Ready to start the new year with a splash?
Polar Bear Dips are a time-honoured New Year’s Day tradition across Greater Victoria, drawing brave swimmers—and plenty of cheering spectators—to local beaches for an icy plunge.
Whether you’re diving in for a refreshing reset or bundling up to watch from shore, it’s a great way to kick off the new year.
Here are 6 Polar Bear Dips happening in and around Victoria on New Year’s Day:
Sidney Polar Bear Swim
Presented by Saanich Peninsula Celebrations, ring in the new year with the annual Polar Bear Swim.
Head to Glass Beach at the end of Beacon Avenue on January 1 at 1 p.m. for a refreshing start to the year. Participants are encouraged to bring warm clothing for after the swim.
- Where: Glass Beach, 2533 Beacon Avenue
- When: Thursday, January 1st, 2026 – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The Lido Club Willows Beach New Year’s Day Dip
If you’re in Victoria and feeling bold, come join the fun—or at least cheer from the warm sidelines.
On New Year’s Day, join the brave (and slightly chilly) crew taking the Polar Bear Plunge!
- Where: Willows Beach, Oak Bay
- When: Thursday, January 1st, 2026 – 12 p.m.
Otter Point Polar Bear Swim
Are you ready to take the plunge?
Head to Whiffen Spit Park at 11:30 a.m. to register for their annual Polar Bear Swim, which takes place at noon.
- Where: Whiffen Spit Park, Sooke
- When: Thursday, January 1st, 2026 – 12 p.m. canon start
Ogden Point Polar Bear Dip
Head to Ogden Point Breakwater for one of the largest Polar Bear Dips in the region, with big crowds and lots of cheering!
The exact timing of this plunge has not been announced yet.
- Where: Ogden Point Breakwater
- When: Thursday, January 1st, 2026 – Exact time TBA
Cadboro Bay Polar Bear Swim
Visit Cadboro Bay for an icy plunge, and start your New Year feeling refreshed!
The exact timing of this plunge has not been announced yet.
- Where: Cadboro Bay
- When: Thursday, January 1st, 2026 – Exact time TBA
Saxe Point Polar Bear Dip
This annual Polar Bear Dip in Esquimalt at Saxe Point is the perfect way to kick off your 2026!
The exact timing of this plunge has not been announced yet.
- Where: Saxe Point Park
- When: Thursday, January 1st, 2026 – Exact time TBA
