Vancouver's Annual Polar Bear Swim Returns

Attention cold plungers! Vancouver's 106th Polar Bear Swim is back on January 1st and ready to be conquered. There's no better way to kick off the new year than with a dive into Vancouver's freezing waters.

What is the Polar Bear Swim?

Every New Year's Day, English Bay Beach hosts a Polar Bear Swim, where those brave enough gather in 6°C (42° F) weather, wearing nothing but bathing suits and funky accessories. When the horn blows, everyone charges into icy water, feeling the instant rush of cold air and the excitement of the new year.

At the Polar Bear Swim, there's also a 100-yard race, named after the founder of the event, Peter Pantages. During the Peter Pantages Memorial race, swimmers swim 100 yards to get their hands on the buoy as fast as they can, and battle for the top three spots to win a trophy.

The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim started back in 1920, when Peter Pantage was looking for some New Year's fun with his friends and decided to jump in the ocean for a cold plunge, before it became cool. By the 1950s, Polar Bear Plunge day became an official annual event in Vancouver. We’ve seen other beaches in Vancouver take on the tradition as well. At UBC, students will take the plunge at Wreck Beach to celebrate their last day of class in December.

After the swim, participants can warm up with hot chocolate and hearty food, and receive a certificate commemorating their Polar Bear Plunge, which'll hang perfectly next to other major achievements. Registration for this event is free and recommended. The event runs from noon to 4 PM, with the swim beginning at 2:30 PM. Don’t forget to bring a change of warm clothes and a dry towel!

Why English Bay Beach?

While we don’t know the exact reasons why English Bay was chosen for the Polar Bear Swim, it isn’t hard to guess. English Bay Beach sits right along the edge of the Vancouver Seawall and feels like an oasis from the downtown core. During the summer season, English Bay is where Vancouverites live for the summer. You’ll see seaside picnics, sunset watching, and people just soaking in the lively energy.

Start your new year strong with Vancouver's oldest tradition and set the tone for an exhilarating new year.