Inside Vancouver

Dive into 2018 at the Annual Vancouver Polar Bear Plunge

by Carrie Leslie in Events on December 26, 2017

Image courtesy of GoToVan | Flickr.com

Now that Christmas has come and gone, it’s time to focus on New Year’s! Hopefully you’ve already got your party plans for the evening, but what are you going to be doing the morning after? For many locals and visitors alike, New Year’s Day is the time to cross an item off the ultimate bucket list with the annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim.

The ultimate hangover cure, the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim is one of the largest and oldest Polar Bear Clubs in the world. If you weren’t already aware, a Polar Bear Swim includes a quick, invigorating jump into the ocean. A great way to start the new year!

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Dive into 2018 at the Annual Vancouver Polar Bear Plunge

Feeling Brave? Challenge yourself to the Polar Bear Swim 2017

by Carrie Leslie in Outside on December 27, 2016

Image courtesy of GoToVan | Flickr.com

It’s on almost everyone’s bucket list… It’s the Polar Bear Swim! The invigorating, annual tradition that takes place every New Year’s Day (January 1) when thousands of ~~crazy~~ brave people take the plunge into English Bay.

Why? You may ask. Well, why not? (okay, there are many reasons why not, but lets not go into that right now…) This Vancouver tradition is fun to participate in and fun to watch! Last year, over 2,000 revelers got together at English Bay in 3 degree Celsius weather to plunge into the water, this year it’s happening again!

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Feeling Brave? Challenge yourself to the Polar Bear Swim 2017

Brrrr …. 2016 Polar Bear Swim Returns to Vancouver, Jan 1

by Remy Scalza in Sports on December 15, 2015

Photo credit: City of Vancouver | Flickr

Ready to join 2,500 other hardy swimmers this New Year’s Day for a dip to remember?

Vancouver’s 96th annual Polar Bear Swim will take place Jan. 1 at English Bay. Water temperatures are expected to be, well, on the chilly side – but that shouldn’t stop the crowds from ringing in the New Year in style.

The event is free to participate in, but you do have to register at English Bay between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the day of the swim. If you’re in the giving mood, donations are encouraged and go to help the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

At 2:30 p.m. sharp, a flag and siren signal the assembled swimmers to race into the frosty waters. If past years are any indication, many will be dressed in festive costumes, from Santa Suits to mermaid getups and more. Continue reading:
Brrrr …. 2016 Polar Bear Swim Returns to Vancouver, Jan 1

10 Weirdest Events and Attractions In Vancouver

by Rebecca Bollwitt in Town on June 11, 2015

WeirdEventsVancouver

We have some top notch, world class events and attractions in Vancouver but every now and then, hundreds and even thousands of people gather to participate in something a little out of the ordinary. A roving event that has no venue, a unique pop culture history hub or sporting event, or a locally-invented event that fuses cultures. They all have a place in Vancouver and that’s what truly makes this city so fun!

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10 Weirdest Events and Attractions In Vancouver

Plunge into the New Year at the 2015 Polar Bear Swim!

by Carrie Leslie in Events on December 29, 2014

Image courtesy of GoToVan | Flickr.com

There’s nothing quite like shaking off a hangover by plunging into the frigid waters of English Bay with thousands of other like-minded (read: crazy) individuals. This year, why not kick off 2015 right — with a mild case of hypothermia and an endless stream of shivers?

First started in 1920, the Polar Bear Swim was organized by the Polar Bear Swim club (if you want to join and get a free button, membership is free) who got 10 people to plunge into the water on New Years Day. Nowadays, more than 2,000 people are likely to show up (2014 had the record year with 2,550 official participants) and costumes are highly encouraged.

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Plunge into the New Year at the 2015 Polar Bear Swim!

Vancouver New Year’s Eve Top Events

by Vikki Leung in Events on December 29, 2014

Vancouver New Year's Eve Top Events

Still need ideas for your ultimate New Year’s Eve Vancouver experience? Ring in 2015 with a bang with our top picks!

Translink is offering free fares from 5:00PM December 31st – 5:00AM January 1st. Leave your car at home if you’ll be drinking.

Tourism Vancouver’s Visitor Centre and Tickets Tonight will be closed on January 1st.

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Vancouver New Year’s Eve Top Events