Vancouver’s annual Polar Bear Swim returns to English Bay in 2023
Posted January 1, 2023 7:31 pm.
Last Updated January 2, 2023 7:47 am.
Jan. 1 is the official day of the Polar Bear Swim, and this year’s new-year-day event marks the tradition’s 103rd year. Since 1920, Vancouverites have braved the chilly waters of English Bay to start the year off feeling frigid and refreshed.
Participants had mixed feelings about the plunge, with one telling CityNews they were both excited and scared, and another thought it was a big mistake.
(CityNews Image)
(CityNews Image)
While some participants have been doing the plunge for 45 years, some have done the tradition without knowing the exact reason.
Scott Jensen, Chair of the Vancouver Park Board, which hosted the event says the tradition started more than a hundred years ago.
“One hundred three years ago, Peter Pantagious and 10 other swimmers braved these cold waters and it was much colder back then than it is today,” Jensen said.
Related: Vancouver Polar Bear Swim back on for first time in 3 years
In 2020, 7,029 registered swimmers took the plunge during the annual swim. However, the in-person event was cancelled in 2021 due to the pandemic and was held virtually.
“Last year was a virtual swim, so people were encouraged to take the plunge on their own wherever they were,” Jensen said.
(Citynews Image)
This year, more than 5000 people registered for the event. The brave participants received a Polar Bear Swim badge after a dip into Vancouver’s cold waters.
