There are several great spots where you can take the chilly New Year’s Day plunge this January 1st—here are a few popular ones.

Vancouver: Polar Bear Swim at English Bay

The Polar Bear Swim, a beloved Vancouver tradition. It will make a splashing return on January 1, 2025, for its 105th anniversary.

Swimmers and spectators are invited to English Bay to join in the annual cold plunge. The event will feature indoor spaces, warming tents, live music, food trucks, and a new “Bear Garden” offering drinks for attendees.

Participants are encouraged to register online for a free participation certificate. Swimmers in the 100-yard Peter Pantages Memorial Race should gather behind the start line and report their names to the lifeguard after touching the marker buoy. After the swim, participants can pick up their commemorative button at the center tower or near the warming tents.

When & Where: January 1, 2025 from noon to 4 pm, with the program starting at 2 pm and the swim at 2:30 pm at English Bay, Vancouver
Cost: Free

North Vancouver: Penguin Plunge at Panorama Park, Deep Cove

The Deep Cove Penguin Plunge is a beloved community event. It has grown over the years through the dedication of many.

Activities include free registration, a participation pin, costume prizes (judged at 1:30 pm), food and refreshments, a bonfire to warm up, and live music by “Gary Comeau and the Voodoo Al/stars.”

Check-in is easy at the sign-in desk near the playground. The team will get you registered and give you a free commemorative pin.

When & Where: January 1, 2025 from 12:30 – 3 pm, with the plunge promptly at 2:00pm, at Panorama Park, Deep Cove, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Port Moody: Penguin Plunge at Rocky Point Park

Port Moody’s annual Penguin Plunge on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, will look a bit different this year. The Pleasantside Community Association, which has organized the event since the 1970s, is partnering with others to raise funds for Old Orchard Hall and the Crossroads Hospice Society.

As always, Port Moody firefighters will manage a bonfire to warm swimmers, and hot beverages and treats will be available for purchase.

When & Where: January 1, 2025. Registration opens at 11:30 am, with the plunge at 1 pm, at the Burrard Inlet at Rocky Point Park, Port Moody
Cost: $5

White Rock: Polar Bear Swim

The White Rock Rotary’s annual Polar Bear Plunge is back.

Join in at White Rock Beach, near the White Rock (P’Quals) east of the Pier. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes! Visit the White Rock Rotary event page for more details.

When & Where: January 1, 2025 from 10:30 am – 1pm. Registration starts at 10:30 am, with the plunge at 12 pm, at the White Rock Beach near the White Rock (P’Quals) east of the Pier
Cost: Free

Delta: Polar Bear Swim at Centennial Beach

Celebrate the 2025 Polar Bear Swim at Centennial Beach in Boundary Bay Regional Park. Festivities begins at 11:45 am with activities like a drum circle, treasure hunt, skeeball, glitter tattoos, and marshmallow roasting.

Enjoy kids’ prize draws, entertainment, and ring in the New Year! Walk-up registration will be available after online registration closes.

When & Where: Registration opens at 12 pm, and the swim will start at 1pm at Centennial Beach, Boundary Bay Regional Park, Delta
Cost: Free

Source: 604NOW