The Bentway’s skate trail is one of Toronto’s most unusual winter spots: a 220-metre figure-eight loop beneath the Gardiner Expressway, framed by the highway’s concrete columns, near Fort York.
At a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Where | The Bentway, 250 Fort York Boulevard, under the Gardiner Expressway |
| Trail | A 220-metre figure-eight |
| Season | Usually opens in December; it opened on December 20 in 2025 |
| Nearest transit | 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst streetcars; Exhibition GO is nearby |
When does it open?
The Bentway opens its winter skating season in December, weather permitting. In 2025 the trail opened on December 20. Check The Bentway’s website for the 2026 opening date and any special programming.
What it’s like
The overhead expressway shelters the ice from some snow and sun, and the columns create a striking setting, especially at night. The Bentway often adds art installations and events to the skating season, including DJ nights in past years.
About The Bentway
The Bentway is a public space created beneath a 1.75-kilometre stretch of the elevated Gardiner Expressway, opened in 2018. Instead of leaving the area under the highway as unused land, it was turned into a year-round venue for art, events and recreation. The massive concrete columns, called “bents,” give the space its name. In summer it hosts festivals, markets and performances; in winter, the skate trail is the star.
Skate rentals and costs
Skating at The Bentway has generally been free. Skate rentals and sharpening have been offered on site in past seasons for a fee, but check The Bentway’s website before you go, as programmes and prices change. Helmets are recommended for children and beginners.
Events on the ice
In past seasons The Bentway has hosted:
- DJ skate nights with music under the expressway.
- Learn-to-skate sessions and community skate programmes.
- Art installations lit up along the trail.
- Skating with special guests and seasonal celebrations.
Follow The Bentway’s event calendar for the 2026–27 line-up.
Plan a waterfront skate day
- Start at The Bentway in the late afternoon.
- Walk through Fort York National Historic Site, next door, to learn about the War of 1812 (check winter opening hours).
- Head to the waterfront for a second skate at the Natrel Rink at Harbourfront Centre, about a 20-minute walk.
- Warm up with dinner on Queens Quay or in Liberty Village.
Who it’s best for
- Families, thanks to the gentle loop and the sheltered setting.
- Couples, especially in the evening when the lights come on.
- Photographers, who love the dramatic columns and city backdrop. Christmas photo spots
- Visitors who want something they can’t do anywhere else.
Bentway skate trail: FAQ
Is the Bentway skate trail free? Skating has generally been free; check the website for rental fees and any special events.
Is it open when it snows? The expressway gives some shelter, but the trail can close for maintenance or warm weather. Check conditions before you go.
How do I get there? Take the 509 Harbourfront or 511 Bathurst streetcar, or walk from Exhibition GO station.
Tips
- Go in the evening for the most atmospheric lighting.
- Combine it with Fort York next door, or walk to the Natrel Rink at Harbourfront for a second skate. Natrel Rink
- Check hours and conditions before you go.
More rinks: outdoor skating in Toronto.
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