Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2026

January 1, 2026 | English Bay Beach, Vancouver

Kick off the new year with one of Vancouver’s most iconic and exhilarating traditions. The 106th Annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim returns on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, inviting thousands of brave participants and spectators to gather at English Bay Beach for a legendary cold-water plunge.

Dating back to 1920, the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim is one of the oldest and largest polar bear swims in the world, drawing record-breaking crowds year after year. Whether you’re diving into the icy Pacific or cheering from the shore, this free, family-friendly event is a must-experience Vancouver tradition.

Event Overview

• Event Name: Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2026

• Edition: 106th Annual

• Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026

• Location: English Bay Beach, Vancouver

• Event Time: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM

• Program Begins: 2:00 PM

• Official Swim Time: 2:30 PM

• Admission: Free (registration encouraged)

How to Participate in the Polar Bear Swim

Anyone can take part in the swim, whether it’s your first plunge or your annual tradition.

🏊‍♂️ How to Join

• Register in advance to receive a commemorative participation certificate

• Join fellow swimmers at English Bay for the official New Year’s Day plunge

• Receive a commemorative button after the swim

• Share your experience online using #VanPolarBearSwim

After the swim, participants are encouraged to warm up and can even book a post-swim sauna session with event partner AetherHaus.

👉 Register here:
https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/polar-bear-swim.aspx

Event Day Details

• Family-friendly event with a designated family area

• Accessible beach mat available for participants

• Warming tents set up on the beach

• Commemorative buttons available after the swim near warming tents

• Limited locker storage on site

⚠️ Swimmers participating in the 100-yard race should meet behind the start line. The first three swimmers to reach the marker buoy by the lifeguard boat must report their names to the lifeguard.

Safety Guidelines (Important)

Your safety comes first. Please review the following before participating:

• Participation is not recommended for individuals with heart conditions

• Children must be accompanied by an adult

• Alcohol is not permitted (it increases the risk of hypothermia)

• Limit time in the water to under 15 minutes

• Remove clothing only when the swim is about to begin

• The swim starts with a flag and siren signal

• Dogs are not permitted in the swim area

First aid is provided by:

• Lifeguards at the English Bay Bathhouse

• Lifeguard stations along the beach

How to Get to English Bay Beach

🚶‍♀️ Recommended travel options: walk, bike, roll, Mobi bike, Lime scooter, or transit.

🚌 Public Transit

• #23 Beach Bus (direct to event site)

  • Connects from Main Street–Science World SkyTrain Station

  • Passes Stadium–Chinatown and Yaletown–Roundhouse stations

• Additional nearby routes:

  • #5 Robson

  • #6 Davie

Use the TransLink Trip Planner for the best route on event day.

Parking & Road Closures

• Very limited on-street parking near English Bay

• Watch for temporary No Parking signage

• If driving, consider parking in Stanley Park and walking to the beach

• Arrive early and allow extra time

Drone Restrictions

Due to federal safety regulations and airspace restrictions, drones are not permitted at the event without proper authorization. Always follow Transport Canada drone regulations.

Commemorative Polar Bear Swim Merchandise

Celebrate your plunge with official 2026 Polar Bear Swim merchandise, available online and in limited quantities on site:

• Hoodies

• Toques

• T-shirts

👉 Order merchandise online via the City of Vancouver website.

A Brief History of the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim

Founded in 1920 by Peter Pantages, the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim began with just a handful of swimmers braving English Bay on New Year’s Day. Over the decades, it has grown into a global phenomenon.

Peter Pantages was so committed to cold-water swimming that even while traveling, he arranged daily ocean dips—or icy saltwater baths when swimming wasn’t possible.

Record-Breaking Participation

• 2025: 13,265 swimmers (new record)

• 2024: 8,683 swimmers

• 2023: 6,164 swimmers

Water temperatures typically range between 6–8°C, making it a true test of courage and celebration of resilience.

Why You Should Attend

• One of Vancouver’s oldest and most iconic events

• A powerful way to start the new year

• Free and open to everyone

• Incredible atmosphere with thousands of participants

• A unique Vancouver experience for locals and visitors alike

Whether you plunge into the icy water or watch from the beach, the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2026 is an unforgettable New Year’s Day tradition.

🔗 Discover all upcoming events in Vancouver at
Vancouver Page – Discover Local Events