Camera Call: Skate with the Mayor! Toronto's favourite skate trail opens today at The Bentway, with Mayor Olivia Chow first on the ice
WHAT
The Bentway’s 220m figure-eight skate trail under the Gardiner Expressway opens for the season at noon on Saturday, December 16 (today!) with special guest Mayor Olivia Chow joining in on the festivities. Mayor Chow will give remarks at 12:30pm and then will join Torontonians on the ice. Special guest, Councillor and Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, will also participate.
The Bentway will be offering free skate rentals and free hot chocolate to the public from noon to 2:00pm today to kick-off the season.
WHEN
Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 12:00 PM
Camera Call: 12:00 PM
WHERE
The Bentway Skate Trail
Located under the Gardiner Expressway, between Bathurst St and Strachan Ave (250 Fort York Blvd).
PARKING & TRANSPORTATION
Green P parking is available under the Gardiner at 250 Fort York Blvd and at 800 Fleet St. The nearest TTC stops are 511 Bathurst at Fort York Blvd and 509 Harbourfront at Fleet St.
INTERVIEW/PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
- Representatives from The Bentway are available for on-site interviews to talk about the Skate Trail opening.
- Cameras are also invited to capture the general public who will be skating at this year’s skate season opening.
Winter Skating Details
During the holidays (December 16 to January 7)
- Open Daily: 12:00 pm-9:00 pm.
- Skate rentals (until 8:00 pm), skate sharpening, and concessions will be available to purchase.
After the holidays (January 8 to February 19)
- Open weekends, holidays, and TDSB Elementary P.A. days: 12:00 pm-9:00 pm.
- Open weekdays: 5:00 pm-9:00 pm
Skate rentals (until 8:00 pm) and skate sharpening available for a fee during opening hours. Concessions open Fridays through Mondays.
Special free offerings visitors can enjoy from January 8 to February 19:
- Billy Bishop Free Rental Fridays - Free skate rentals are available every Friday from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm starting January 12, courtesy of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
- Free Hot Chocolate Mondays - Mondays are fun-days at the Bentway! Come enjoy free hot chocolate before or after skating, every Monday from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm starting January 8, courtesy of CityPlace and Fort York BIA.
- Free Beginner Skate Lessons - Expert instructors will help novice skaters build essential skills every Tuesday starting January 9. Youth lessons for children aged 6 to 12 will be from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; lessons for those aged 13 and up will be from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Registration for the first three dates opens January 3.
Sneha Lohtia