Jump into 2017! The annual Polar Bear Swim is happening on January 1st, 2017 at English Bay Beach. Ring in the New Year with a refreshing and chilly plunge into the ocean with thousands of other brave “polar bears!”
The very first Polar Bear Swim happened in 1920, and since then it has become a Vancouver tradition to take a sobering dip into the ocean to celebrate the first day of the year. Founder Peter Pantages led the first swim with just a group of 10 people. This year, an estimated 2,550 people will take the icy cold challenge. It doesn’t matter if it’s your 57th time or your first time braving the Pacific Ocean; the Polar Bear Swim is open to all. Don’t forget to dress up in a fancy/funny costume!
Whether you’re participating as a “polar bear” or just watching the spectacle, make sure to add the Polar Bear Swim to your New Year’s Day itinerary. It’s a must see!
For more info, visit their website.
Where: English Bay Beach
When: January 1st, 2017 from 2:30-3:30pm