Inspiring photos from Toronto's annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Dip

Every year – likely while you’re suffering through a champagne hangover – hundreds of Torontonians gather at the edges of Lake Ontario to throw themselves into the freezing cold water in an attempt to start the year off actually feeling something in their lives.

We kid.

The exhilarating 2019 edition took place on a beautiful New Year’s Day at Sunnyside Beach and saw a lot of costumes, smiling people, and cold weather reactions when all the clothing came off.

The inspiring plunge helps raise money for charities, and has done so since 2005.

Numbers are trickling in. It looks like over $33,000 raised today! Thanks everyone on behalf of Boost for Kids!

— Toronto Polar Bear (@TOPolarBearClub) January 1, 2019

After checking out these photos, maybe you’ll see the power in signing up for the coolest way to start your 2020.

Until then, stay warm out there, Toronto.

Toronto Polar Bear Club/Facebook

Toronto Polar Bear Club/Facebook

Toronto Polar Bear Club/Facebook

Toronto Polar Bear Club/Facebook

 

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A post shared by Andrea Amado (@andreaamado) on Jan 1, 2019 at 9:19am PST

 

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A post shared by Heather Gilmour (@hgilly) on Jan 1, 2019 at 10:14am PST

 

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A post shared by Steve Diguer (@torontosongproject) on Jan 1, 2019 at 12:32pm PST

See also

• 17 magical photos from New Year's Eve at Nathan Phillips Square (PHOTOS)
• 23 FREE Toronto events worth checking out in January
• 21 beautiful photos of Ottawa in the winter that will make you want to visit