An arts trail, event space, and seasonal skating rink built underneath the Gardiner Expressway. What was once a derelict, hostile space under a crumbling elevated highway has been transformed by artists and architects into a genuinely beautiful place — with light installations between the concrete pillars that make the underside of a highway look like something from another world.
Area: Under the Gardiner Expressway (Fort York Blvd) · Address: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9 · Best time: Evening (lit up at night)
Insider tip
The skating rink under the highway in winter is one of the most surreal experiences in Toronto — you're literally skating beneath eight lanes of traffic. Summer pop-up events happen constantly, including concerts, markets, and art installations — check their calendar before going. The light installations at night are stunning for photos.
Getting there
Streetcar 509/511 to Rees Street stop, then walk west along the waterfront. Or walk from Union Station (about 15 minutes heading southwest). The main entrance is at Strachan Ave and Fort York Blvd.