The Bentway, Public gathering space beneath Gardiner Expressway, Toronto, Canada.
The Bentway is a public space beneath Toronto's elevated Gardiner Expressway, stretching about 1.75 kilometers and connecting neighborhoods through pedestrian and cycling paths. The area provides year-round access with seating areas, a green room near the Strachan Gate entrance, and washroom facilities along its length.
The location follows the original Lake Ontario shoreline that once served as a trading route and gathering place for the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This historic waterway was later covered when the elevated expressway was built, transforming the area beneath it into what exists today.
The space hosts art installations, performances, and community festivals throughout the year that draw neighbors together. These gatherings reflect how locals have adapted this overlooked area into a place for shared experiences and creative expression.
The space is open year-round for walking and cycling, with good access to seating and washroom facilities along the way. Lighting varies in different sections, so plan your visit accordingly, and note that programming and weather conditions may affect what activities are available.
The concrete support columns called bents provide more than structural function; they serve as anchors for the power and lighting systems that make programming possible. This clever use of the highway infrastructure's supporting elements allows the space to host diverse activities despite being under a major roadway.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
