Illustration of a polar bear plunging into water

Polar Bear Swim – January 1, 2023

Come and celebrate the new year at English Bay for the 103rd Vancouver Polar Bear Swim.

Get your swim gear ready for a frosty plunge.

What's happeningRegistration

Registration is now open, and participants should register in advance to receive their participation certificate.

Order your 2023 Polar Bear Swim commemorative merchandise

Commemorative merchandise, such as hoodies, toques, and t-shirts are available for purchase online with a limited amount available for purchase on site at English Bay.

Order merchandise

How to participate in the swim

On January 1, 2023, join your fellow polar bears at English Bay for the annual cold dip and receive a button.
Share your video and photo online with #VanPolarBearSwim
Register to receive a commemorative certificate

History of the Polar Bear Swim

The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club is one of the largest and oldest Polar Bear Clubs in the world. Its initial swim was in 1920 when a small number of swimmers took the plunge into English Bay on New Year's Day. Led by their founder, Peter Pantages, the swim has grown from around 10 swimmers to the new record of 2,550 official entries set in 2014.

When Peter Pantages was not able to swim in the ocean he found other ways to make sure that he had a cool ‘dip’, everyday. He even had an agreement with the Pacific Steamship Company, when he was traveling on an ocean liner, for the ship to stop everyday so he could take a dip. When it was unsafe he would draw a salted chilled bath instead.

Contact us

polarbearswim@vancouver.ca

Did we beat a record?

Polar bear swim statistics

Find out the number of swimmers and water temperature each year since 1976.