A innovative public space under the Gardiner Expressway featuring a 220-metre skating trail in winter (free, with free skate rentals on certain days), free summer concerts, art installations, and community markets. One of Toronto's most creative uses of otherwise neglected space.
Free: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto · Season: winter
The Bentway is Toronto's most innovative public space — a 1.75-kilometre strip of land under the Gardiner Expressway that has been transformed from neglected infrastructure into a vibrant community hub. In winter, it features a 220-metre free skating trail that winds through the concrete pillars of the expressway. In summer, it hosts free concerts, art installations, fitness classes, and community markets. The space is completely free, open to all, and represents one of the most creative urban design interventions in North America.
What to Expect
The Gardiner Expressway is a raised highway that cuts through Toronto's waterfront, casting a long shadow over the land beneath it. For decades, this space was ignored — a no-man's-land of dirt, storage, and parking. The Bentway project, launched in 2018, reimagined this forgotten corridor as a linear public park and event space.
The result is extraordinary. The skating trail in winter winds through the forest of concrete pillars, with the expressway overhead and the city around you. The sound of skates on ice echoes under the highway. The lighting is dramatic. It is unlike any skating experience in the world.
In summer, the space transforms. The concrete pillars become a gallery for art installations. The open areas host concerts, fitness classes, film screenings, and markets. The Bentway's programming is ambitious and eclectic, reflecting Toronto's diversity.
Winter Skating
The Bentway's signature program is the winter skating trail:
- **220 metres of skating surface** winding through the expressway pillars
- **Completely free** — no admission, no ticket, no reservation
- **Free skate rentals** on select days for those who cannot afford their own skates
- **Free skating lessons** offered periodically
- **Open daily** during the winter season (typically December through March, weather dependent)
- **Dramatic lighting** under the expressway creates a unique atmosphere
- **Heated changing facilities** and washrooms available
The skating trail is genuinely unique. Skating under a major highway, surrounded by concrete pillars, with the sounds and lights of the city around you, is an experience that could only exist in Toronto. The trail is suitable for all skill levels, with a gentle figure-eight design that allows beginners to find their footing.
Summer Programming
The Bentway's summer programming is equally ambitious:
- **Free concerts:** Local and international musicians perform under the expressway
- **Art installations:** Rotating contemporary art pieces integrated into the space
- **Fitness classes:** Free yoga, dance, and exercise classes open to all
- **Film screenings:** Outdoor movie nights under the highway
- **Community markets:** Local vendors and artisans
- **Youth programming:** Free activities and workshops for young people
The summer atmosphere is completely different from winter — open, airy, and filled with activity. The concrete pillars that feel enclosing in winter provide welcome shade in summer.
The Space Itself
Even outside of scheduled programming, the Bentway is a fascinating space to explore. The 1.75-kilometre corridor runs from Strachan Avenue to Spadina Avenue, passing through diverse neighbourhoods. The expressway pillars create a rhythmic, almost architectural experience. Interpretive signage explains the history of the Gardiner and the Bentway project.
The space is shared — pedestrians, cyclists, and skaters all use the corridor. The design respects this multiplicity, with clear paths and generous open areas.
Seasonal Highlights
Winter (December–March): The skating trail is the focus. Free skating, free rentals on select days, and the unique atmosphere of skating under the expressway. The trail opens when weather permits (typically mid-December) and closes when temperatures rise (typically mid-March).
Spring (April–May): The space transitions from winter to summer programming. The skating trail closes, and the first outdoor events begin.
Summer (June–August): Peak programming season. Free concerts, fitness classes, art installations, and community events dominate. The space is at its most vibrant.
Fall (September–November): The final outdoor events of the season. The space begins preparing for winter. Fall programming often includes harvest markets and cultural festivals.
How to Get There
The Bentway runs from Strachan Avenue to Spadina Avenue under the Gardiner Expressway. Key access points are at Fort York Boulevard (near Fort York) and Bathurst Street. The site is accessible by the 121 Esplanade-River bus, or by walking from Bathurst Station (Line 2) or Union Station. The Bentway connects to the Waterfront Trail at multiple points.
Accessibility
The Bentway is fully wheelchair accessible, with smooth paved surfaces throughout. The skating trail has accessible features for adaptive skating. The washrooms and changing facilities are accessible. ASL interpretation is provided at many events. The Bentway is committed to inclusive programming.
Nearby Attractions
- **Fort York National Historic Site:** Adjacent to the eastern end of the Bentway
- **The Toronto Waterfront:** The Bentway connects directly to the Waterfront Trail
- **The Fort York Pedestrian Bridge:** Connects the Bentway to the Bathurst Street area
- **Liberty Village:** North of the Bentway, accessible via the Strachan Avenue bridge
- **The Exhibition Place grounds:** West of the Bentway's western terminus
Photography Tips
The Bentway offers extraordinary photographic subjects. The concrete pillars create dramatic leading lines and patterns. The skating trail under the expressway is a genuinely unique composition. Summer events provide colourful, energetic subjects. Night photography captures the dramatic lighting under the highway. The juxtaposition of infrastructure and recreation is the Bentway's signature visual theme.
Practical Tips for Tourists
- All Bentway programming is free unless otherwise noted
- The skating trail operates weather-dependently — check the website for current conditions
- Free skate rentals are available on select days — check the schedule
- Bring your own skates if possible, as rental availability is limited
- The space is exposed to wind off the lake — dress warmly for winter skating
- Summer events are popular — arrive early for good spots
- The Bentway website lists all current programming
- The space is dog-friendly on-leash outside of event areas
- Public washrooms are available at the main access points
Visitor tip
Winter skating is free — the trail winds under the expressway in a genuinely unique setting. Free skate rentals are offered on select days for those who can't afford their own. Summer programming includes free concerts and fitness classes.