Polar Bear Swim: January 1, 2027

Get your swim gear ready for a frosty plunge

The 107th Vancouver Polar Bear Swim is a free family event set to return on January 1, 2027.

Watch this space for the latest updates.

Not taking the plunge? Come cheer on the swimmers and enjoy live music, food trucks, and more.

Register to receive a commemorative certificate.
Join your fellow polar bears at English Bay on January 1 for the annual cold dip, and receive a button.
Share your video and photo online with #VanPolarBearSwim.
Warm up in our warming tent.

Event details and registration information will be available soon. Check back for updates.

Merchandise information will be available soon.

Safety guidelines
- Event participation is not recommended for individuals with underlying heart conditions.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Alcohol is not permitted. Consumption of alcohol increases the risk of hypothermia.
- Limit water time to under 15 minutes to prevent excessive body heat loss.
- Remove clothing only when it's time to swim. The swim will start with a flag and siren signal.
- Dogs are not permitted in the swim.
How to get to English Bay
- Walk, bike, roll, Mobi, scoot with Lime, or take transit whenever possible
- Located right off Beach Avenue, the 23 Beach bus takes you directly to the event site. The 23 bus route starts at Main Street Skytrain station and passes through both the Stadium and Yaletown Skytrain stations. Other bus routes operating close to the event site include both the #5 Robson and #6 Davie.
- Translink Trip Planner can help you find the most efficient way to get to and from English Bay Beach.
Parking and road closures
- On-street parking will be very limited. Watch for posted “No Parking” signage.
- If you must drive, consider parking in Stanley Park and walking to the event site. Arrive early and allow plenty of time to find parking.
Lockers
First aid
First aid is available from the:
- Lifeguards at the English Bay Bathhouse
- Lifeguard stations on the beach
Drone restrictions

History of the Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver

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 13,265 official entries set in 2025.

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 travelling 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.

Details	2024	2025
Air temperature	5°C / 41°F	6°C / 43°F
Water temperature	7°C / 44°F	7°C / 44°F
Weather	Partly Cloudy	Cloudy
No. of registered swimmers	8,683	13,265
Winner of the Peter Pantages Memorial Trophy	1st male: Gareth Jones 1st female: Ridley Judkins 2nd: Noah McDonald 3rd: Rafik Jiwa	1st male: Gareth Jones 1st female: Alanna Dyck 2nd: Noah McDonald 3rd: Andreas Vergara
Polar Bear Swim Club President	Lisa Pantages	Lisa Pantages
Past President	Basil Pantages	Basil Pantages