The Bentway’s NYE Polar Bear Skate is back today!
Brave Torontonians to strip-down and skate for a good cause on December 31
WHAT: Torontonians looking for a unique way to spend New Year’s Eve are invited to strip down to their skivvies (or bathing suits!) and skate the trail at The Bentway’s annual Polar Bear Skate. Not only is it a wild way to close out 2023, but it’s also for a good cause – skaters and attendees are encouraged to donate warm winter clothing for a clothing drive.
Donations of warm winter clothing will be collected onsite by New Circles Community Services and distributed to local individuals and families who are living on a limited income.
WHEN: TODAY! Sunday, December 31, 2022 at 12:45 p.m. SHARP
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, just south of Strachan Gate. 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. Polar Bear Skate participants will also be on-site, and may be comfortable giving interviews if asked. Cameras are also invited to capture the highly-visual event as skaters take to the ice.
Please note: the event will begin at 1:00 p.m. sharp! We recommend arriving at 12:45 so you don’t miss this camera opp.
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.
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Sneha Lohtia