Winter Stations 2025: Art Installations Transform Toronto Beaches This February
Winter Stations, an annual winter tradition in Toronto, returns for its 11th year. The event transforms Toronto’s east-end beaches with a series of captivating art installations. Running from February 17 to March 30, 2025, this free event continues to draw global attention with its mix of art, design, and community engagement.
What is Winter Stations?
Launched in 2014, Winter Stations invites artists and designers worldwide to create temporary art installations. These structures incorporate existing lifeguard stations at Kew and Woodbine beaches, reimagining them into vibrant focal points during Toronto’s winter months.
The event, founded by local firms RAW Design, Ferris + Associates, and Curio, has received entries from over 90 countries. It aims to animate the often-overlooked winter landscape while celebrating art and creativity.
2025 Theme: Dawn
This year’s theme, “Dawn,” represents renewal, change, and the promise of new beginnings. The installations reflect these ideas through innovative designs, symbolizing transitions, growth, and the beauty of starting anew.
Featured Installations for 2025
- Parade – Jesse Beus, United States
This interactive piece celebrates self-acceptance with six unique structures. Visitors can climb, slide, sit, and explore the installation. - WATCH – Trae Horne, United States
An elongated wall facing east provides a comfortable spot to watch the sunrise. Its open doorway illuminates the beach with natural light. - Ascolto – Ines Dessaint and Tonin Letondu, France
Shaped like a horn, this installation amplifies natural sounds. It offers a serene shelter for quiet reflection. - Slice of Sun – Cláudia Franco, Mariam Daudali, Thomas Byrom, Portugal
A golden structure blankets visitors in warm light, evoking the sensation of summer despite the frosty surroundings. - Peak – University of Waterloo Team, Canada
Designed by students and faculty, Peak uses sand and snow to reshape the beach’s landscape around lifeguard towers. - Solair – Toronto Metropolitan University Team, Canada
Dynamic reflective surfaces shift with the wind, capturing the natural beauty of light and motion.
Event Details
- Start Date: February 17, 2025 (Family Day)
- End Date: March 30, 2025
- Location: Woodbine Beach, 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Experience Art by the Waterfront
Winter Stations offers an accessible, all-ages event that blends art, nature, and community. No tickets are needed—simply arrive and explore the installations at your leisure.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Toronto’s beaches in a completely new way this winter. For more details, visit the official website.
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