Polar Bear Swim

Celebrate at home with the 2021 Polar Bear Dip

We’ve moved this event online and will not be celebrating at English Bay this year.

While things look a little different, you can still keep this annual tradition alive by joining us with a Digital Dip.

The Digital Dip took place January 1, 2021, at home. Participants received a commemorative certificate, which was emailed after the event.

Official 2021 Polar Bear Swim merchandise orders closed for 2021.

On January 1, 2021, fill a tub, kiddie pool, anything with cold water (7°C) and take a cold dip. Get creative!
Share your video and photo online with #PBPolarBearDip2021
Register to receive a commemorative certificate
Send your photo or video to polarbearswim@vancouver.ca to receive a Polar Bear Swim Club button (for Canadian residents only)

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.

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