Join the 106th Vancouver Polar Bear Swim – January 1, 2026
Dive into the New Year with the iconic Polar Bear Swim at English Bay Beach!
Mark your calendars for January 1, 2026, as Vancouver’s most exciting and chilly tradition returns for its 106th year. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or a...
Join the 106th Vancouver Polar Bear Swim – January 1, 2026
Dive into the New Year with the iconic Polar Bear Swim at English Bay Beach!
Mark your calendars for January 1, 2026, as Vancouver’s most exciting and chilly tradition returns for its 106th year. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or a first-timer, get ready for an unforgettable experience as thousands of brave souls take the plunge into the frigid waters of English Bay. The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club, one of the oldest and largest polar bear clubs in the world, invites participants to kick off the new year in the coolest way possible!
Event Details
Where: English Bay Beach, Vancouver
When:
Event time: 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Program begins at 2:00 PM with the official swim at 2:30 PM
Special Instructions
Participants in the 100-yard race should meet behind the start line.
The first three swimmers to touch the marker buoy near the lifeguard boat should give their names
to the lifeguard.
A designated family area and an accessible beach mat will be available for participants.
Registration Now Open
Sign up today to secure your spot and receive a commemorative participation certificate. Don’t forget to grab your exclusive commemorative button after the swim, available at the areas next to the two warming tents on the beach!
A Storied Tradition
The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim dates back to 1920, when founder Peter Pantages organized a small swim at English Bay. What started with just 10 swimmers has grown to an incredible 8,683 official entries in 2024, and in 2025, over 13,000 participants joined the fun. Pantages’ dedication to taking daily dips — even when travelling by ocean liner — is the spirit behind the Polar Bear Swim's enduring popularity.
Safety Guidelines
For a safe and enjoyable swim experience, please keep these guidelines in mind:
• Health caution: Not recommended for individuals with underlying heart conditions.
• Accompaniment: Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• No alcohol: Alcohol consumption increases the risk of hypothermia and is not permitted at the
event.
• Limit swim time: Keep your swim to under 15 minutes to reduce body heat loss.
• Dogs: Please note that dogs are not permitted in the swim.
• Clothing: Only remove your clothing when it’s time to swim. The event will begin with a flag and siren signal.
First Aid and Support
• Lifeguards are stationed at the English Bay Bathhouse and along the beach for immediate
assistance.
• First aid will be available at designated areas throughout the event site.
Get Ready to Make a Splash
With a rich history, a fun community atmosphere, and plenty of exhilarating action, the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim is an event you won’t want to miss. So, gather your courage, your swim gear, and your friends, and join us at English Bay Beach on January 1, 2026, for the ultimate New Year’s Day tradition.
Register now to guarantee your place in the frosty fun — and get ready to experience one of Vancouver’s most cherished annual events!
