Wear a crazy costume, jump into the freezing waters for a worthy cause on January 1, and join the festivities after the event.
Photo Credit: Ed Boulter/Herring Cove Polar Bear Swim
Here is a list of places to find Canadian Polar Bear Swimmers on New Year’s Day, and where to go for charity frosty dips on New Year’s Day.
1. Town of Sydney Polar Bear Swim
About: In support of Peninsula Celebrations Society. Join fellow hardy islanders and enjoy an invigorating start to the new year with a polar bear swim. The beach access is at the end of Beacon Avenue at Glass Beach. Details
When: January 1, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Glass Beach, Beacon Avenue, Sydney, B.C
How much: Donation
2. The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club
About: The oldest Polar Bear Club swim has grown from around ten swimmers to the new record of 2,550 official entries set in 2014. Costumes and the Peter Pantages Memorial 100-yard swim race are the highlights of this event. Celebrate the 106th anniversary of the Polar Bear Swim in 2026. Details
When: January 1, 2:30 p.m.
Where: English Bay Beach, Vancouver, B.C
How much:
Free
3. Polar Bear Swim Delta
About: Join us for a dip at Boundary Bay Regional Park and take the plunge! Lots of prizes to be won and entertainment for the whole family. Details
When: January 1, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Centennial Beach Boundary Bay Regional Park, Centennial Parkway, Delta, B.C
You may like: Polar Bear Dips in Alberta
4. Kelowna Polar Bear Dip
About: In support of CRIS Adaptive Adventures. Details
When: January 1, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Dip at 2 p.m. sharp!
Where: Tugboat Beach, Waterfront Park, Kelowna, BC
How much: $15. Tickets are required to participate in the dip; spectators are welcome by donation.
5. Clarington Polar Bear Swim
About: Raising funds for the cause and supporting Autism Home Base. Details
When: January 1 | 12:40 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Bond Head Parkette, Boulton St. and Mill St., Newcastle, ON
How much: $40
6. Oakville – Courage Polar Bear Dip
CNW Group/World Vision Canada
About: To help provide clean water in developing countries. Details
When: January 1, 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Coronation Park, Oakville, ON
How much: Fundraise /$30 registration fee
7. Toronto – Toronto Polar Bear Club
Photo Credit: Toronto Polar Bear Club
About: In support of Boost CYAC. Details
When: January 1, 12:00 p.m. (noon)
How much: $30 to participate.
Record Breaker Cold Plunge
About: In Support of Jack.org for Youth Mental Health Programs Across Canada. Details
When: January 1, 1:00 p.m.
Where: Woodbine Beach, 1675 Lake Shore Boulevard East, Toronto
How much: Donation
8. Grand Valley Polar Bear Dip
About: In support of Concern Food Bank in Grand Valley. Registration starts at 12:00, with the dip taking place at 1 sharp. Details
When: January 1, Check-in 12 p.m. – Dip 1 p.m.
Where: Stuckey Park, Mill Street East, Grand Valley, ON
How much: Fundraise, Non-perishable food donations accepted for Dufferin Food Share (Grand Valley Food Bank)
9. Huntsville Polar Bear Dip
Credit: Huntsville Polar Bear Dip
About: Annual Charity Fundraiser. Funds raised will support Community Living Huntsville and help individuals with developmental disabilities thrive in North Muskoka. Details
When: January 1, 12 p.m. arrival, Dip at 12:30 p.m.
Where: Peninsula Lake, Hidden Valley Resort, Huntsville, ON
How much: Donation – Fundraise
10. Perth Polar Bear Swim
Credit: Perth Polar Bear Plunge
About: Founded by David Lavery, Stan Munro, and others at the Perth Legion, Perth Polar Bear Plunge began in 1994, as a fund idea and fundraiser for Crime Stoppers. The 2026 recipient is the Royal Canadian Legion, Perth-Upon-Tay, Branch 244. Details
When: January 1, 10:00 a.m., plunge; Breakfast for plungers 8 a.m.
Where: The Tay River, next to the Perth Legion, 26 Beckwith St. E, Perth, ON
How much: $50, Register
11. Mispec Beach Polar Dip
About: Join for the annual polar bear swim. Details
When: January 1
Where: Mispec Beach, Saint John, NB
How much: Free
12. Dartmouth Polar Bear Swim
About: Cold plunging into Lake Banook to jump-start the New Year! Expect music, hot coffee and COLD water.
When: January 1, 12 p.m.
Where: Lion’s Beach Park, 10 Nowlan St., Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
How much: Free
14. Digby Neck Polar Bear Club
About: Annual Sandy Cove East Beach Polar Bear Swim. Details
When: January 1, 1:30 p.m.
Where: Sandy Cove East Beach (St Mary’s Bay), Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia
How much: Donate/Fundraise
15. Port Morien Polar Bear Dip
About: Fundraising for Donkin Morien Community Association. Details
When: January 1, 1 p.m.; Weather date: Saturday January 4th, 1 PM.
Where: Port Morien Sand Shore, Port Morien, Nova Scotia
How much: Free
16. Dingy Beach Polar Bear Dip
About: Organized by Pugwash Empowerment And Community Enrichment Society. Details
When: January 1, 11 a.m.
Where: Dinghy Beach, Pugwash, Nova Scotia
How much: Free
17. Herring Cove Polar Bear Dip
About: Annual Herring Cove Polar Bear Swim. Details
When: TBA
Where: Queensland Beach, Conrads Rd, Hubbards
How much: Free
Do you know about more places in Canada where Polar Bear Dips are held on New Year’s Day? Please email us the details or leave a comment below!
View Comments (2)
Hamilton Ontario-Lake Ontario. and
Port Dover Ontario-Lake Erie Both have had Polar dips on Jan 1st for many years
Annual Polar Bear Dip at Melmerby Beach, Nova Scotia. It has a great story behind it too (cannot recall the name of the gentleman who started it a few years ago). I did it twice and it was fun as it is small so most people know each other. For more information on facebook, try Pictou County Triathlon Club.