Have you set all of your New Year’s Resolutions yet, Victoria?
As the holiday decorations are taken down, it’s time to get excited about the possibilities that 2025 could bring!
What better way to start the new year than with an invigorating polar bear dive into the icy cold pacific waters or other select New Years events?
Here’s a list of places in and around Victoria to take an icy dip, and a few other highlighted New Year’s events!
Official Polar Bear Swim Events:
If you need the solidarity and motivation that comes with leaping with a crowd, there are a couple of official polar bear swims happening that you can be a part of.
Join your brave community and cheer together!
Peninsula Celebration Society: Polar Bear Swim
Join the Peninsula Celebration Society and fellow community members at the second annual Polar Bear Swim!
It will be held at Glass Beach on Wednesday, January 1st at 12 p.m.
Everyone is encouraged to join in the fun!
- Where: Glass Beach, 2533 Beacon Avenue West, Sidney
- When: Wednesday, January 1st at 12 p.m.
Otter Point: Polar Bear Swim
The Otter Point Volunteer Fire Department is hosting their annual Polar Bear Swim on Wednesday, January 1st!
Brave the icy waters with friends and family, then warm up afterwards with a cup of hot chocolate.
Registration is at 11:30 a.m. and then the cannon start is at 12 p.m.!
- Where: Whiffen Spit Park,
- When: Wednesday, January 1st at 12 p.m.
View Royal New Year’s Splash
Join the View Royal Council for their third annual New Year’s Splash!
Contact the organizers via the event page if you’re unsure of exact location.
- Where: View Royal
- When: Wednesday, January 1st at 2 p.m.
The Lido Club
The Lido Club invites everyone to partake in a fresh start, so wipe the sleep from your eyes, throw on a swimsuit and 2025 swag and go for a dip!
It’ll take place at Willows Beach at 12 p.m., and they’ll be providing some warm beverages for all the swimmers—just bring your own mug.
There will also be some fun prizes to be won!
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- Where: Willows Beach
- When: Wednesday, January 1st at 12 p.m.
Other New Years Events:
Polar Bear Paddle
South Island SUP and Mer Tales Ocean Journeys are hosting a Polar Bear Paddle fundraiser to kick of the new year!
Registration is required, and costs $10. Funds will go towards the Mustard Seed Food Bank.
Make sure you wear warm layers and bring a towel and change of clothes just in case! Drysuits and wetsuits, boots and gloves also available for rent at time of registration. Not mandatory. And swimming is optional!
- Where: Willows Beach North End, 2612 Esplanade
- When: Wednesday, January 1st from 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Family New Year’s Skate
Kick off the new year with your loved ones and head over to the Westhills Arena for a family skate!
Get ready for a day filled with laughter, music and good times—it’s perfect for all ages and skill levels!
You can reserve your spot via Eventbrite.
- Where: Westhills Arena, 1097 Langford Parkway
- When: Wednesday, January 1st from 9:45 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Do you know of another polar bear swim happening in your area? Send us an email to tips@victoriabuzz.com to be included on our list!
