Polar Bear Swim – January 1, 2025

The 105th Vancouver Polar Bear Swim is set to return on January 1, 2025.

Watch this space for the latest updates, including registration and event details.

Registered attendees receive a commemorative certificate.

Get your swim gear ready for a frosty plunge.

Thanks for celebrating the new year with us at English Bay for the 104th Vancouver Polar Bear Swim. We look forward to seeing you again in 2025.

What's happeningEvent details

Where: English Bay Beach
When: 12pm to 4pm (Program begins at 2pm and the official swim at 2:30pm.)

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 centre-tower Family Zone or information tents spread throughout the beach.

Registration

Registration is now open. Register in advance to receive your participation certificate.

Order your 2025 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, 2025, 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 8,683 official entries set in 2024.

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.