TORONTO, December 1, 2025 – It has become a Toronto winter tradition, and The Bentway’s much-anticipated winter season opens December 20, and this year the celebration is taking shape on the ice. Now in their 8th year, The Bentway is inviting Toronto back to their iconic 220m figure-eight skate trail, a fitting symbol for how Winter has brought paths together across the city since day one.
Free Skate Rentals on Opening Weekend!
Kick off the season from Saturday, December 20 to Tuesday, December 23, during The Bentway’s extended Opening Weekend. Enjoy a cozy skate-and-sip featuring complimentary skate rentals, hot drinks, maple taffy, and photo moments courtesy of Batiste Dry Shampoo and Hero Patches.
Cheeky Polar Bear Skate!
The Bentway’s boldest winter ritual returns on December 28 at 12:00 pm with the cheeky Polar Bear Skate! Brave Torontonians are invited to strip down to their skivvies and take a fearless lap around trail to bid farewell to 2025. Help your neighbours this holiday season. Donations of new or gently used shoes will be collected onsite and distributed by New Circles Community Services to local individuals and families who are living on a limited income.
“The Bentway Skate Trail has become a beloved winter tradition in Toronto,” said Ilana Altman, CEO, The Bentway. “Every year, I’m reminded of how special it is to see people from all corners of the city come together in this shared space. During our coldest months, the trail brings a sense of warmth and connection—whether you’re meeting neighbours, making new memories, or simply enjoying a moment outdoors. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another season of skating, community, and unforgettable urban experiences,” added Altman.
Complete Winter Schedule:
Save the date for The Bentway’s winter season finale on Family Day Weekend, February 13 – 16, 2026.
HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING
Winter Skating Opening Weekend
December 20 – 23, 2025
Daily, 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Join the celebration and take your first glide of the season under the Gardiner! Hero Patches and Batiste Dry Shampoo support The Bentway’s opening weekend with a cozy skate-and-sip featuring free skate rentals, hot drinks, maple taffy, and photo moments.
Guests can sample Hero’s gentle, effective Mighty Patches for clearer skin and Batiste’s world-leading dry shampoo for effortless, voluminous freshness between washes.
Winter Skating at The Bentway
December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Daily, 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Skate rentals are available from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
The Concession Stand featuring warm refreshments and more, is open daily from 12:00 pm – 8:30 pm.
Polar Bear Skate
December 28, 2025
12:00pm
Brave Torontonians are invited to strip down to their skivvies and take a fearless lap around the trail to bid farewell to 2025. Not up for the chill? Come to cheer on our cheeky participants!
2026 WINTER PROGRAMMING
Billy Bishop Free Rental Thursdays
January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Enjoy free skate rentals every Thursday evening starting January 8, thanks to the generous support of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Winter Skating at The Bentway
January 5 – February 16, 2026
Monday to Friday, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays, 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Skate rentals will be available on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm and on
Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays and PA Days, from 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Rentals will not be available Mondays to Wednesdays during this period.
Skate sharpening is available to pre-book on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6:15 pm and
6:45 pm. For availability outside of these hours, please inquire with the Skate Rentals team on site.
The Concession Stand is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm and on
Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays and PA Days from 12:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Concessions will not be available Mondays to Wednesdays during this period. Special Dates
On the following dates, the skate trail will be open for extended hours. Skate rentals will be
open during these hours until 8:00 pm, and concessions will be open during these hours until
8:30 pm.
Friday, January 16, TDSB PA Day, 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday, February 13, TDSB PA Day, 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Monday, February 16, Family Day, 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The final day for skating for the 2025/2026 winter season will be February 16, 2025.
SUPPORTERS
The Bentway’s Winter 2025-26 season is generously supported by:
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Ontario Trillium Foundation
Lead Hotel Partner:
Hotel X
Winter Skating Opening Weekend is presented by Batiste Dry Shampoo and Hero Patches.
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