106th Polar Bear Swim to kick off at Vancouver’s English Bay

The traditional Polar Bear Swim at English Bay in Vancouver’s West End will take place this New Year’s Day at around 2 p.m.

The ‘chilly dip’ event will happen for the 106th time in 2026.

Along with frigid waters, be prepared for costumes, excitement and crowds.

Last year’s event at English Bay saw over 13,000 participants.

If English Bay is not in your backyard, check out the other locations of the Polar Bear Swims around Metro Vancouver.

Cold plungers will find like-minded people in White Rock, Fort Langley, Delta, and in Deep Cove and Port Moody, where the event is called “Penguin Plunge”.

Some cold plungers, like Tiz McNamara from the wellness brand Unbounded, say there are many health benefits.

“We do it for multiple benefits, for mental health reasons, for reducing inflammation in your body, for improving your mood, for reducing your stress hormone,” McNamara said.

He says shocking your system with cold water is a good thing.

“Having an acute stress in a small dose is really good for your body. It helps your body adapt. It boosts your immune system,” he explained.

Personally, he says, he does it regularly.

“Mainly, my mood is just a night and day difference, like the people closest to me can tell if I haven’t done it for a few days, they’re like ‘going to get some cold water’, and I’m a little crankier or more stressed,” McNamara said.

“My immune system has gotten way, way stronger over time.”

Cold plunges are often done by athletes after a series of straining exercises to boost muscle recovery, reduce inflammation and delay muscle soreness.

However, experts warn that research and studies have not resulted in enough proof to support this claim.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada says to use caution when going for a freezing dip.

It also says to check with your health care provider beforehand if you suffer from heart disease or other health conditions.