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.
104th Vancouver Polar Bear Swim in English Bay
Dive into the new year with the 104th Vancouver Polar Bear Swim at English Bay Beach! Join them on January 1 from 12pm to 4pm for a frosty plunge into the ocean. The program kicks off at 2pm, followed by the official swim at 2:30pm. Swimmers entering the 100-yard race should meet behind the start line, and the first 3 swimmers to touch the marker buoy by the lifeguard boat should give their names to the lifeguard.
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 centre-tower Family Zone or one of our information tents spread throughout the beach.
Registration is now open! Sign up in advance to secure your spot and receive a participation certificate. Let’s make a splash together to start the new year!
>> 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. with all the usual suspects: Blues entertainers Gary Comeau and the Voodoo Allstars will be rocking the stage, local hot dog cart Mr. Tube Steak will be feeding the crowds, a blazing bonfire will keep everyone warm, and the much-anticipated costume parade will begin at 1:30 p.m.
The plunge will follow shortly after at 2 p.m. sharp. Whether you’re taking the plunge or cheering from the shore, it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss!
Delta’s Annual Polar Bear Swim
Get ready for an exhilarating start to the new year at Delta’s annual Polar Bear Swim! Join us at Centennial Beach in Boundary Bay Regional Park on January 1st at 1 p.m. for a refreshing plunge into the ocean.
The fun begins at 11:45 a.m. with entertainment for all ages, including fire pits for marshmallow roasting, snowball games, a treasure hunt, bean bag toss, drum circle, and face painting.
Swim registration opens at noon, followed by the official welcome at 12:45 p.m. The swim itself kicks off at 1 p.m., and don’t miss the awards ceremony at 1:10 p.m.
It’s a fantastic way to embrace the spirit of the new year with family and friends.
>> 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.
Costumes are “mandatory,” so get creative and dive into the fun! Prizes will be awarded for the best outfits, so dress to impress. 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, the City of Vancouver offers 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
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