Plunge into 2025: Polar bear swims around Metro Vancouver

Thousands of brave participants will descend on Metro Vancouver beaches on Jan. 1 to join one of the many polar bear swims going on in town

Published Dec 29, 2024  •  Last updated 0 minutes ago  •  3 minute read

Several polar bear swims will be held in Metro Vancouver on Jan. 1, 2025. Photo by Francis Georgian /PNG files

It’s almost Jan. 1, 2025, and what better way to ring in the new year than with a plunge, splash or swim in frigidly cold waters?

The largest Polar Bear swim around town is in Vancouver’s English Bay, but there’s several others going on around Metro Vancouver, so you don’t have to go far to prove your mettle.

Whether you jump in with a wet suit or a crazy costume, start off the year on a high (and very, very cold note) with any of these events:

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Vancouver

For more than a century, hardy souls have been jumping into English Bay for the annual cold plunge to welcome in the new year.

This year, the 105th Polar Bear Swim goes from 12 to 4 p.m., with a siren kicking off the swim at 2:30 p.m.

The much-loved tradition started in 1920, when Peter Pantages and nine friends plunged into English Bay, forming the first Vancouver Polar Bear Club. Since then, the event has drawn thousands of participants, including more than 6,000 last year.

Pantages’ granddaughter, Lisa Pantages, will be participating in her 63rd swim — her 61st at English Bay — on Jan. 1.

“I’m so excited for another year of celebrating at English Bay, and to experience the energy of everyone who participates,” she said. “Whether it’s your first Polar Bear Swim or your 50th, everyone goes in with the same spirit and comes out with a fresh outlook on the New Year.”

There will be live music, entertainment and food trucks on site. Change rooms, warming tents, washrooms and self-serve lockers will also be available. New this year is a “bear garden” atop the English Bay bathhouse offering drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, for sale.

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Participants are encouraged to register online to get a participation certificate. Registration is free.

Deep Cove

Deep Cove’s Penguin Plunge started in 1983 when resident Merv Ovesen, three friends and a dog went for a plunge on the beach.

Now in its 42nd year, the event draws large crowds and is now held at Panorama Park to accommodate the number of participants and spectators.

The plunge goes from 12:30 to 3 p.m., with the actual dip at 2 p.m. There will be food and refreshments, live music and a bonfire to help you warm up afterwards.

Port Moody

On the other side of Burrard Inlet, the Port Moody Penguin Plunge is held at Rocky Point Pier in the 2800-block of Murray Street.

The event is a fundraiser for the Pleasantside Community Association and Crossroads Hospice Society. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m., with the plunge scheduled for 1 p.m. Registration fee is $5 per person.

Hot chocolate, coffee and doughnuts will be available for sale.

Delta

South of the Fraser residents who fancy a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean can head to Centennial Beach at 570 Boundary Bay on Jan. 1.

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Delta’s Polar Bear Swim includes an array of activities including a drum circle, treasure hunt and marshmallow roasting.

Festivities start at 11:45 a.m., with the swim at 1 p.m.

Registration available online or on-site.

White Rock

Across Boundary Bay, White Rock swimmers will be going for their own local Polar Bear Plunge, organized by the White Rock Rotary Club.

Registration opens at 10:30 a.m. at the white rock landmark east of the pier. The plunge takes place at 12 p.m. Don’t forget to dress up as there will be prizes for best costume.

Fort Langley

About 200 people gathered at the beach at Brae Island Regional Park last year for a New Year’s Day dip in the Fraser River.

A relative newcomer, the Fort Langley Polar Bear Swim started in 2014 and has grown in popularity over the last decade. The swim starts at 12 p.m.

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