Metro Vancouver Polar Bear Swims
Get ready to cure that holiday hangover with a New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim! Join family-friendly swims across the Lower Mainland and get tips for surviving the icy plunge.
Where to Polar Bear Swim in Metro Vancouver
Vancouver Polar Bear Swim
Dive into the new year with the 106th Vancouver Polar Bear Swim at English Bay Beach! Join them on January 1 from 1130am to 4pm for a frosty plunge into the ocean. The program kicks off at 2pm, followed by the official swim at 2:30pm.
Families are welcome, with a designated family area and an accessible beach mat for all participants. After the swim, don’t forget to pick up your commemorative button at the areas next to the 2 warming tents on the beach.
Registration is now open! Sign up in advance to secure your spot.
>> Vancouver Polar Bear Swim in English Bay
Penguin Plunge in Deep Cove
Start your New Year’s Day with a splash at the annual Penguin Plunge in Deep Cove, North Vancouver! Join them on January 1st for live music and the exhilarating tradition of plunging into the icy ocean waters. This year, the event kicks off at 12:30 p.m to 3pm with all the usual suspects: Blues entertainers Gary Comeau and the Voodoo Allstars will be rocking the stage, a blazing bonfire will keep everyone warm, and the much-anticipated best costume will begin at 1:30 p.m.
The plunge will promptly start at 2 p.m. Whether you’re taking the plunge or cheering from the shore, it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss!
>> Register for the Penguin Plunge at Deep Cove
Delta’s Annual Polar Bear Swim
Get ready for an exhilarating start to the new year at Delta’s annual Polar Bear Swim at Centennial Beach in Boundary Bay Regional Park on January 1st at 130 pm for a refreshing plunge into the ocean.
The fun begins at 12 pm with entertainment for all ages, including fire pits for marshmallow roasting, a new kids plunge zone, costume contest, live music, onsite food trucks.
Swim registration opens at noon, followed by the official welcome at 115 p.m. The swim itself kicks off at 1:30 pm, and don’t miss the awards ceremony which follows after the plunge.
It’s a fantastic way to embrace the spirit of the new year with family and friends.
Registration is free (online and walk-ups), you will receive a Polar Bear Swim pin and also win a chance for a prize.
>> Delta’s Annual Polar Bear Swim
White Rock Polar Bear Swim
Dive head first into the New Year while freezing your buns off in the Semiahmoo Bay. Warm up afterward with a hot cocoa and a hug from Mr. Polar Bear himself.
Registration starts at 10:30 am, and the official plunge begins at noon. Meet at the White Rock (P’Quals) just east of the historic White Rock Pier.
Port Moody Penguin Plunge
Take the plunge for a good cause at the annual Penguin Plunge fundraiser hosted by the Pleasantside Community Association! Join us on January 1st at Rocky Point Pier in Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park, located in the 2800-block of Murray Street.
Registration opens at 11:30 a.m., and the plunge begins at 1 p.m. It’s just $5 per person or $10 for a family of up to four (cash only) to participate. Your contribution goes directly back to the community to support local initiatives.
Tips for first timers!
If you’re a first-time polar bear, here are a few tips on surviving the plunge.
• If you have heart problems, best to stay on land.
• Keep your children close during the events.
• Leave your fur baby at home.
• Forget the flask; alcohol won’t warm you up. It actually accelerates hypothermia.
• Because more body heat is lost faster in water than on land, head for shore sooner rather than later (15 minutes max).
• Keep your winter coats and clothing on until the swim starts.
• Warm up with a coffee or hot chocolate afterward.
Banner image credit: City of Vancouver
