wherever you please.
Art Socials: July 30
Find out how fun and easy it can be to screen print designs on felt to create your own custom patch and pouch! Erin MacKeen will show you how to print using small frameless screens of illustrations inspired by The Bentway’s Sun/Shade exhibition and share simple techniques for stitching and assembly. You can use what you made to add a little personality to your favourite backpack and finally have a place to keep your headphones (or a secret snack).
Art Socials: July 23
The gateway of visual art mediums, collage is as individual as it is accessible. This whimsical workshop led by local collective Collage Grad encourages free-expression and experimentation using a curated selection of rare and vintage print media. Curiosity and playfulness are the only prerequisites as you learn to cut, paste, and curate different materials.
Art Socials: July 16
Explore linework and pattern making with this fun and accessible approach to creating prints. In this workshop with local artist Sarah Aranha, you’ll create your own designs by carving custom foam blocks and then apply ink to these forms to print your own set of greeting cards, just in time for the approaching fall season.