Where to polar bear swim in Metro Vancouver this New Year's Day
New Year’s Day is coming up fast, and one of the most popular ways to celebrate is with a polar bear swim in Metro Vancouver.
There are several chilly aquatic events taking place around the region on Thursday, Jan. 1, so if you’re ready to take the plunge, we’ve got you covered!
Grab your biggest and warmest towels, because here are six polar bear swims happening in and around Metro Vancouver to check out. And yes, costumes are highly encouraged.
Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2026
What: The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim returns to English Bay on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, and you’re going to want to bring your warmest towel.
Start the new year the right way by plunging into the Pacific Ocean during the frigid 106th event.
It’ll take place from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the program starting at 2 p.m. and the official swim happening at 2:30 p.m. Brave swimmers will be able to dip into the freezing waters with thousands of other thrill-seekers or cheer them on from the shore.
When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; official swim at 2:30 p.m.
Where: English Bay Beach – Beach Avenue between Gilford Street and Bidwell Street
Cost: Free. Participants are encouraged to register online.
Polar Bear Plunge in White Rock
Rotary’s White Rock Polar Bear Plunge
What: Get your 2026 off to a chilly and rejuvenating start with the annual Polar Bear Plunge, presented by local rotary clubs.
Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., and the swim begins at noon. There will be food trucks, activations, and prizes for best costumes during the event.
When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: Registration at 10:30 a.m., swim at noon
Where: At the White Rock east of the pier, close to the promenade
Cost: Free to participate, donations encouraged
Penguin Plunge in Port Moody
What: The Pleasantside Community Association in Port Moody hosts the annual Penguin Plunge fundraiser at Rocky Point Park Pier.
Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. with the cost of $5 per person or $10 for a family of four (cash only). The polar bear swim takes place at 1 p.m., and there will be sweet treats, hot chocolate and coffee for sale on site.
When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: Registration at 11:30 a.m., swim at 1 p.m.
Where: Rocky Point Park Pier – 2800 Murray St., Port Moody
Cost: $5 per person or $10 for a family of four (cash only)
Delta Polar Bear Swim
City of Delta
What: The City of Delta invites you to dive into the Polar Bear Swim at Centennial Beach at Boundary Bay Regional Park.
There will be live music, marshmallow roasting and a warming tent, food trucks, and prizes and awards to be won.
When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: Registration at noon, swim at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Centennial Beach at Boundary Bay Regional Park — 570 Boundary Bay Rd., Delta
Cost: Free