The Bentway Skate Trail is now open in Toronto

The Bentway Skate Trail under the Gardiner Expressway is now open for a safely distanced skate at the foot of downtown Toronto. It’s a uniquely urban 220-metre meandering skate trail and it is open to the public seven days a week from 12:30 pm – 8:30 pm. 

But don’t expect to just show up and skate like in the good ol’ days. To curb the spread of COVID-19, skaters must book ahead and ONLY register with people in your own household (up to 4 people).

Although it is free to register and skate, The Bentway is asking participants to help support those in need by donating a small amount ($5 suggested) for the creation of winter care kits for community members experiencing poverty and homelessness. Donations can be made when registering through Eventbrite.

Situated beneath the iconic Gardiner Expressway, The Bentway can is located on the lands of Fort York National Historic Site, running from just east of the Fort York Visitor Centre (250 Fort York Blvd) to Bastion St.

Before you even ask, yes The Bentway provides accessible public washrooms in the middle of the site to the west of the Skate Trail.

Here’s how it works:

Pre-registration is a must (6 timeslots available per day with a 25 person capacity each).

• Please ONLY register people from within your own household.
• Please ensure you provide accurate contact details for each ticket purchased. ID will be checked upon entry.
• Registrations will be accepted until the day prior or until sold out / capacity is reached.
• Please arrive early. Pre-registration spots will be considered no-shows10 minutes after their timeslot has begun.
• Bring your mask! Face coverings are required while skating at The Bentway.

And, the skate season doesn’t end with the holidays! The Bentway Skate Trail continues from January 6 to January 31, 2020 with amended weekday hours.

All visitors to The Bentway Skate Trail are asked to please abide by their Skate Trail Rules. 

9 Important Things to Know About Skating at The Bentway this winter

1. Pre-registration is required.

2. Registration will be made available on a rolling basis. Each Saturday at 10am the timeslots for the next available week will go live.

3. Bring your own skates. There is no skate rental.

4. Bring ID to verify your identity.

5. Come dressed for the weather. There will be no access to indoor changing areas.

6. Wear your mask. Face coverings are required indoors and outdoors at The Bentway.

7. Please maintain a safe (2m or 6ft) physical distance from others.

8. Keep your belongings on you at all times.

9. Stay home if you are feeling sick, have been out of the country in the last 14 days, or suspect you may have come into contact with COVID-19.

Notes from The Bentway’s Policies & Procedures

• Extensive cleaning and disinfection between each skating timeslot.
• Washrooms are open, but can be used only as intended. (No changing in the washrooms.)
• We are working to keep you safe and healthy, but we cannot guarantee you won’t be exposed to COVID-19. By coming to The Bentway to skate you assume the risk of such exposure.
• As always, The Bentway reserves the right to close the trail for weather, construction, safety, or other reasons. We will do our best to notify registrants as early as possible via the contact details provided.

This is a fast-moving situation and we acknowledge that public health recommendations may change at any time. The Bentway will adapt our policies and procedures if this happens, so please check out our website thebentway.ca and social media channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) – and check back regularly for the most up to date information.

by TO Times Staff

photo by @TheBentway on Instagram

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