Get your swim gear ready for a frosty plunge
The 106th Vancouver Polar Bear Swim is set to return on January 1, 2026.
Watch this space for the latest updates.
How to participate in the swim
- Register to receive a commemorative certificate.
- Join your fellow polar bears at English Bay on January 1 for the annual cold dip, and receive a button.
- Share your video and photo online with #VanPolarBearSwim.
- Warm up after the event, and book a sauna session with our partner AetherHaus External website, opens in new tab.
Polar Bear Swim event details
- Where: English Bay Beach
- When: 11:30am to 4pm (Program begins at 2pm and the official swim at 2:30pm.)
Note Swimmers entering the 100-yard race should meet behind the start line. The first 3 swimmers to touch the marker buoy by the lifeguard boat should give their names to the lifeguard.
The event will have a designated family area along with an accessible beach mat for participants.
After the swim, participants can pick up their commemorative button at the areas next to the 2 warming tents on the beach.
Register for the Polar Bear Swim
Registration is now open. Register in advance to receive your participation certificate.
Coming soon
Order your 2026 Polar Bear Swim commemorative merchandise
Commemorative merchandise is available for purchase online, with a limited selection also offered on-site at English Bay, including:
- Hoodies
- Toques
- T-shirts
Contact us
Sponsors
Special thanks to our sponsors for supporting the 2026 Polar Bear Swim.
